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☰
New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon Runner Comments
Back to New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.2 
Spectators 3.5
Number of comments: 315 [displaying comments 271 to 281]
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Jen Boone from Lexington, KY
(3/2/2004)
 "I'm Hooked" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and I finished only a few days ago! It was so much fun! The crowds were all amazing and it was so much fun to run through so many different parts of the city. It was a flat course and while there weren't the kinds of potholes that you will find in the North, there are definitely a lot of cracks in the road. It's just the nature of New Orleans because it's below sea level! The weather was amazing and everyone at all the stations was so friendly! There were people cheering everywhere, and even if they weren't spectators we cheered for other people that we ran by on the course! Everyone was so friendly and it was very organized! They yelled our names when we entered the park, and again at the Superdome! Post-race activities were amazing too! Lots of good food (even though I couldn't think of eating, it looked good) and of course it's New Orleans, so there was beer as an option at some of the water stops. I think one even had martinis... kind of an interesting twist! But it was so much fun, and I would highly recommend it. The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone was there to have a good time! I can't wait to run in another marathon! The Mardi Gras Marathon got me hooked! It's a great first-time marathon! | |
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B. B. from Texas
(3/2/2004)
 "A so-so race that I won't do again" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 First, if you're not familiar with New Orleans, find out about it before you book at the host hotel. The marathon discount rate of $149 (plus $22/day just to park) was for a hotel over one mile away from the start/finish. You can either walk the mile or drive and pay $5 to park. Second, I called ahead when I discovered I'd been mistakenly put in the half marathon category as opposed to the full that I'd signed up and paid for. Although I was promised it would be fixed so I wouldn't have to wait in line at the expo, it wasn't done. Is this why my results can't be found? Third, maybe there were port-o-cans somewhere else near the start but the only ones I saw readily available had a half-hour wait. Fourth, some of the course is nice and scenic but the crappy out-and-back along Prytania Street negates all that. There ARE potholes and there are lots of buckles in the asphalt. You'd better pay attention or you'll trip. Fifth, if you're expecting an honest-to-goodness chip time, don't. The 'chip' times posted are based on when the gun went off - not when you crossed the starting line. Additionally, there are four out-and-back sections on the course but no mats. I hope people don't cheat but it would sure be easy to on this course. This race (my 25th marathon so I do have a basis for comparison) isn't the worst I've done, but it sure could've been better. I'm glad I have Louisiana checked off my 50 states list so I don't have to do this one again. | |
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Marek Filicko from Alexandria, VA
(3/2/2004)
"Great race in Big Easy" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon (and first in New Orleans), after almost nine-year break. Although I wanted to run under three hours (I finished my first one in 3:03), I wasn't able to do it; it was probably the weather - warm (59 F at 6 AM, then gradually increasing to 70 F) and humid (around 72%) conditions were not helpful. But, the course is flat (except one not very threatening overpass early in the race, which you pass twice), scenic at times and the road surface is good (you don't have to worry about potholes swallowing you; however, there are cracks and imperfections that you need to avoid). I took away one star for a mind-numbing double loop in the Audubon Park at miles 18-21. The organization is smooth, baggage check-in efficient, and the finish in the Superdome was the highlight of my run. There are not too many spectators along the course, but those who are there are really supportive. It also helps to write your name on your singlet/T-shirt - they will cheer you by your name. Plus, if you come with a big group of runners (I came with the AIDS Marathon Program), you can get and give support to those running in the opposite direction (particularly in the second half of the marathon when you run back for about 5 miles on the same stretch of Prytania Street). I really enjoyed the marathon and although I was disappointed with my finish time, it was well worth the experience. | |
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M. H. from New York, New York
(3/2/2004)
 "Enjoyed N.O., But Won't Run Here Again" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 THE GOOD: 1. The race started right on time and is as flat as advertised (except for the overpass section at miles 5 and 9). 2. New Orleans is a unique, wonderful city! The parks are beautiful, the French Quarter is awesome (interesting stores, art galleries, the Farmer's Market), restaurants like Nola are absolutely amazing, hearing jazz in Preservation Hall is not to be missed, nor is a stop at Cafe Du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets. I thoroughly enjoyed sight-seeing the day before and the afternoon after the race. THE BAD: 1. The unceasing looping/out-and-back course is unbelievably repetitive. 2. Crowd support is very sparse. 3. No 'pot-holes' per se, but you really have to watch your footing at all times. The roads are extremely uneven and full of large cracks. I tripped and almost fell a couple of times and I had some friends who did fall. 4. Why was it necessary to wear the chip? I did not see how our chip time was being recorded (no mats to run over), so I don't believe any of us have a chip time. 5. As surprised as I was by no chip time, I was extremely unhappy with the tiny mile markers and lack of large digital clocks. If you've done your training, running a marathon becomes more of a mental task. Being able to see the mile markers and know that you're on pace is extremely important, but the mile markers in this race were very small and easily missed. There were people posted to call out the split times, but only sporadically. There were more present in the 1st half, but almost non-existent in the 2nd. THE UGLY: 1. Water stations 2 miles apart??? In such a historically hot, humid city? That showed an appalling lack of thought on the part of the race organizers. 2. What the heck is 10K? Every good marathon provides GATORADE at their water tables. 10K might as well have been a cup of Kool-Aid. It doesn't come close to the proper electrolyte replacement that Gatorade provides and I felt it acutely. I cramped up severely in the last 4 miles and I've run 15 marathons successfully without ever experiencing this problem. I was grateful that I had ice-cold Gatorade to chug back at my hotel, but it was still an hour before my muscles stopped cramping and seizing. I look forward to my next visit to the exciting city of New Orleans, but I'll never run their marathon again. | |
