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Philadelphia Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Philadelphia Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 3.6 
Spectators 3.8
Number of comments: 749 [displaying comments 731 to 741]
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A Runner from Philly 'burbs
(1/13/2001)
 "Great experience for a local first-timer!" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I loved it! Of course, it is my hometown... I was spoiled, I was able to train on parts of the course, and recruited my friends and running partners to run different 'legs' with me...I was never alone the whole 26 miles. Also, perfect running weather that day. I liked the course...no major hills...You are able to see much of the city-Chinatown, Penns Landing, Penn, Art Museum, Kelly Drive, Mananyunk... and in the middle you are at the same point as the start and finish...Great for shedding layers, meeting up w/ friends...unfortunately, this was the only area I thought had true crowd support. Something really neat I thought was when I was on West River Drive around the 12th mile-I could look across the Schuylkill River, and see the leaders which were at their 24 or so mile. They were blowing by a whole bunch of people on bikes!! AT THE 24th MILE! Organization could've been better....I remember looking and waiting for the first water stop, and when I finally got there, there weren't any volunteers there...I had to get my own water. We got oranges around the 10th mile, so I was expecting more towards the end, but there was none. Around the 18th mile, I 'hit the wall'. I was out of energy and would not have made it if it wasn't for the kind woman who gave me one of her power gels. To her...my undying gratitude :-) Believe it or not, at the 24th mile, instead of swearing off running as many marathoners do, I was loving it so much that I began making plans for my next one! In summation, it was truly one of my life's greatest experiences, but it was the personal things that made it so great, not so much the organization of it. I made it work for me! | |
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A Runner from Cambridge, Ma
(12/18/2000)
 "Never again!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 First of all, what's up with no water or bagels at the start?!!! Are you kidding me?! This was my 4th marathon and I've never seen a racing committee less in touch with a runner's needs. Also cobblestone's at mile 5, bad enough for runners, what about wheelchair athlete's?!!! Volunteers were well meaning but clueless, most had no idea how to even hand out water. Last 10 miles where you run out for 5 then go around a frigging orange cone and turn back, how cheesy is that?! Course is more difficult mentally than physically because you spend 5 miles going out then know you have to turn around and do it back, as a result I wouldn't recommend it for first timers. Mile 26, no marker! Kept wondering when the nightmare would end. The whole city couldn't possibly care less about this event, dog show in town got much more press! I'll never run Philly again, and this from someone who PR'd by 6 minutes! | |
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A Runner from Central Illinois
(12/13/2000)
"Good race for all abilities." (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my second trip to Philly and my 25th marathon overall. I give the race high marks for the most part. I like the course - a good variety of scenery - historic area, urban streets, the big city park (Fairmount) and the out and back along the river make for an interesting course. There are a few hills - a nasty uphill in the 10th mile followed by an even worse downhill in the 12th, but overall it's not enough that you can't consider it a good place to shoot for a PR. The time of the year up there is right - you can usually count on a cool (or cold) day which allows for a strong run. I thought the organization was good for the most part. I agree with a couple of the statements others have made - I know every race seems to be lacking in port-a-johns at the start but this one does especially. The cobblestones at mile 5 are a pain, but last only about 1/4 mile or so and there is a sidewalk you can run on for part of it so you can avoid it much of the way. The biggest negative I find logistically is the lack of parking at the start. It is really a pain - get there early or you'll have a pretty good walk to the start (and worse back to the car at the finish) And the post-race refreshments are pretty sparse - stale bread and a bit of fruit. But then who cares - you've made it. Overall I liked the race and will probably go back. | |
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A Runner from Canada
(12/11/2000)
 "ooh, those cobblestones!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon. I had a really good time, and I truly appreciated all the encouragement I got from spectators who braved the chill, and from other friendly mid-pack runners along the way. The course was scenic, as promised, and reasonably flat. My favorite part was the section through Fairmount Park, because the fall leaves were gorgeous. Repeating comments from others ... advise organizers they desperately need MORE port-o-sans at the start, and along the course. Thirty is NOT enough for 6,000 runners. And what was with that ambulance driving slowly right through the midpack in the early miles? We were all running at least a 9:30 pace, and yet, the ambulance was driving like they were the sweep vehicle, and had to clear us off the course. And they have to get rid of that section that goes over the cobblestones -- I almost twisted my ankle and ended my race before the 5 mile mark. I don't think I'll run Philly again, but I had great time, and would recommend it as a good first marathon to anyone. | |
