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Apr 27, 2024

Ocean Drive Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.2

Organization 4.2

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 199 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

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L. G. from Maryland (3/30/2010) "Excellent choice for a New Jersey marathon!" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this race as one of my 50 states, and I thought it was a great race despite the wind and short period of rain ( none of which can be controlled). Positives: well organized, beautiful course, flat except for the few bridges, warm tent at the end to hang out in, enthusiastic volunteers and spectators, host hotel with nice weekend package (including all-you-can-eat pasta dinner), nice tech shirt. Negatives: Gatorade should be available before mile 10, and have 1-2 additional water stations after mile 10. If you like beach towns and beautiful scenery, and if you want a race with just the right number of runners, where you are never feeling crowded or running alone, then this is a good race to choose. There are no timing chips, which was not a big deal to me, considering the size of the race; but that may be a deterrent to some runners. Overall, a good experience and definitely worth doing if you need a race in New Jersey.
B. S. from Philadephia Area (3/30/2010) "Fast and flat, with variable weather" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Ocean Drive Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I really enjoyed this race, and finished faster than expected. There were only 600 finishers, but I was always in contact with other runners even though I'm a 4:30 or so runner. Lots of nice people in town from the 50/50 club. It was tough to know how to dress; it was cold at the start. I'm glad that I brought my windbreaker, which I put on and took off several times!!
J. L. from PA (3/30/2010) "Good Race Overall" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was a fairly flat course, with some small hills and bumps (crossing the 5 or 6 bridges) and was easy to navigate throughout. Plenty of water/Gatorade stations. The volunteers were great at keeping the runners well equipped with oranges and bananas. The headwind from the past years was not an issue, although it was in your face when crossing the flat grassy areas. As mentioned before, I would recommend starting with something that you can pitch at mile 10. The start is usually cool and warms up later as the day progresses. A huge CON for me was the LACK OF CHIP TIMING. I would recommend not eating Adam's for the Carb loader. The food was cold on the buffet. Crowds were great for the size of the race and the crazy cow-bell guy took your mind off of the pain. Overall good race!
R. G. from Philadelphia, PA (3/30/2010) "How was the wind?" (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Ocean Drive Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The first question anyone should ask of an OD Marathon finisher is, 'How was the wind?' because that's always the wild card in this fairly flat race. Having run this race in 2008, I can say that the wind was "relatively" calm this year. It seemed to be coming mostly from the east this year, which made the rare and relatively short stretches of the course that head directly eastward to be a source of dread. While there were some windy stretches, there were also plenty of stretches with minimal wind, which I did not have the pleasure of enjoying back in 2008. It was a major blessing to find a tailwind on the final bridge around mile 23! Organization for this race is adequate (it sure would be nice to see the webpage updated since the same photo has been up there for at least a few years now). The expo is a "pickup your packet and go" event, as one might expect for a race of this size. My only complaint is that the number of water stations was inadequate. There should have been at least 2 more water stations. Post-race food was adequate - the usual (banana, bagel, water, Gatorade, and the always-welcome chicken broth). The somewhat disturbing "bird with legs" remains on the race shirt and the awards. All in all, this is a decent race worth your consideration. Since there is a high probability of head- or crosswinds in this race, don't be fooled into thinking the course is lightning fast. Plus, the bridges might add a bit more hill work than some might realize (particularly if you catch a headwind!).
Laurent Morisse from New York City (3/30/2010) "Excellent Marathon" (about: 2010) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I was told that it would be very flat, but it was not! there are a few bridges to climb, but what a beautiful landscape, and what nice organization. The wind can be tricky, but that's life! Thanks, Cape May!!!
T. M. from Philadelphia, PA (3/29/2010) "Wind-Burnt and Satisfied" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my fifth marathon, but my first ODM. This race is not recommended for the first-timer, nor for runners who need to rely on the constant encouragement and support of spectators. Even though the run courses through what are primarily considered resort towns, it takes place during the off-season, so crowd support dwindles to next to nothing as the race progresses. Needless to say, the desolate stretches provide an excellent test of will. The second half became interesting once the 10-milers split off to finish; the sun went in, the wind became utterly relentless, and the terrain became long, flat, and straight, with open and unforgiving stretches of road. Aid stations were regular, and often charmingly manned by families, EMT's and elderly Lions Club members. Runners were often seen helping themselves to the water, Gatorade, cut oranges, and bananas. The municipal police departments were out en force, a constant presence who provided adequate traffic control. Overall, this a deceivingly challenging race with a small, old-school feel. If this race occurred at the height of the summer season, it'd be altogether different experience, so it's worth running simply to experience a different side of the Jersey Shore.