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K. P. from Washington, DC
(3/2/2004)
"Flat course - Good energy" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 4th marathon and I highly recommend it to people looking for a consistently flat course. While the run was not overflowing with spectators, the ones that were out were great and certainly up to the challenge of keeping the runners going. The water station people were great and the Audubon Park crew was simply fantastic. It was more low-key in terms of the expo and hoopla than some of the other ones I've done, but if the energy is so good - who needs the hoopla? | |
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Jarrett Roberts from Arvada, Colorado
(3/1/2004)
 "The Big Easy is as Good as It Gets!!!" (about: 2004)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Having done 52 previous marathons, I have only given a perfect recommendation (all 5 stars) to only three other marathons (New York, Marine Corps, and Mercedes Birmingham Alabama Marathons). New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon is the fourth. A perfect mix of friendly destination marathon location, atmosphere and just plain fun. This is one I would do next year but I already have plans to do Antarctica for my 75th marathon. I will be back in 2006 though. The course is flat, interesting, and gives a good feel for New Orleans. The start was easily accessed from our hotel and my non-'crazy' fiance was able to do the half marathon with me and finish in the Super Dome too. All of the medals were great!! The expo was good and didn't feel cramped. The finish was excellent with plenty of food, beer, and Pepsi. Live music too! My only regret was not being able to spend a few extra days, but I'll make up for that in 2006. This is one where I felt part of the family and not lost in the crowd. Finally I want to thank everyone in New Orleans who was supportive of us, and especially the great staff of the race and the staff and managers of the Holiday Inn Downtown Super Dome, who all went out of their way and showed us great Southern hospitality!!! Thank you for making an excellent all around marathon!!! I can't think of anything I would change!!! | |
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Joe Novak from Florida
(3/1/2004)
"Great time of year and scenic run" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 2 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my second year running this marathon and this year was very organized and I really enjoyed finishing in the Superdome. The course is flat and there are sections of the road that have numberous potholes. This is my only marathon so I don't have anything to compare it to but I have enjoyed this race two years in a row. | |
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R. B. from Texas
(3/1/2004)
 "Flat, fast, fun" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Ignore others' comments about potholes. First, a pothole is a circular depression in the ground ? not any imperfection in the course. New Orleans does have potholes, but the course is 99% free of real potholes. Is the course smooth as glass? No. Is it uneven in spots with cracks and bumps you have to be aware of at times? Yes. People, the city is built on a swamp! But the condition of the course should absolutely NOT keep you from doing this fun race in a world-class city. THE GOOD STUFF: We got to start right outside of the Superdome - which is home to the NFL Saints ? and finish inside the dome too. This is good for spectators (A/C, bathrooms, food, vendors). So having to accommodate 70,000 football fans there is plenty of parking, easy highway access to the race site, indoor bathroom for thousands, a giant staging area, thousands of hotel rooms nearby in all price ranges. The course truly is flat. There is a section that goes over an overpass ? 35 feet each way ? but that is it! I knocked 21 minutes off my PR. The course tours all the major neighborhoods, so you will tour the city in ways most tourists never will. For example, you run by Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Café Dumonde, and the French Market ? all within a half mile ? then finish through Audubon Park and the Garden District. The course is totally closed and controlled by New Orleans PD. These cops control Mardi Gras like a kindergarten field trip. They can control a marathon. Finally, only New York and Paris match the food in New Orleans. Carb loading won?t be a problem: Go to Rocky and Carlo?s in Chalmette. For $5 you can get a giant plate of baked macaroni and cheese. You?ll think of it every time you eat pre-race pasta in the future. Also, the post-race food was better than bananas and Gatorade. Or better yet, get brunch somewhere (typically served until 2pm). The BAD STUFF: Except for a few major intersections, there are no crowds. If it weren?t for the ?Ladies in Red? at miles 15/24, this course would be deserted. Don?t do this race if you will be tempted by the French Quarter before the race, or must have a loop course. I guess that probably 20 miles (yes, most of the course) ran ?against the grain?. This is good if you run with a group ? you?ll see them/they?ll see you a thousand times. That?s why 2 out of 5 racers were from the AIDS group or Team in Training. Do this race if you want laid-back runners and atmosphere, serious partying after the race, amazing food, easy logistics, and a fast time. | |
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Birmingham Boy from B'ham, Al.
(3/1/2004)
"Way To Go Mardis Gras Marathon!!!!!" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 A great improvement over last year & I enjoyed last year's edition! From the expo in the Superdome, finishing in the Superdome, great looking medal, post-race and of course a really flat course (and dead on on time start) you improved every aspect of the run & we had a blast. Crowds were a little sparse, but very active @ City Park & parts of Audubon Park. Good expo, medal, t-shirt, post-race party, food, beer, oh yeah!... Thanks for a job well done from A - Z. | |
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R. T. from Virginia
(3/1/2004)
"This one's special" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Any marathon on a Leap Day has got an extra little air to it, but the Mardi Gras Marathon (MGM) would be deserving of a high ranking any day of the year. The MGM refers to the course as flat, and unlike many others that use this designation, follows through to the letter. It is one of the most flat and most fair courses you will find, with a Superdome finish that will keep you legs going to the 26.2 mark. The organization is superb, the water stations and finish line provisions well stocked and well served. I'm normally not a big fan of out-and-back courses, but the experience is so enjoyable that you practically don't notice you're covering the same ground. Do it Leap Day, do it any day, but always keep it under consideration. For the Mardi Gras Marathon is one of the best offerings out there. |
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