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May 20, 2024

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 111 to 121]

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D. H. from Springfield, VA (4/2/2007) "I don't like that much wind" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I wish I could say I looked out over the vast waterways and enjoyed the scenery but I had my head down trying to keep sand out of my eyes and the hat on my head due to the wind. When planning to do this course, that was the only factor I knew I could not change that would slow me down considerably. I was a little discouraged by that but otherwise checked the box for NJ in the 50 state quest. There are many marathons I have repeated because they are so enjoyable, Disney & Richmond, for example, but this is not one I plan to do again due to the wind. As far as everything else...the packets were easy to pick up, the race had clearly designated mile markers (can't believe that due to the wind) predictable aid stations except in the last five miles and a most wonderful post race massage in a heated tent. The medal and shirt were nice. I am used to or spoiled by, not sure which one, chip timing and this race doesn't have it. We convinced the Days Inn to give us a late check out so we didn't have to travel back to NoVA stinky from the race. We would stay in Cape May if we did it again, but we couldn't get lodging there a few months back. The volunteers and spectators on the course were great. It's probably not the worst race I'll ever run, although I would not be upset if it is.
A. A. from Virginia (4/1/2007) "Blown Away" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The wind made this race very tough and I am proud to have finished. I feel stronger for it. In retrospect, I think I prefer the wind over weather that is really hot and muggy. I liked the point-to-point aspect of the race. The mailed raced number really helped, and since I missed the expo, I could pick up my t-shirt and goody bag after the race. Great course for your fans to follow you along the way since the towns are so empty this time of year. Still can't get over the wind though!
p. f. from Delaware (3/31/2007) "A tiring but very good day at the Shore" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My last marathon was a big city marathon with 40,000 runners and 1 million spectators. It was great to get back to a small race with about 450 marathoners. People are friendly and ready to chat as you run along. There aren't a lot of spectators, but on the other hand it is very easy for your crew to see you many times on the course. It was very windy on the course, but this is to epxected since it is run along the coast. Even with strong winds, I was able to hit a new over 40 PR on this very flat course. At 23 miles I and others were laughing as we saw water breaking over the road and sea foam blowing in front of us. I can only wonder what the PR might have been with a tailwind. The race was well organized, but I did have 2 issues, First there was nothing but orange slices at the second to last aid station and the volunteers had left. I finished in the first half of the runners so that meant they ran out very early. It was not a mahor problem due to the cool temps, but the aid stations were not frequent so it was over 5 miles between aid. Second, the aid stations only had water the first 10 miles. And various sports drinks were offered after 10 miles. I would expect gatorade or something similar offered at every aid station for the money you spend on this race. Post race was very nice with a heated tent and a heated massage tent with short lines. They had a good variety of food and hot chicken broth which is always welcome on a cold day. Also I almost forgot to mention how beautiful the course is with many views of the bay and ocean.
Don Pattison from Bartlett, IL (NW of Chicago) (3/31/2007) "I sure wished we'd have run the other direction" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Most of the comments about 2007 were on the wind. It was brutal, as the other IL runner mentioned, I've never run a tougher race. It was a shame that the pasta dinner didn't have an area just for runners instead of the dining room. Many of us traveled from all over the states and like to get together and talk at the dinners. The folks along the course were funny too. When I asked if the wind ever stopped, they said, "At least it isn't raining like last year." I took that last corner and saw the finish line banner and tried to sprint it out but it is a LONG LONG way before you hit the finish line, so conserve your energy because it is just under a mile on the walkway. The wind seemed to be extra strong that last mile too because it was blowing sand around into your eyes and mouth. This could be a very fast course if the weather conditions are right.
L. R. from Tampa, Florida (3/31/2007) "BLOWN AWAY and FROSTBITTEN" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 A beautiful course, mostly flat with a few bridges thrown in to break up the flat and to give you great views. The constant HEADWIND created windburn on my face and frozen fingers. The WIND was the only real detractor and was the only cause for my considering the ODM the hardest marathon I've ever done. I'm from Florida and I didn't thaw out until I got home late Sunday! Thanks to all those hearty volunteers who manned all but one water stop to the bitter end! I agree with the comment about changing the course to run south rather than north.
J. C. from Washington, DC (3/31/2007) "Windy, Scenic and Sparsley Populated" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 There was a 15-20 mph headwind for most of the race. After the weather man predicted a tailwind, the shift was unfortunate. But the race itself was beautiful, winding through empty beach towns, boardwalks, and back bays. The downside to a winter marathon in South Jersey is that there are virtually no people. This, and the wind, make it a tough first marathon. The only organizational problem was that there were too few water stations along the last five miles. Beyond that, I highly recommend the race.
J. K. from Pennsylvania (3/31/2007) "Nice course and organization, but lonely..." (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I ran the Ocean Drive Marathon for the first time this year, and as others have noted, it can get lonely in the last 10 miles. The headwinds were brutal all day, starting out at like 5-10 mph in Cape May, and then getting to 15-20 mph (gusting to 30 mph) by the time we got to Sea Isle City. This of course is something the race directors can't control, and should be expected for the Jersey Shore this time of year. Overall, race organization was good, the volunteers were very nice, but spectators were very sparse. If you need the motivation of cheering crowds as you are running, this marathon won't offer that. Once you pass the 10-mile mark in North Wildwood, there aren't many spectators left until the finish. The barren neighborhoods of Stone Harbor, Avalon and Sea Isle City don't offer much excitement, but it was still a decent course and a great experience.
t. a. from USA (3/30/2007) "Headwind Alert" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon and Mother Nature was cruel by giving us 20-30 mph winds from start to finish. The winds exhaused you... I had sand blowing in my face at certain points. If you like to challenge of running 26.2 miles against the winds, then this is the race for you. The volunteers were great and the food in the finishing tent was really good. Nice bagels, bananas and oranges. I brought my family along for support and it was nice to see them several times along the course as there were almost no other spectators. All I can say is be prepared for WIND if you are planning on running this race!
Bentley Heese from Richmond Virginia (3/30/2007) "Relentless 20MPH Headwinds" (about: 2007) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon, I have a long term history with the area so I was excited to run through it. It started out sunny, about 50, light winds and I was worried I was over dressed. My fears were soon put to rest when the clouds rolled in and the wind kicked up. At about mile 8 as I approached the boardwalk in Wildwood I thought to myself, can it get any windier? Well, the answer was YES!!. We were all trying to stay close to the mostly closed up shops but the wind was brutal. The farther north I went, the windier it became. Along the beach in N Wildwood the sand was even whipping around my feet. As I crossed the first bridge to Stone Harbor I was a little disappointed that there was no more GU left, I was really wanting some at that point. The last bridge crossing over into Sea Isle was accompanied by blowing foam from the water and almost 40 mph gusts. The finish line seemed to move farther away as I approached but I finished it. What an experience and a beautiful area. Well organized for a small race but I don't think I will do it again. Once is enough. I will do others so I guess it wasn't that bad. You had to laugh with relief when done, after being in the wind tunnel for 26.2. Glad I wore glasses too.
J. F. from Florida (3/30/2007) "Wind is NOT your friend" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Nice, flat course that could be a PR course, but the 25-30 mph headwinds were too much to overcome. The race is well organized, albeit a little 'pricey' considering that it's not a chip race. The course is flat and fast. There are no spectators after the 10 mile mark. There are limited post-race goodies. No beer. The medals are nothing special. Through it all, I cannot say enough about how fast this course could be. I ran this race within 5 minutes of my average marathon time in spite of the non-stop 25 mph headwinds. With a tailwind or no wind, I would've PR'ed this course without any doubt.

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