Rob Klein from Aurora, Colorado (3/29/2010) "Windy and Cool" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I gave five stars to the course because the race committee decides what they want you to see of their community(s), and that is where the course goes - right? And obviously, lots of work and effort went into this event. The bridges that some of the others mentioned were a factor, but the wind was ever-present in this marathon - even when it wasn't a direct headwind. I think the wind made it feel cooler than the forecasted 55-degree temperature - especially later in the morning. And many times the course made turns directly into the wind, as it meandered along the coast. Around 10 a.m. the clouds started to form and by noon the sky was obscured and it rained briefly. There were lots of residential areas (including motels and rentals) that looked to be "closed for the season." And many of the towns still seemed somewhat deserted. Sometimes you might think a street was closed for the race because it was totally deserted, then a car would come rolling by. Still, it was fun to be running along the coast, and visiting the small towns along the way. In any case, traffic never threatened the runners (from what I saw). There was a run on the boardwalk from about MM 8 to MM 9. And the last mile or so was on a path along the beach too. Finish line activities were typical, and times were recorded manually. There was a heated tent for post-race activities, where water, fruit, bagels and soup were available. The organization was very good for a smaller-sized marathon event. I was concerned about the 5.5-hour time limit for ODM from almost a year ago (when I was scouting for a NJ marathon to participate in). Race director Ed DePalma answered my e-mail inquiries right from the start - offering a one-hour early start to folks like myself who typically run a 5+-hour marathon. Also, Ed was there at the start area, well before the early start, getting things organized and answering any questions folks had. There were small pockets of spectators along the way, and it is always fun interacting with the townsfolk. Obviously, they enjoy being out there, cheering us on too. Of course the aid station workers always encourage the runners with cheers and elements for re-hydration. Overall, townsfolk came together again to host a great marathon event. As a final note, I will add this: Early starters had to sign a piece of paper agreeing to be disqualified if they completed the marathon in less than five hours. I did not find out about this until about 20 minutes before the early start was to commence. I signed the paper, figuring if I would not likely finish before five hours were up (my time was 5:04, but I did not push myself as hard the second half either). I understand the race committee does not want three quarters of the contestants to show up for the early start, so this discourages that, but personally, I do not think this is a good policy for folks who show up from all over the country to compete in a race that is strictly a recreational and social-type event.
a. p. from VA (3/29/2010) "Current Favorite NJ Marathon!" (about: 2010) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The course had beauty at every turn - even the salt marshes. Appreciated the bridges and the small clusters of spectators. Food at the end was lacking and placed so that folks waiting for awards completely blocked access to it. But what a wonderful race!
J. D. from Newark, DE (3/29/2010) "Course was a breeze" (about: 2010) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I had a great time running in my first small marathon. It was very well managed, with plenty of aid stations stocked with Gatorade, gels, fruit and manned by friendly volunteers voicing encouragement. The expo was minimal and attended by a single vendor, but she had the basics: GU, gloves and small line of running apparel. It was a little disappointing that there weren't any shirts for those of us procrastinators who waited until the expo to register. The course was well marked, although I missed the first mile marker, and the second was at 1.61 miles according to my Garmin. The seventh marker was off by a bit, too, but I've seen all this before while running in the bigger Philly Marathon. The main attraction is the scenery. The back bays and wetlands between the islands were as tranquil a setting as I've raced in. And the quiet communities brought back memories of past vacations to Stone Harbor, Avalon and Wildwood. There was a strong breeze blowing directly off the ocean, which created a headwind while approaching the islands from the back bays and remained in full force until the course found its way to the ocean side and veered back to its predominately northerly direction. There were just enough people that you could find someone to strike up a conversation with while your paces matched. But at the same time it was never crowded, and moving around people was easy. There was no hurry at the aid stations either, allowing you to slow down and refuel with as many calories as needed. I guess "flat" is a relative term. I would call this course "flat." There were about a half-dozen bridges that reached maybe 20 to 40 feet in height, but I thought they helped add a little roll to the course and gave some vantage points for sightseeing. The two largest ones were at miles 3 and 23, so if you don't like "hills," save a little for the latter. Crowds were sparse and thin. But because of this, your family can easily move around - cheering you on from multiple points - and still arrive at the finish line with plenty of time to greet you. Yes, the crowds at Boston are amazing, but there's a lot to be said for a peaceful, intimate run along the Jersey Shore. I'll be back.
P. K. from Jersey City, NJ (3/29/2010) "Nice race - tough with the wind but enjoyable" (about: 2010) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I left the expo at Wildwood worried that the stiff northerly wind would be a problem. Fortunately the wind switched to the east, so I only had to contend with crosswinds most of the time. I enjoyed the peace and quiet this marathon provided with sometimes just the noise of the surf and running shoes. You do need to be able to motivate yourself, although a big "thank you" to the few people who did cheer along the way. They were appreciated. Also, thanks to the volunteers and police from each of the towns who kept the course safe and well organized. I managed to run 8 minutes quicker than DC the week before, so I don't think the course can be that slow (wind excepted).

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