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May 3, 2024

Washington's Birthday Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Washington's Birthday Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.6

Organization 3.8

Spectators 2.2

Number of comments: 56 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

M. C. from Fort Meade, MD (2/23/2007) "Always Unpredictable" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Washington's Birthday Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This marathon falls during a very unpredictable time of year weather-wise, which is why it is always interesting to run. You never know for sure until the morning of the marathon what Mother Nature is going to bring to the table. I've run this marathon twice. In 2006 it was cold but the wind was light. This year, it wasn't as cold as 2006, but the wind was a killer. The course is three loops with an out-and-back to the start and finish area. The 7+-mile loop is scenic, alternating between wooded areas and rolling farmland. Mentally, a very easy run. There are really no serious hills except for the one heading back in for the finish. This is very low-key event. The organizers do a great job with plenty of aid stations and volunteers to help with traffic control. Nice finisher's medal and great refreshments at the end.
D. P. from Alexandria, VA (2/22/2007) "Everything I expected: cold, hilly, few spectators" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Washington's Birthday Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Other than the constant hills and the wind-driven cold, it was the perfect marathon! A challenging and enjoyable course. Small-town marathon feel, which I prefer over big-city races. Plenty of water and Gatorade on the course. With the 10:30 start, I definitely knew I was missing lunch by the time I started the loop for the third time. Couldn't wait to get at the post-race food. Chili was wonderful. Peanut butter sandwich never tasted so good.
S. O. from close to Buffalo (2/22/2007) "LOVED IT" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Washington's Birthday Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Being from the North, I was hoping for the average February temperature of around 47 F. Can't complain about the weather, as it is out of our control. This year it was 32 F with strong winds effecting 2-3 miles each loop - just bad luck (and at least it was sunny). Absolutely love the three-loop idea. Knowing what lay (up) ahead was great. Mentally breaking the course into sections puts you at the 20-mile mark before you know it. Passing slower runners provides all the spectators and encouragement you need (personally) and the three loop design allows significant others to see you numerous times. I'm not a big fan of "multi-events" where 1/2's, 10K's, relays, etc. create distractions (and sometimes obstacles) and a "circus atmosphere," but this relay makes perfect sense. Don't go looking for a PR, but it is definitely worth it. Who would have imagined that you could be in such a rural setting so close to Washington? The hill at mile 25 will provide memories for a long time! Loved the course - great challenge, and a great winter motivator. I will be back as often as possible.
R. S. from Texas (2/20/2007) "Nice small marathon" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Washington's Birthday Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Being from the south, the weather was VERY cold, but I enjoyed the marathon. For a small event it was well organized. The course is hilly (especially coming from the flat lands), but manageable. It's difficult not to want to walk up the hills towards the end. The aid stations were a little farther apart than normal, but definitely adequate. The shirts and medals were nice.
A. E. from Arlington, VA (9/6/2006) "My favorite marathon.... Loved it!!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Washington's Birthday Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Of the 11 marathons I've run, this is where I had my PR: 3:31. My worst time? 5:50. If you're looking for roaring crowds and chip times, you won't find it here. But if you want to run a race where the fees aren't a complete ripoff and you are running for personal satisfaction rather a glorious finish-line celebration, then sign up. After the race, there is a wonderful gathering at the community center, and the few yet very enthusiastic fans are certainly present where you need them. I just loved this race and will be back for '07.
T. M. from Greenbelt, MD (2/21/2006) "Challenge yourself" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Washington's Birthday Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This 3-loop course is challenging (far more hills than advertised/are discussed in pre-race discussions PLUS the Feb. temp./wind chill makes it an interesting race). Unfortunately the temp. made the water/Gatorade frozen and the HOOAH Bars (nice touch) were ROCK HARD. The race organization is good - the hill from 25 to 26 is VERY TOUGH at that stage of the race. Enjoyed my 2nd G-belt marathon.
J. D. from Falls Church, VA (2/21/2005) "Not as hard as you think..." (about: 2005) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Washington's Birthday Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This was my third marathon and the course was very hilly; nevertheless, reduced my time 50 minutes relative to the Chicago Marathon - it's hilly (bad) but also nice cold breeze (good), which offsets the pain (bad) and sweating (bad) associated with running in warmer weather. Their signs as far as where to run or where to turn suck - best that you follow the pack unless you are too fast for them - and if you are, why aren't you running the Boston Marathon?
S. H. from Minneapolis, MN (2/21/2005) "22 Hills, OUCH!!" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Washington's Birthday Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Whew!! That marathon kicked my butt. Please note that right at 25 miles there is a .6+ mile long hill and it's steep. With that said, it was actually a pretty nice course. The three loops weren't as bad as I thought they might be. The fluids were good, the Gatorade came in a variety of flavors, which was nice. Not a lot of spectators, but I didn't really anticipate there being many. The volunteers who patrolled the streets and at the water stops were great. They applauded every time you went by. The post-race food was also good... not the best I've had (i.e., Houston Marathon Breakfast Buffet, WOW!) but pretty darn good. They had PB & J, chili, soup, fruit, crackers, cookies and a variety of drinks (soda, etc.). Race medal and t-shirt were average for a marathon. But this isn't your typical marathon. This has the feel of a small road race. Given that, the medal and t-shirt were exceptional. Overall a very quaint road race. If you're not averse to the hills, I would definitely recommend. For those who don't like hills, it's still a nice race, you just need to be very reserved the first two loops of the race (through 17 miles).
J. K. from Laurel, Maryland (2/26/2004) "Very difficult to imagine a better race value" (about: 2004) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This marathon was my second and it kicked my rear, due to the aforementioned hills and wind. It's a great course with excellent support. Gatorade at each water stop, and for those of us who are slow there was still support at the end. Will definitely be back, and better prepared for the hills. The course is great, it's as interesting as three 8-mile loops with a tail can be, and it's peaceful. The organization was great I have no complaints. The fans were the support, but I didn't run a small marathon for the fans. Still, the support was supportive and it made a great race.
D. W. from South Riding, VA (2/24/2004) "Not for Newbies or Wienies!" (about: 2004) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The 2004 marathon was my 3rd marathon - Richmond and Marine Corps being #1 and #2, respectively ? and it kicked my behind. I purposefully signed up for the Washington Birthday Marathon because it was billed as a small, intimate affair. It was exactly that. The volunteers were fabulous. They were cheery and motivated to the very end. For slowpoke 5+ hour marathoners, like myself, this was wonderfully refreshing. Due to the small field of runners, most volunteers remembered you from lap to lap and would holler out personalized encouragement. The most shocking aspects of the marathon were the ?rolling hills? and wind. Whoa, Nelly! My training didn?t prepare me for three loops of up-and-down, up-and-down and my ankles, calves, and quads paid the price. As for the wind, let?s just say that sometimes I had to look down at my feet to double check that they were moving forward. If anything, this marathon taught me that my current training regimen is a pitiful excuse for running. Putting in the mileage is one thing, adding hills and running in less than perfect weather is another thing. I don?t recommend this marathon for first-timers. The looping course, wind, hills, and cold weather could bring down the best of runners. The bottom line is that this marathon will provide a memorable experience and is a great deal for $25.

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