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May 9, 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 81 to 91]

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Joelski Gre from Secane Pa (4/1/2009) "A perfect day" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I just ran the ODM, and from top to bottom, this was a great race. The course is scenic and flat, and not too crowded. The shuttle buses were no hassle, and for most of the race, the wind was at our backs.
L. T. from Irving, TX (4/1/2009) "Beautiful, but poor communication and organization" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 Out of the 7 marathons I've completed so far, this was the most beautiful, but also the most disorganized. First of all, the start time for the race was posted nowhere on the website, although it could be deduced by the fact that it was a 5 1/2-hour course with an ending time of 2:30 p.m. I went into this race with a pulled muscle and thus was running a little slower than usual, so I sure would have liked to have known about the early start option, but there was nothing about it on their website or in the information packet. Apparently that was communicated via word of mouth to those who were lucky enough to talk to the right person. Regardless, I did meet their time requirements (at least per their website), but when I got to the finish line, they had already run out of medals. The girl who gave me my foil said that they would have to mail my medal to me, but with all of the disorganization, I didn't feel trusting of that.
Matt Ciociola from Blackwood, NJ (4/1/2009) "Awesome experience; lucky with the weather" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 2nd marathon (after NYC in '06) and I had a great experience. We got very lucky with the wind (got some cross winds over the bridges at times) and with the weather. It was cloudy, with light rain in Cape May and pockets of sun around 11:15. Not too many spectators on the course but the ones that were there were great! Depending on where you are place-wise, miles 16-26 can feel VERY lonely, but if you did the training it will carry you through. Also, the race director is a very nice guy.
D. K. from Alexandria, VA/North Wildwood, NJ (4/1/2009) "Small but great race to run" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I ran the 10-mile. The weather is always iffy for this race, but this year it worked to the runners' advantage. Wind was from the south, which helped. The 93% humidity did make it feel like running through water. As other people said, the expo sucked. There was only one vendor. I did like the tech shirt given out. The crowd support was good in Cape May, but it thinned out along Ocean Drive. Running along Atlantic Ave. in Wildwood instead of the Boardwalk was a huge advantage; I hope they think about keeping it that way in the future. Pasta dinner was not worth the time or trouble. Overall, I will be back to run it again in 2010.
J. A. from Minnesota (3/31/2009) "Hallelujah - a south wind!!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a nice, small race, with about 500 marathoners and a similar number of 10-milers at the start. The course is VERY flat, with 5-6 bridges as the only hills. We lucked out with the wind, though it was misty during the first half of the race. For those who enjoy a smaller race, don't mind potentially bad weather, and are not looking for an expo (there were 1-2 vendors), this is a good choice. The RD did a good job of answering my questions. I would recommend taking the shuttle from the finish to the start but don't wait for the last one, as I arrived fewer than 5 minutes before the start. FYI: there is not much to do in the Cape May area during March.
Gaetano DeStefano from Pottstown, Pa. (3/30/2009) "Good Experience" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 All things considered, it was a pleasant experience running this marathon. You definitely felt safe with all of the medics and police officers along the course. The cities we ran through were nice and clean. The water stations were well manned with goodies. The few spectators that were out did a good job cheering us on!
T. S. from Litchfield, CT (3/30/2009) "Most beautiful marathon ever!!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Without a doubt this was the most beautiful course I've ever run. God was running with me because the weather turned sunny and warm and the wind was at our backs. Shuttle service was perfect. Friendly, helpful volunteers were on the course (special thanks to the guy who helped me cut the sleeves off my shirt!). Very few spectators, but I felt like the ocean was cheering me on since it was in my sights nearly the whole time. One of my best times ever. The almost completely flat course makes for a fast time, so if you're trying to qualify for Boston, this is a good one to do. I never do a marathon twice, but I'd highly recommend it to others. My only criticism is that the expo had nothing to offer the runners. There was only one clothing vendor, and a couple of other little booths. It was advertised to be far bigger, and there were things that I always see at expos that were clearly missing. That can definitely be improved upon. Otherwise, a great experience.
M. T. from Salisbury, MD (3/30/2009) "Great Course - Great Day for a Run" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was the year to run it - wind at your back or at least out of the east. The temperature at the start was near perfect for a marathon and then it became a little hot for the last couple of miles. Everything else was so true about spectators but the course was very interesting and I enjoy point-to-point courses. Very well organized.
D. G. from New Jersey - Air Force (3/29/2009) "ODM - 10 miler - my first one - overall thoughts!" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Overall, for my first 10-miler, I have no complaints. I chose this run because it was on my birthday and about 1.5 hours from my house. I signed up a month ago and I was impressed with how they kept you up to date on course changes. The comments out there about the weather are not lies! It was overcast, windy and rainy, but once you got the run started, it actually was not bad. Not many spectators out there, and the water stations were okay.... I'm glad that I didn't run the marathon. The shirt was okay and the finisher's medal was pretty nice. Small turnout, but a good 10-mile course for those who are starting out!!!
M. S. from D/FW Texas (3/29/2009) "Nice point-to-point on/near the ocean" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 OD is a great, flat race - probably one to do for a PR, if the weather cooperates. Wind, fog, rain and cold in '09 made for a slower race (for me). The weather is, obviously, an uncontrollable variable but many said the weather at this race is always iffy. The expo was way too short; it ended at 5 p.m. Many, like me, traveled a long way and were not able to get to the expo before it closed. They need to keep it open until 7 at least. The RD had the bib number at the start, but I was lucky to find him one minute prior to the beginning of the race. They needed to have a "race help" tent with a big sign for such situations. Overall, a good course in a nice town. No major hotel or restaurant chains in Cape May, which was odd; reserve a hotel early and do not expect 5-star accommodations.

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