calendar icon May 14, 2024

New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon Runner Comments

Back to New Orleans Mardi Gras Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.2 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.5 
 
 
Number of comments: 315 [displaying comments 281 to 291]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 > ]

 

S. B. from MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA (9/27/2003)
"I felt wonderful and had a great time" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


It was a very good marathon. But it didn't start on time. Wait in the cold was too long. The police were very friendly and helpful, a great time was had by me and my buddy. Leukemia Society took good care of us.
 

n. a. from New York, NY (4/10/2003)
"Great winter long distance training run." (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


I used the marathon as a training run since I was doing a spring marathon in another city. The start was very poorly organized especially since there was a 5K starting 5 minutes behind the marathon. The personalized water stations were fun. You didn't know what to expect, like the men in red dresses at mile 15. Flat course, fans near water stations were about every 2.5 miles. I turned in my chip before the race and cut over the out and back portion to only do 20 miles. Alot of charities were present, and for a back of the pack runner, it was a great course for a first timer.
 

g. h. from memphis, tn (3/25/2003)
"Flat and Fun" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


This is a great first marathon. The course is flat & it makes for a great trip. The fan support is very entertaining. I love the cold beer & real food at the finish!
 

G. M. from Portland,OR (2/24/2003)
"poorly run and organized" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 2


Everyone thought they had started the race... There was no clearly marked start for the race, no line up area, no marked restrooms before the race- basically no direction. People shed there clothes and left them when the crowd started to move only it was not the start for 30 minutes. I was running 12:00 minute miles and following the pack only the pack of 100 people that I was in was very confused and very patient. To their credit water stations were well manned and organized as were porta potties. Registration was easy, expo was simple. Good flat course that had plenty of volunteers. Won't do the race again.
 

D. B. from Fenton Michigan (2/23/2003)
"late start, what is with the holes in the road" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


2003 the start time was 30 minutes late I know that does not sound like much but it was very cold. The road conditions in the last half were terrible don't your taxes pay for road improvement I had to run looking down so I would not fall in those huge holes. But the finish line organization was great accept my running friends are vegeterians/ no dairy so there wasn't much for them to eat people were very friendly spectors and race volunteers
 

A. T. from California (2/22/2003)
"stop whining" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Everyone is entitled to thier comments, I've read all the previous ones and some are very helpful to people like me who have never been to N'awlins. So in the spirit of being constructive here are mine: This was my 25th marathon across 20 states and I thought it ranked high. I read all the complaints about pot holes and expected craters. For crying out loud, there were only a few blocks on the back half of the course that had uneven pavement and a few holes had bright yellow paint marking them. It was NOT that bad. There were NO Hills - there was exactly one freeway overpass at mile 5, that you had to cross back over. The ramp at the stadium was far better than taking a flight of stairs, and the elevated area gave you a good look at the Finish line. The course was scenic and festive (for an overcast day). So it wasn't good weather for spectators, it was perfect for running - which way would you prefer? Audobon park was free of strollers and rollerbladers at least. The water stops were well covered when I went through and the traffic control was excellent. The medal and shirts were colorful, the food was decent. Okay, so there was a delay at the start - I hope it wasn't because they were waiting for some dignitary to roll his lazy butt out of bed, but it was never explained. It would have been nice to be inside the covered stadium at the finish, especially since they were the title sponsor? But I suspect it had more to do with liability. Whatever. I give the organizers good marks for thier marathon and I completely recommend it to other runners. One comment I overheard was that the Radisson rooms were small, old and they did not allow late check out. That may be incorrect but you should ask if you plan to stay there. Hope these constructive comments help someone considering the MGM next year.
 

Hank G. from New Haven, CT (2/21/2003)
"Great city, Great race" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was an excellent race. For those who complain about bumpy streets, you obviously didnt do your research about New Orleans. As much as I hated it during the race, looking back on it I see it as part of the challenge. And lets be honest here, the streets werent that bad; I ran a PR. The fans were great, all very enthusiastic though sparse at times (but who expected huge crowds?) The scenery is great, and anyone who ran this race got a tour of the best parts city.
 

D. O. from Central Alabama (2/21/2003)
"Very Good" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Four stars 'cause of the flat course & traffic control not a 5 because of rough roads in 2nd 1/2...good organization, cool medals, small but good expo, Superdome accessibility great touch, and plenty of beer & food at post race. Oh yeah, we'll be back.
 

G. S. from Atlanta, GA (2/20/2003)
"Letting the Good Times Run" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


My first-time doing the half-marathon, and I was very pleased overall. It was far better in many ways than the Chicago Half last fall. Yes, the half-hour delay was a mystery, but I enjoyed the expo, good crowd support, pleasant volunteers, and I liked the shirt, too. Got my first medallion ever, which was a nice perk for those doing the half, as well as the full marathon.Why was there just one long line for refreshments afterwards? The course had a welcome variety of scenery, too. I'd do it again.
 

Alabama Runner from Central Alabama (2/20/2003)
"Good job guys!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Gave the course 4 stars because it is flat and scenic, but the streets are rough esp. in the 2nd half.
Good organization, geat medals, delayed start but the announcer said that was because the police were still closing streets, no problem there (good traffic control) and as a race dir. myself, if the police say wait, you wait! Sad to say that media coverage was almost nil even though several newscasters said they ran the race (the half) and spectators were few and far between. That's okay, the aid stations were fun and had everything one could need, vaseline, water, fruits etc. plus it was in New Orleans...great post race too...The Superdome availability before and after was a nice touch. All in all, thanks, it was fun, and we'll (my wife & I) be back.
 

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