May 20, 2024
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☰
Ocean Drive Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Ocean Drive Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.2 
Spectators 2.8
Number of comments: 199 [displaying comments 101 to 111]
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M. B. from Lancaster, PA
(3/31/2008)
 "Great course- even in the wind!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 We knew it would be windy. We trained in and thought we were prepared for the wind. Well, I could not imagine how much of a drag it would become after about 20 miles!! And that last mile - with finish line in sight - was pure torture. Fabulous course, great organization, fantastic volunteers. The best group I've been around. Sure a north-to-south route would make this a breeze. But there is something cruelly (and masochistically) satisfying about the feeling of accomplishment you get after finishing this one. | |
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R. G. from Philadelphia, PA
(3/31/2008)
 "Yep, it's windy." (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 If running in windy conditions is not for you, stop reading now and look for another marathon. If not for the wind, this is a very enjoyable, scenic, flat, no-brainer race to run. But don't expect much spectator support along the way. This is a small, laid back kind of affair. No crowded running to deal with and yet you are never really left with that lonely feeling that some small marathons tend to feel like at times. 2008 race: Organization was pretty good. However, water stations seemed to be a bit unevenly spaced, but not too big of a deal. There was a headwind for about 24 miles and crosswind for a few miles and about 100 yards of no wind. The wind severity ranged from moderate to nearly unbearable. I figure I lost about 5 minutes as a result of the wind. Overall: Cape May is a great town and how can you beat a seaside run? This might bring you out to give it a go, but the wind will have you thinking twice about running it again. | |
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A. S. from Chicago, IL
(3/31/2008)
"They aren't kidding about the wind!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 So everything you read about this race, all of the comments about the wind, are absolutely true. Don't get me wrong; that does not take away from the run at all. Actually, I think it enhances it. It is just another element we have to contend with. Other than that, the race is fine, nothing all that special. The course is kind of boring, except for running on the boardwalk. They need to add in a couple of more water stops (every 1.5 - 2 miles would have been better) and the post-race food was pretty bad. Otherwise, this is a good event. Pretty much flat and fast. I could take or leave this event. Have fun with the wind. | |
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M. O. from North Carolina
(3/31/2008)
 "Excellent Marathon, Great Location!" (about: 2008)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First of all, I totally echo thoughts on how windy this course is. But the weather is something that can't be controlled, so I just planned for it. The area is absolutely beautiful as well. That being said, this race was a wonderful marathon that reminds me of why I run marathons. In some ways it is no-frills, but I don't like/need the frills. I like beautiful courses, friendly volunteers, well-organized logistics, and a great destination. This race had all this and more. The race even had one of the "host" hotels (where I stayed) give a 4 p.m. checkout on race day. Very much appreciated! Volunteers and water stops were delightful and in perfect quantity. If you are looking for a well-run marathon by people who really seem to know what marathoners want, I'd recommend this race. One of the best I've run in awhile. | |
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Suzy Holt from Arlington, VA
(3/31/2008)
"ODM for President!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was not able to make it to the expo but the race director, Ed, responded quickly to my inquiries and ensured I had my bib/directions/etc prior to race day. They even saved a small shirt for me.... Geez, I've been to bigger races within the first few hours of the expo and STILL landed an XL! Now I have a great looking, long-sleeve, moisture-wicking T that actually fits. ;) Yes, it was windy, but nothing too uncomfortable.... I don't think anyone really expects still air off of the coast, do they?! The course was mostly flat and the few uphill portions had immediate downhills to match. Scenery was breathtaking; I especially enjoyed running along the boardwalk in the Wildwoods area! As if the enthusiasm of the volunteers was not enough, they had diluted (yay!) Gatorade AND oranges and bananas EVERY 2 miles after the halfway point. The camaraderie among participants in this race was unbelievable. This was the 2nd race in a "double" marathon weekend for me and I certainly got the much needed support from fellow runners. 50 staters, this IS your NJ. ODM for President!! | |
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R. B. from Atlantic Beach, New York
(3/29/2008)
 "Windiest course I've ever run" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Ocean Drive Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Marathon runners are always highly spirited. Ed, if you could ever get the course reversed, you'll be my hero. My wife, Jodi, and I have a great time, as running is our passion, so we look forward to seeing you again for 2008. | |
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Dana Jones from Lansdale, PA, USA
(12/26/2007)
 "This marathon has character!" (about: 2007)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Ocean Drive Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Ok, this will be the 10th time on 3/30/08 that I will run/walk this marathon (hopefully along with only one other guy I know of who's also done all 9 so far) and I must say, it's got some character - still think the inaugural one had the worst weather conditions and hope the 10th won't be a repeat. I've gotta be nuts to keep this up! This is a challenging one, considering the prevailing wind is in your face most of the way. Pretty well organized, not many spectators, nice cold/windy, barren scenery, with a good way to see the Jersey coast without all the crowds. A good "check-off" for a New Jersey marathon, but be prepared for a challenge. And hey - thanks to the loyal Cape May Coast Guard volunteers, my niece will be there with you next summer for boot camp! | |
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R. M. from Midwest
(7/2/2007)
"REVERSE THE COURSE!" (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Reverse the course and you have a win-win situation. If you have a cold North wind you want it at your back - and a warm wind from the south you want in your face cooling you off. Plus Cape May would be a fun destination for the runners after the race. I'll be back if they make the swap. | |
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kirt goetzke from minneapolis
(5/7/2007)
"Aerodynamically Tested" (about: 2007)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Only 25.8 miles running into a headwind. The rest was fine. Fun running in the off-season. Pancake restaurant at the start was great. Nice people at medic tent to wash the sand from my eyes at finish. | |
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K. E. from PA
(4/10/2007)
"A great story for a first marathon!" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Reading these comments made me laugh out loud - that was the only thing you could do that day in the face of Mother Nature and all of that WIND. I knew it was a possibility going in (March... Jersey Shore...) so I can't complain. It was my first marathon and I'm prouder than ever to have finished this one on that day. Everything else about the race but the weather seemed great to me, but it was my first. I will probably train for this again, but will wait for a weather report and register at the last minute! I agree it would have been great running north to south. |
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