May 18, 2024
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Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 3.7
Number of comments: 240 [displaying comments 221 to 231]
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A Runner from VA Beach, VA
(5/16/2002)
 "Can you believe it was this HOT in March??" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon and first opportunity to run my 'home' course. Having run several previous Shamrock 8K races (same day), I knew the weather would be a huge factor but I (nor anybody else for that matter) wasn't prepared for the heat. Just miserable! Agree with other commentators that the organization was excellent. I also agree with those regarding the course - the stretch through Ft. Story needs to be reconfigured. We really do have many options for a race route. Why not run through First Landing (Seashore) State Park? Or follow some of the same route down General Booth Blvd. that the RnR Half-Marathon did? I also agree to previous comments regarding finish-line management, need better post-race food and keep things set-up longer. The heat prolonged everyone's race - too many people were greeted only by the clock. Not sure I would attempt again without having an idea about the weather or unless they changed the course. The fans that could provide support along the route were superb! | |
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John Bzdell from Huntsville, Alabama USA
(4/9/2002)
"HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 VERY Unexpectedly Hot! This was my 8th Marathon and the toughest race I have ever experienced. Very difficult to rate the spectators' support and the organization after having done Nashville, Disney, San Deigo and Chicago Marathons. The run along the ocean front was pretty cool! I am glad I did this race, but probably would not do it again. Due to heat we were quite a bit slower than we expected and I felt they were breaking down too soon with too many runners still out there on the course! Matter-of-fact, I have never seen a race break down this quickly! Everyone seemed like in a hurry to go home! | |
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A Runner from North Carolina
(3/20/2002)
"Tough day; but a good race" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I enjoyed the race, although it was extremely hot. The course is a little monotonous at times; but the runners and spectators were great. I have to agree about the post race food. Even some bagels would have been nice. I really hate bananas now. I wish I had at least remembered my certificate. I left and it was only on my way home that I rememebered they had them at the finish. Oh well. That didn't spoil a good race for me. I'll more than likely run it next year, hopefully it'll be about 20 degrees cooler. | |
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A Runner from New Jersey
(3/20/2002)
"Finisher's certificate spoiled an enjoyable race." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 54th marathon or ultra and my 26th state. Most aspects of the race were excellent (volunteers, aid stations, T-shirt, traffic control, mile markers, photographers, lodging, etc.), but unfortunately the main thing that I will remember is the poor job that was done in supplying an official finisher's certificate. The race Web page said, 'Your entry fee includes, . . . [a] parchment certificate to all marathon finishers presented at the finish line'. I hoped that this would mean that the computer scoring system was automatically generating official finishers' certificates. I imagined that I would tell a volunteer my bib number, and they would then hand me my freshly printed official certificate. Instead, I found a group of volunteers filling out certificates by hand. They did not even know my time. Since I could not remember it exactly either, they gave me a blank certificate to fill in myself. This lack of attention to a very important detail, left me dissatisfied with an otherwise well organized event. The post-race food left something to be desired as well. I realize that Budweiser was one of the major sponsors, but beer and fruit is not much of a recovery meal. I would have enjoyed some real food (pasta, chicken, bagels, yogurt, etc.). Many other races do much better. Although these may appear to be minor complaints, when one spends a great deal of money to travel to an out-of-state marathon, they expect everything to be perfect. | |
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A Runner from Virginia
(3/19/2002)
 "HOT" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Being from VA, an 85 degree day in March is a rarity and definitely was unwelcome on the day of my first marathon! Other than that, the course along the ocean was very nice, but only gave it 3*'s due to a v. boring strech from miles 8-21.5 on a road with nothing to look at and then in a military base. The spectators were absolutely great, but they weren't allowed in the military base for about 10 miles which made the race seem longer. The organization, though, was fantastic and all the volunteers couldn't be friendlier! | |
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A Runner from Chesapeake, VA
(3/18/2002)
 "Good race...lots of scenery" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Apart from the unexpected March HEAT, this was a good race. I'd recommend it to anyone. Great fans, great support, prompt start time. Give it a shot next year! I'll be back. | |
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Konstantin Babourine from Chicago
(3/18/2002)
"Hot! Hot! Hot!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 That was the toughest race I have ever experienced. Unexpectedly Hot! Very difficult to rate the spectators' support and the organization after having done Chicago marathon. The surface was tilted left and right which I could feel in my ankles later. Overall, a very solid, smaller race. The run along the ocean front was the best. I am glad I did it, but probably would not do it again. | |
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A Runner from Alabama
(3/17/2002)
"Great run." (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 2002 race was hot! Race was well organized with plenty of fruit, gatorade and water provided by very helpful volunteers. Course was very well marked, and had good law enforcement support. Good medical support at the end. Getting a $5 after-race massage was the best! Staff broke down the finish line entirely too soon. Very hot and tired racers with a time of 5 hours plus came into a very sad finish line with the balloon arch and reception crew already gone, and only the clock left running. | |
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A Runner from Sparks, Maryland
(1/10/2002)
"Well organized and fast" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 After missing my qualifying time by 3 min at Disney in Jan of 2001, I came right back and entered the Shamrock, I was determined to make Boston in 2002. I found this to be well organized, fun, on a lightning fast course. We lucked out with the weather which turned out to be perfect. One day made all the difference in the world. The next day was cold and VERY windy. Running on the boardwalk and then through the city streets can be tough with a good stiff breeze. Had a great run, beat my time, and am set for Boston. Great expo prior to race, however skip the post race party after the race, and enjoy the other night life in VA beach. | |
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A Runner from North Carolina
(12/18/2001)
"Great beginner race" (about: 2000)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Very boring course. Still, the Shamrock is well organized and easy. |
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