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Apr 27, 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 11 to 21]

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V. H. from Annapolis, MD (3/30/2015) "Nice course, poor organization" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I ran the course yesterday, the 17th annual run. Overall, the course was beautiful and you can't beat the view. However, the organization of it seemed more like an inaugural race rather than the 17th year. The Convention Center had a completely different address, than where it really was (according to Google Maps). When we finally got to the convention center, there were zero signs telling runners where to go. We walked into a Special Olympics basketball tournament. We had to wander all over the convention center trying to find the marathon packet pickup. The convention center staff was rude when we asked them where to go. The only sign for the expo was an 8.5 x 11 handwritten sheet of paper. It was very cold and very windy race day, but nothing anyone could do about that. It was sunny out and a lovely view. Course support was adequate. It was the best mix of gatorade I've ever had on during a marathon! Not too sweet, not too diluted. Just right! The water was yellow... that was a little disturbing. Not sure why the water was yellow. Maybe it's because it's by the beach or maybe it's because it's New Jersey. All in all, a good race, but I think better organization is needed. This was my state check off for the 50 States club and I think it was a great choice.
K. B. from New Jersey (9/8/2014) "Easy course...weather permitting" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I ran the ODM in March 2014. The entire last 13 miles was run in torrential rain with a 20mph headwind. That being said...if it had been a nice day the course was flat and fast with the exception of a few short bridges which breaks the race up nicely. I think with the exception of the meager finish area and the half marathon split off area, I saw 5 spectators. So if you are into running solo (if slow like me) and in any kind of weather conditions this is a good race for you. Very well organized and the parking/shuttle was very easy. Around mile 17 it was raining and wind blowing so hard that you had to run with your head down. With no course people to guide you (only marked cones) I saw a few runners keep going straight when we should have turned. A FEW people guiding turns might be a good idea. Overall for the money it was a decent race. I hated the material the shirt was made out of though and it ran VERY small.
S. G. from TX (4/23/2014) "Nice small race with some ocean views" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This is a nice smaller marathon, but not too small. The course has some great ocean views and is point-to-point, but it can be monotonous at times with some straight sections that go on for miles. The race didn't start until 9 am, and I wished it would have started at 8. Cape May is a ghost town pretty much during this time of year, so there aren't many spectators. The weather is also unpredictable at best - be prepard for anything, especially a strong headwind and cold temps. The shirt is a very nice tech long sleeved shirt, but the medal was drab and could have been much better. The shuttle system was a nice convenience, but it took way too long to get from the finish back to the start - over an hour! The hotels in the area are all very pricey since you are in a resort area and there aren't a lot of options since it is out of season during this time. We stayed at the Palace Hotel, which was about a mile walk from the start so that we didn't have to worry about parking. Very convenient, clean and we could check out as late as we wanted! Very nice staff. Although with the long shuttle ride it may have been better to stay near the finish line and take the shuttle to the start. Post race you were offered hot chicken broth and very yummy bagels. The overall and age group prizes were also nice.
