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New Jersey Marathon Runner Comments

Back to New Jersey Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.5 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 464 [displaying comments 441 to 451]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 > ]

 

A Runner from Lorton, Virginia (4/29/2002)
"I ran the race 4/28/02 - decent race." (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


The wind was really tough in this race. It is billed as a good Boston Quailifier, but I beg to differ because being next to the ocean the wind is always going to howl. Very well organized race with a postitive attitude. Lots of drinks, but not any food on the course. The race had a small town feel to it, and I will tell my friends to run it next year.
 

A Runner from Milford, NJ (4/29/2002)
"A fun, well organized marathon w/ great volunteers" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


You think a little rain and wind can discourage marathon runners? No way. Spirits weren't dampened by the rain and everything went off without a hitch. The volunteers were awesome, providing fluid every mile. Lots of smiles and encouragement throughout. The finish line was a great site, the massage staff were great, and all the volunteers at the bag pick-up and food tents were so helpful. I love the finisher's medal. Quality marathon. Art Castellano and the entire NJRRC are top notch.
 

A Runner from Arlington, VA (4/29/2002)
"Well organized, flat, and fast" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


On Sunday, April 28, 2002. I ran in the 6th Annual NJ Shore Marathon. It was my third year running in the race, and my second year as a volunteer pace group leader.

Despite rain for the first 7-10 miles, and stiff headwinds of 10-15 mph for 14 miles, it was still a great race. The race is well-organized, with water stops every 1.5 miles, a fast, flat scenic course along the NJ Shore, and an exciting finish on the track behind the Long Branch High School. The race organizers had no control over the weather, but there were still plenty of volunteers to staff the various aspects of the race, at the start and finish areas, and the fluid stations and course marshalls, etc. The race has approximately 2000 marathon runners, plenty of food and fluid. Most of the spectators are at the start and finish areas, but there are some other places on the course where people gathered to cheer on the runners. If you are tired of fighting the crowded pack in the large marathons with 20,000 runners, or are looking for a fast course to qualify for Boston or set a personal record, then this is the race for you.
 

A Runner from Westfield, New jersey (4/28/2002)
"Flat, zero shade, beware the wind" (General Comments)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I have run this race 5 times. Very well run, good water stops. Easy course in that it's flat but if the sun is shining you are baked. If the wind is blowing (you are next to the sea for the vast majority), there is nothing to block it. Easy to get to, you're home by mid afternoon. It's an every day runner race. Elites do Boston, I run the shore. Come on out.
 

A Runner from New York City Runner (4/12/2002)
"Peaceful but no shade" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


The 2001 running of the Jersey Shore was a warm one. The great spring weather gave us a gorgeous morning for a run along the Jersey shore starting in Sandy Hook (a National Reserve) but the sun came out in full force.

There isn't a lick of shade on the course... be prepared... if the sun is out and temperatures are going North hydration and sun block are key... the course is flat and with cooler temperatures a Personal Best or a Boston Qualifying time are certainly possible.

The volunteers at this race truly care.. I met the same good hearted soul several times... on the train on the way there... on the course giving out water and afterwards at the finish line reception. I was impressed with the truly friendly volunteers. The same goes for the crowd support... although it's hard to call them crowds... the spectators are there and are rooting for all who blaze their way through their town.

The seawall is a little boring but you pass something like 5 lighthouses and some very nice neighborhoods... the Finish at the High School provides a nice grass padding for resting weary marathon bones.

A short train ride and your back in Manhattan
 

A Runner from Fort Lewis, Washington (10/23/2001)
"Great mid-size marathon" (about: 1997)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


This is a great mom and pop style marathon, with a 'hometown' feel. Runners assemble for the pasta dinner the night before in a local gymn, and get a chance to polarize with others who enjoy their sport.

The course has remained essentially the same since the inagural marathon years ago, which is for the best: great views of Long Island, New York City, and the Sandy Hook Light House at the start. There is a slight bridge grade at mile 10, and the view of the Atlantic Ocean is somewhat obstructed by the seawall for part of the course, but that is to be expected in this area of New Jersey.

The race presents a great finish on the grass in front of a high school with assembled crowds, and the post race refreshments were nice.

I would definitely put it at the top of the list when selecting a New Jersey Marathon.

Ed Hahn, 1997 Finisher
 

A Runner from Connecticut (8/22/2001)
"1st timers, this is the one to do!" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Great organization, course could not be flatter, weather was high fifties, plenty of facilities & water stops, tons of volunteers, what more could you want?

I should also note that I forgot to pick up my checked-in shirt at the finish, I emailed them when I got home, and they mailed it back to me by priority mail, that is classy!

The only negative thing I can say is that they had 'ultima replenisher' as the water stop sports drink, this stuff is nasty. I will only drink water here next year!

The course itself is totally flat except for a small rise on a bridge around 10 miles out, this is no big deal, believe me.

I disagree with the person from Illinois, you will not find a flatter course for a marathon.
You do have to run on the sidewalk for several miles, and there is a seawall, but hey, nothing is perfect. This course is more than fair, you can't go wrong.
 

A Runner from Atlanta, GA (6/15/2001)
"Great marathon for first-timers" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This was my first marathon and it was an absolute thrill for me! The course was flat and the view of the water was beautiful. There were plenty of fluid stations and port-a-johns. Crowd support was somewhat sparse, but those who were there were very loud and encouraging. I will never forget the emotion of the last mile and the feeling of the medal going around my neck! I'm hooked! I'll be back next year!
 

A Runner from Hamilton, NJ (5/9/2001)
"Great race for a 1st time marathoner" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


For someone who had never run a marathon, I did not know what to expect. Everthing seemed to run like clockwork. The entertainment along the route as well as the crowds were sparse yet enlivening. Although I needed to walk a little at miles 22-23, I finished in a jogger's trot. It is truly a great feeling to finish my 1st marathon in my home state. Thanks to Art Castellano and his team of race coordinators for ensuring that this race will be in my memory forever.
 

A Runner from Fair Haven New Jersey (5/7/2001)
"It was the best day of my life!" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Running this marathon,my very first marathon,helped me feel an inner strenghth I didnt know I had. I am 43 years old and this was the year I felt like its just time to do it! I feel like i have a secret. I am just walking a little taller,smiling alot more, and feeling a lot stronger. I still feel high. I can't wait until next year. One of the best moments was when my three sons that volunteered to work the finish line, put my medal around my neck. Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Susan Strasser
P.S. I adore you Mark! Thanks for making me feel welcome.
 

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