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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 301 to 311]
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A Runner from Connecticut
(2/21/2002)
 "Slightly disappointed" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 For the record, this was my 11th marathon (10 different (7 states + DC, 1 European) for whatever that is worth. Pros: 1) the course (would have rated a 5 if not for the potholes mentioned by others - very dangerous) very flat (one small hill at 5 and 9) and scenic (nice tour of the city including 2 parks (much of it shaded), two long portions of the course doubled back on itself so you got to see the runners ahead of and behind you run in the opposite direction) 2) excellent traffic control 3) baggage check was one of the most efficient I've encountered (perhaps the result of a relatively small field). I got there 20 minutes before the gun and checked my bag with no problems and even went back and retrieved my forgotten Gu and took a quick picture 10 minutes before the gun 4) the medallions and t-shirts were very nice 5) the town absolutely rocks (watch out for the Hurricanes and Hand Grenades on Bourbon St the night after the race though - Being sore AND hungover the next day is no fun) Cons: 1) the aforementioned potholes 2) infrequent and understaffed waterstops (many turned out to be self service - The red dress crew at mile 15/24 were the welcome exception) 3) false advertising on the website about the Superdome finish (major bummer!) 4) no pasta party (try finding plain old pasta without cajun spices or crustaceans in New Orleans - I couldn't and ended up eating at Subway the night before the race (a slightly better choice than Popeyes I guess) 5) no mylar wraps and the massage tables were set up in the shade (It was a little chilly waiting around) 6) no hydrating fluids once you left the immediate finishing area (where cups of water were available) Bud light and Pepsi are not hydrating fluids! And what happened to the advertised Heineken? They were supposedly a sponsor! 7) having to dodge pedestrians walking abreast along the course in Audobon Park. After running 20 miles it was not fun having to dodge people. Maybe there could have been some indication that there was a marathon in progress? Maybe the local papers could have had some coverage? I didn't see anything 8) not enough porta potties before the race (a perennial minor complaint at just about every race - I don't think I've ever not peed in public before a marathon) This could have been a great race. As it was, I had a good time and am glad I ran it but I don't know if I'd return unless they pave Magazine St and they guarantee more water station support and a Superdome finish. I would recommend the absolutely excellent Motorola - Austin marathon and even Las Vegas as better choices for a February marathon | |
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A Runner from jackson,ms
(2/20/2002)
 "Great weather, Flat course, good first marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon! Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience. I would recommend this race to anyone. I was a little disappointed with the amount of support throughout the race, I thought there would be more. I also was disappointed we didn't get to finish inside the dome this year. Overall, great race, fun, great experience! | |
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A Runner from Connecticut
(2/20/2002)
 "Somewhat disappointing" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I agree that the pot holes were a major problem. Running through the Garden District was very dangerous as a result. Also, the water stops were infrequent and tended to be understaffed. Many were essentially self service. The welcome exception was the red dressed crew at mile 14/24. Spectators were very sparse. Disappointingly, the finish was not in the Dome as the website advertised. Post race was kind of shoddy. The medallions were quite nice but no mylar wraps and no hydrating fluids at all outside of the immediate finish area (where cups of water were available). Pepsi and Bud light are not replenishing fluids. And what the hell happened to the Heineken that the web site promised? And why no pre-race pasta party? N' awlins food is great but the night before the race runners might want to just have plain old pasta without cajun spices and crawdads (Ya think?) Despite the negatives this could be a great race if they get their act together. The course is flat (one small hill at mile 5 and 8) and scenic (would have scored a 5 but had to be docked a point for the potholes) and had excellent traffic control (something however could have been done in Audobon Park so that the dodging of pedestrians walking abreast along the course could have been avoided. ( I don't know maybe alert people that a marathon was in progress? I guess it would have been difficult to know as there was no mention of the race at all in any of the local papers)). The course also had two sections where it doubled back on itself allowing you to see the runners ahead of (or behind) you run in the opposite direction. It was kind of nice seeing and congratulating the leaders during the race. And you don't need me to tell you that New Orleans absolutely rocks! Just watch out for any drinks named after natural disasters or weapons of destruction ;-) You really don't want to be sore AND hungover the next day. If they fill in the potholes and promise I'll get to run in the Dome I'd consider going back but based on this year's experience I would probably opt for Austin or even Las Vegas as the better choice for a February marathon. | |
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A Runner from Florida
(2/20/2002)
