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☰
Ocala Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Ocala Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.4 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 2.9
Number of comments: 78 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
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LUIS E. COSTAS from PUERTO RICO (CARIBBEAN)
(8/3/2004)
 "Beautiful, familiar and scenic route" (about: 2003)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Ocala Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 If you want to experience a different race, this is the place to be. I have run 10 full marathons, including Berlin in 2001 and I think this one is the most natural I have ever run. The route is very similar as my long runs here in the Island (Puerto Rico). Try it! Chuck Savage was great in attentions to every runners. Thank you. | |
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Tom Carter from Washington, PA
(2/14/2004)
 "Great race, well-organized, good course! " (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the half-marathon and found it to be a very good one. The course is very scenic, enjoyable and not very hilly at all! The runners were well taken care of. The number of water stops, the traffic control (except near mile 10), signage, and post-race amenities were all first-rate. As a race director myself I would recommend this race to anyone inclined to do a mid-winter half-marathon. I definitely hope to be able to run this one again in the future! | |
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D. H. from Cleveland, Ohio
(2/14/2004)
 "Nice Little Race" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The event is very well organized for such a small turnout. Fairly scenic course, but the traffic was a bit of a problem. The police and race officials did their best to make sure everyone was safe. For a nice little winter event, this one's a keeper. | |
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C. M. from Pensacola, FL
(2/13/2004)
"Watch out for the cars!" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I ran this marathon two years ago and it seemed the course changed. The course is great, but combined with the rain, I felt that mile 20 to about 24+ was extremely dangerous. Driver's just seemed to pay no attention at all as they whizzed by. I guess my only suggestion is to have MORE LARGE signs out alerting drivers to runners. Of course, there will always be those who ignore them, but the race directors need to do as much as possible to slow traffic. Also, as we turned towards the finish leading to the back of the shopping mall, I was uncertain as to where to go and again cars were everywhere coming up behind us. Other than almost getting killed, it was an OK marathon. I was a bit disappointed in the 'expo,' but the pasta was good, met some new people, took home an age group award and might do it again in the future. I got drenched the final hour, (then the sun broke out) but it was never cold so don't let rain stop you from running this one. | |
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Joe Vishey from Cleveland, OH
(2/11/2004)
"I'd do it again!" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran the half marathon and wasn't disappointed. The course rolled through some beautiful areas outside of town and was scenic. The varying terrain made the run a little challenging at times. This is not a flat course! The weather was ideal for me during my race. There weren't many fans out cheering, but I wouldn't hear them anyway if they were. The organization was great for a race this size and I didn't expect more having done my research before deciding to run. I plan on running again and improving next year. | |
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T. F. from Wilmington, Delaware
(2/7/2004)
"Thumbs up for this one" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have run in several marathons and this one wasn't bad at all. The course is very scenic going through pristine horse country. I would not plan on doing a PR on this course as it is a little hilly - but not overly so. The rain held off for most of the event but I think it did keep many spectators as well as some of the registered runners in doors - can't blame the rain on the race organizers. If you are looking for a small marathon that is well organized then maybe this one is for you. I will consider doing it again next year. | |
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f. f. from Winter Springs, FL
(2/3/2004)
"Half Marathon" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I loved this race. This is the second half marathon I've done in Ocala following the Disney Marathon. It is worth the 2 hour drive from Orlando. I talked two friends into doing it with me and they both enjoyed themselves as well. I like it because it is a small race that doesn't have all of the noise of the larger ones. I will be coming back to Ocala every year. PS-By the way, the 12 mile mark was up on the other side of the street. We would have seen it if the cops let us cross the street. | |
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S. B. from Alva, Florida
(2/2/2004)
"Roads with traffic" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 This was my 3rd marathon. The winds and rain might be tempering my comments, but running on the shoulders of roads with traffic is what I do in training, but don't look forward to in a race. It was an ok run, but zero pre-race anything, or much of a post-race anything. It was well marked and the few folks out in rain were nice, but overall it felt like a non-event, more like an LSD than a race. | |
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R. B. from Mount Dora, FL
(2/2/2004)
 "Another great event in 2004!" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my second year running Ocala, and again I was not disappointed. The weather was perfect (mid 50's throughout), though it did start to rain lightly 90 minutes into it. The race crew does a super job. Police traffic support is excellent. Very few spectators this year due to the rainy weather, but it made for a peaceful, introspective run! Post-race massage was the best I've ever had. Food was plentiful and good. Volunteers at aid stations were super! Only 2 minor suggestions: getting the results posted online faster, and making sure mile markers are all out there (#12 for half marathon / 25 for full were nowhere to be seen). I will definitely run this one again! | |
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Seford Olsen from Leesburg, FL
(5/25/2003)
"Rural, Hilly, Pleasant, Water Station Support #1 " (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is my first marathon and I could not have picked a better one. Organization was great, Weather was perfect, cool at the start warming by the finish. Police were everywhere. The water points were plentiful, and well stocked with fluids, fruit, and GU. I had a lovely partner, which helped the time go by. Also got a chance to talk to other runners as we passed each other. So much for the solitude of the long distance runner The countryside was beautiful, lots of shady lanes, horse farms and good challenging hills (not to long, not to steep), to break up the run. Finish area well organized and the rub down really felt good. Post race food a bit sparce but It has 4.45 hours into the race Needed more porto-lets at the start. |
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