E. R. from Philadelphia, Pa (4/18/2014) "Nice, modest race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Ocean Drive Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I ran the 10 miler a few years ago and this year I ran the marathon so this review may be a combination of the two races. This is a mid-sized race (about 1000 runners and half in the marathon). I valled this race and it is. There are no bands or other bells and whistles but its well organized and runners needs are met. This a a point to point race run from Cape May NJ (a favorite shore point of mine) to Sea Isle City (the 10 miler runs to Wildwood). There is a shuttle system where runners can park at the finish and get bused to the start but I've never needed to use it so I don't know if this runs well or not. The course is very flat. Folks who hate hills would like this course. We run over a few bridges but these are short and in my opinion only one could really be classified as steep. The early crowded miles are closed to traffic but even after they open up runners will always feel safe. This is off season so we mainly get the streets to ourselves. Running the full I think I got 8 to 10 miles of ocean views. The 3 miles or so along the wildwood boardwalk is nice. Most of the race however is a few blocks off the beach running through shore towns. Pleasant but monotonous. Running in early spring along the Jersey shore one can expect ideal temps but one should also expect wind. This year I got pummelled by a tough headwind from miles 14 to 20. Talking to regulars they say the winds usually come from the north so be forewarned. Reports that there's no gatorade until mile 11 are accurate and also that the gatorade is diluted are also accurate. There were virtually no fans so one must be fine running alone. I like the solitude of races like these but its not for everyone. Perhaps if the weather was better more fans would turn up but I suspect not. Thanks to the volunteers who were enthusiastic and smiling even after the heavy rains started. Its easier running in the rain than just standing there but they were great! The website is not the best I've seen but if you work at it you can find most info that you need. The expo is very modest (held at Wildwood Convention Center) but you can get gels or other last minute supplies. The medal is disappointing and the shirt is always the same long sleeved tech shirt. Nice quality and design but other than color it stays the same year to year.
J. S. from Kittanning, PA (4/5/2014) "It was exactly what I expected." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was worried about the weather due to the downpours on Saturday, but we got lucky on Sunday. Light wind for the first 2+ hours and mist throughout. (I got in right before the rains.) Staying at Montego Bay resort with the pasta dinner (and 2 breakfasts) paid for in the reservation was perfect. Loved running through the quiet boardwalk in Wildwood. Appreciated the watered-down Gatorade. If I wasn't going for 50 marathons in 50 states, I'd definitely do it again.
J. L. from Northern California (4/5/2014) "Pleasant surprise" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I did this race on my quest for 50 states. Loved it. The race director ED, was very quick to return my emails. Organization was perfect. I took the early start which wasn't advertised but I had read it in an earlier comment. Traffic control was even available for the early starters. We stayed at the Jetty Motel at the end of Beach dr in Cape May and it was convenient, close to the start. The race was right on the ocean and through some pretty residential areas. Point to point which is my favorite. Shirts and medals were OK. The town of Cape May was scarce but quaint. We enjoyed our visit.
J. N. from Chicago (4/3/2014) "Good choice for New Jersey" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Similar comments to others who have already posted. PROS: Interesting and pretty in spots (even with gloomy weather) Energetic Water Stop Volunteers Nice bus driver on return trip Soup at the end CONS: No Gatorade until about 11 mile mark. (They ignored comments from 2013). That said, Gatorade very weak. Finisher's medal a bit boring/strange Marathonguide site posted results for clock time, not chip time. Not sure why
G. M. from Seattle (4/1/2014) "Tale of two halves" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 First rate operation. No gripes. The run: First half was pleasant, through sea marsh and a section of boardwalk(a ghost town in March). Got lucky with just fog, fine mist, no wind, after downpour the prior day. Second half not so lucky at least for us 'back of the packers'. Steady rain, some downpours, some stiff headwind and a more monotonous run through neighborhoods. Street numbers starting at about 160th and not ending until 5th for final dash to the finish. Glimpses of a rough surf at times. Good ambulance and intersection police presence throughout. Toasty tent at finish with plenty of food.
Daniel Moran from Washington, DC (3/31/2014) "Nice small race, beautiful town, nice people" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I love smaller races like this. For runners expecting glitz, glamor and fan-lined streets you'll be disappointed. For seasoned runners who mean business and want a PR, this is the place for you. The course is dead flat except for a few bridges. The scenery is nice and beachy. Race day for me was chilly, windy, foggy and misty. Rain pounded later finishers. The food at the finish could be better. The massage tent was awesome. Transport back to the start was good. I had a great time and would definitely do this race again. Great small race and nice medal.
V. L. from Maryland (11/13/2013) "Scenic course and wonderful volunteers!" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 This course was a very scenic course! Wonderful volunteers along the course up until mile 24! Lesson learned from this race, plan on finishing no later than 5 1/2 hours. If not, you will definitely be left behind and will need to find a way back to the starting line on your own!

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