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A Runner from Pittsburgh, PA
(12/1/2000)
 "could improve...... A LOT!" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 This was my tenth marathon. Very nice course... rolling with weather nearly perfect during this time of the year. It is metropolitan marathon, you see a lot of parts of the city.... but nothing glamourous. Crowd support is nearly non-existent except for the few.... which really try their best. Need more port-o-johns. Power gel on the course would also be appreciated. Bananas with peels at mile 21? Finishing line: I had to ask for a blanket... the volunteer didn't have a clue. Anyone got anything else beside water? what else was there for the runners? Did I miss the refreshment stand? Hold-on/grab bar would also be appreciated when the chip is taken off your shoes... You know it is not easy to balance on one foot after 26 miles. Oh Yeah.... I am still waiting for the chip's results. Mine never showed up anywhere. Philly should take few tips from the Pittsburgh marathon. | |
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A Runner from Manchester, CT
(11/30/2000)
"Second marathon, so-so experience" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The first half of the course is really quite nice. The trip into the city gives a really good flavor and has pretty good crowd support. The trip to Manayunk was tough, though, for that point in the course. Dreadfully boring until Manayunk, then dreadfully boring back. Second the comments about lack of portajohns at the start (and throughout the course). When will race directors learn that nerves before a big race affect EVERYONE's bladders ten minutes before the gun? 30 johns was clearly not enough for 6000 runners! The Harrier's beer gift at mile 21 was EXACTLY what I needed. Thanks, guys! | |
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A Runner from Chicago
(11/28/2000)
 "Awesome" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 We had a great time. Course is great. Not too many people, nor too little. Perfect size marathon! Philly is a great city! | |
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eco2 from S.River, New Jersey
(11/23/2000)
"Good course, well orgainized, good support" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a good first timer course. Hill at mile 9 and small hill at turnaround point (mile 20) are a test. Expo is well done, easy in and out. 2000 weather was cold but the crowd that was there was very supportive. | |
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A Runner from Medford, NJ
(11/22/2000)
 "Could be better" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon so I guess I don't have that much to compare it to (my first was Pittsburgh). I am from the area and I think they do a good job of highlighting the better parts of the city though the out and back in the first few miles should be changed. Also, I could do without the cobblestones. It's a wonder more ankle sprains don't occur here. I was disappointed with the organization. The expo should be located downtown as they do for the half marathon. And, the transportation they provided did not keep to the schedule they published (not even close). Many people work in the city and use their lunch hours to pick up their race packets. I didn't appreciate having to wait an half hour to leave because the bus driver said he wasn't leaving until 12:30 even though everyone had papers that said 12:00. Whatever. The chip timing is nice but they didn't give the half split on the website. Crowds were sparse but I'm sure the weather had a lot to do with it. On the other hand, the course runs more through scenic areas as opposed to residential so I think that is a tradeoff you have to expect. I will probably run it again. They should take some cues from Pittsburgh which is extremely well run. | |
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-net.net from San Antonio, TX
(11/21/2000)
"Beautiful Historic Run" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 As a first time marathoner, I thought the Philadelphia 2000 Marathon provided a near perfect first time experience. The course is surprisingly flat, as well as beautiful, especially through Fairmount Park with its bright reds, oranges, and golds and along the Schuylkill River into quaint Manayunk. Of course, the undecipherable elevation profile map left me a little nervous about a race full of daunting hills, but the only noticable hill -a mosquito bite of a hill- occurred going into mile nine past the Philadelphia Zoo. And yes, while the crowds were sparse, perhaps because of the frosty 29-39 degree temperatures, those who cheered us on rooted for us as if we were close friends or family. Special thanks to those at the 18 mile mark with signs, 'There is no wall!' and a high five to the Manayunk drummer and the young girl whose fervent encouragement kept us all going past the 19, 20, and 21 mile marks when our feet felt as if could not continue on. What a memorable run! Oh... and as for the champion chip timing... way to go guys! :) |
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