 "Great scenery--needs better organization!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I loved the scenery for this marathon. The course covered a varied assortment of New Orleans areas. I enjoyed running through the downtown area, the garden district, and the waterfront. Spectacular views! In addition, the course was fast and easy. However, there were a few snags in the race. First, the water stations were undermanned and not very well organized. I actually had to wait in line for water a few times. Second, the so-called entertainment was also non-existent. Thank goodness there were spectators on most of the course. Otherwise, I would have been waiting for the tumbleweed to roll by! And finally, the end of the race was rather uneventful. I had to actually go up to a volunteer to retrieve my medal. One of the best parts of finishing a marathon is when someone places the medal over your head!!! I did enjoy this marathon but there were a few organizational kinks that need to be worked out. I would, however, recommend this marathon to anyone!!! | |
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A Runner from Locust Grove, GA
(2/20/2002)
"Flat, Fast and well organized" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first MGM. The organization was super and the the course is very friendly with only 2 hills (mile 5 and 9). I believe you can run a PR here. The run through Audubon Park (mile 20) was nice. The crowds were small but supportive. The water stations were plenty and the power gels really help. I plan on running this race in 2003. Oh, and by the way, visiting N.O. is a plus too. | |
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A Runner from North Carolina
(2/19/2002)
"Watch Out For The Potholes!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 After reading the comments about the previous years' races, I expected a flawless marathon. I have to say I was disappointed in what I experienced at the 2002 Mardi Gras Marathon. During the first half of the race, three water stations did not have water, and I was was running in the middle of the pack. The second-half of the course, which goes through the Garden District, was scenic; however, I could not enjoy the scenery because I had to concentrate on the road that was full of potholes. If spectators are important to you, this is not the race for you. You can't blame them for not showing up since there are so many other attractions in New Orleans. The race information claims that there is entertainment along the route, but I never saw or heard anything that I considered entertainment. And finally, I expected more post-race support. I have run a considerable number of marathons, and felt that once I crossed this finish line I was on my own. No one offered me a 'space-blanket', and I had to search to find the medals. When I got to the post-race refreshments, the only food of substance I could find was red beans and rice....not my idea of post-marathon food. For the $50 entry fee, I expected much more support. | |
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A Runner from St. Simons Island, Georgia
(2/19/2002)
"Water breaks needed help!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This is the 3rd year participating in race. Only real problem were the water stations this year. One station I gave up on because it was three young kids working it by themselves and the next station had about four people working it. People had to wait in line so volunteers could get water poured for each person at both stations. Also liked the finish inside the dome better. I know it sounds like I am only complaining but I had a great time. Friendly people, easy run, and all the beer you can drink at the end of the race make it a great little vacation. | |
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A Runner from Colorado Springs, CO
(4/15/2001)
"A good, flat, fast course through a great city!" (about: 1999)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great way to tour the highlights of New Orleans. The course is pancake flat and, assuming the weather cooperates, lightning fast. There were very few spectators along much of the course the year that I ran it, but I don't need people screaming at me to get me moving. The year I ran, the race had awesome finishers medals with a hand-made mardi gras mask on them & cool plaques for awards (I won my age group!), also with masks on them. The post-race party is also a nice treat for tired runners. I definitely recommend this course for anyone looking for a fast marathon in the south. | |
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A Runner from Bridgeport, CT
(2/28/2001)
 "Another fantastic year..." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Once again the NOTC & race director Bill Burke presented another flawless, fabulous Mardi Gras Marathon. Mother nature cooperated with a great marathon kind of day... it was a no excuse day. You were either trained & ready or not, there was nothing else you could point to as a problem. Flat, lightning fast, no wind, and a SUPERB POLICE force with tremendous traffic control. The finish in the Superdome is impressive but scheduled to change in 2002. As is the date - mid Feb. because of the actual Mardi Gras coming earlier in Feb. next year. Plan now to come off a fall marathon & maintain some distance training to enjoy one of the best events ever. You GOTTA LOVE N'AWLINS. Watch for my article & story of this years Mardi Gras Marathon in an upcoming issue of Running Times Magazine. | |
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A Runner from Clovis, CA
(2/10/2001)
"Flat, fast beautiful marathon!!!!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is a must repeat marathon!!! What a great experience. The course is flat with well-manned stations, but in some areas, the stations are a little too far apart. I had a fast time while still stopping to take numerous pictures. The people are friendly in this marathon. Finishing in the SUPERDOME with showers available is great too. A great medal on a beaded necklace. No medal for the half-marathoners. |
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