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May 1, 2024

Hartford Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.1

Organization 4.3

Spectators 3.9

Number of comments: 306 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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J. D. from Wakefield, RI (10/12/2015) "Well organized marathon, great course" (about: 2015) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Hartford Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran (and loved) this marathon in 2012 and 2015. I got PR's both years. The marathon was well organized. Everything ran smoothly. Aid stations were well stocked and fully staffed. There were many spectators out on the course. A lot of the course was fairly flat and none of the hills on the course were particularly big. There were musicians in a number of locations on the course. At the finish, runners were given reusable water bottles, goody bags, and an attractive medal.
M. C. from Buffalo, NY (10/12/2015) "Hartford: A great Community and great Race!" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hartford Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I was really glad that I ran Hartford. I am half way to my goal of a marathon in each state. Of the 25 run so far, this one could be very near the top. The people were so very friendly. The course was nice with few hills. The water stops and spectators were awesome. While I really enjoyed my time in Hartford, I think that a few tweaking of events could make it even better. Not to be negative or critical, but some ideas that may want to be considered: 1) You could do packet pick up until 9:00 on Friday night. We arrived at 6:00 and while the picket up was VERY efficient, we did not get to really browse the venders. The booths were all being broken down at 6:00. It was disappointing because we were looking to buy a few things. And one both was for the Austin Marathon which we are thinking about running but it was closed. 2) The start line was way too crowded. Feet were getting tangled for quite some time. The marathoners and half marathoners may need to start differently. Especially since it is a separate course after the first mile. 3) An 8:00 start is pushing it for being late. I would prefer a 7:00 or even 6:00 start. The heat hit us towards the end of the race. 4) At first I thought it was just me not paying attention but I could not find many of the mile markers. The first one I saw was at mile 4 then they were sporadic. They were small and green which blended with the trees. I thought it was just me but after speaking to folks who ran just the half, they did not see any. Surely this is a cheap easy fix. 5) My biggest gripe is somewhat of a common one. Being one of the 2000 that ran the full marathon, I was really looking forward to some chili and grub at the race finish. But, the half marathoners gobbled it down and there was none left for us slow pokes. This bothers me a great deal. This race was awesome in that the medals and shirts were different for full and half. But at the end, there was no food for slower full marathoners. I loved Hartford and the friendly people. If you are thinking about running Connecticut, Hartford is a must!
C. M. from Philadelphia, PA (10/12/2015) "Not impressed..." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hartford Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I was not impressed with the race organization for Hartford Marathon. I felt like the race was for the locals. One big party for the locals. As a runner, when I arrived to the chaos race morning, there were tons of tents and private port-a-lets within the private tents - thinking to myself, 'huh, how do I get in one of those.' You don't. Unless you're a local. There were 2 sets of 150 port-a-lets for the general public. CHAOS. There are probably around 5,000 runners in lines a mile long to use the bathroom. If you are running this race, and you have the opportunity to get in with an organization that has a private tent, do it. Your pre-race experience will be better. I strained a muscle along the way. I just needed a compression wrap. Would you believe that there ARE NO AID STATIONS? The process was for you to get to a water station, and they will call someone. WHAT?! What if someone needed a band aid, or a squirt of sunblock, or a slab of Vaseline? Out of luck. I actually had to dig in the truck of a police car to get what I needed. Even the police officer who helped me was perplexed that there were no aid stations. I just don't know how you put on an event of this size with no aid stations along the course. They advise you to 'notify a fluid station volunteer' for help - well your fluid station volunteers had no idea that there were no aid stations or they were the 'go to.' I found the volunteers to be outstanding. I found the race organization to be not outstanding. Not overly nice. Will never run this race or any event by this organization again.
J. V. from NYC (10/11/2015) "I enjoyed this marathon" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hartford Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The course was mildly hilly. There is a long flat stretch in the back half, where you can make up a lot of time. The hill at the end felt awful by mile 25. It takes you up the founders bridge to the finish, and it is a pace killer. The course would actually be better backwards. You'd get a downhill at the start and end, you'd get the long boring residential stretch out of the way early, and as you start to hit the wall you'd have lots of views of the Hartford skyline. But that is just a bit, I liked the course. I was nervous when I saw it went over bike paths, but the crowding wasn't a problem by this point. Start was too crowded. I couldn't make it to my intended start pace, and neither could the 3:30 pacer (who started behind 3:50). It was so crowded that right after the start line, people stopped due to the traffic. A corral system might be more appropriate if the start is mixed. The Gatorade on the course was so watered down that some stations basically had water. Finish was well-organized.
B. D. from Hartford, CT (8/6/2015) "Well Organized Race!" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a GREAT race. The start is a little chaotic, but that adds to the fun! I ran the half, and after mile 1, we split from the full. The half course took us through West Hartford and lovely Elizabeth Park. There were ample water stations. All of the volunteers were very friendly and helpful. This race is a definitely worth running!
Ed Robins from Philadelphia, Pa (12/6/2014) "Great choice to finish 50 states" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Hartford Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I am a 50 stater who chose Hartford to complete my quest. Good Call!! Another 50 stater told me to consider this race as my final race because they 'make a nice fuss' and they really did. After crossing the finish line I was called up and interviewed by the race MC and I was given a great personalized plaque acknowledging my accomplishment. But for anyone this is a real nice race. Its a fairly large race (2400 in full; 5900 in half and 1800 in the 5K). The city embraces the event. I always like traveling to a city that goes all out for its race. The course is fairly flat. A few rollers and false flats but only a true flatlander would have issues with the terrain. Also as an October race in New England the temperatures should accommodate. Crowding isn't an issue because the course splits just past the 1 mile mark. So runners shooting for PR will only have themselves to blame if they don't make it. The course is nice. We run a few nice miles by the river and most of the race is through quiet suburban areas. There are plenty of water stops and all had sports drink. The start and finish lines are in Bushnell Park. There are plenty of Port-a-johns and the post race set-up works well. I got in and out of the expo effortlessly. Its a fairly large expo so runners looking for deals or souvenirs will be pleased. I also got to meet running pioneer Katherine Switzer! Fan support was only Ok but I suspect that was a result of the rainy weather that we had to endure this year. Since the city seemed to embrace the race so much I suspect the crowds would be much better on other years. I really like the medal and the long sleeve tech shirt.
T. S. from PA (10/29/2014) "Great marathon!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hartford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I read the comments from runners who ran last year and got worried about not getting a race shirt or a finishers medal. Shouldn't have worried. Great run, great volunteers, and great water stops. I am thankful for the 4:30 pacer - I finished in 4:30.
nick keeling from bethesda maryland (10/24/2014) "loved this race" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Hartford Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Loved the course, spectators, medal and best of all the post race food! Toasted cheese sandwiches, chicken soup, beer and all the other post marathon treats bananas bagels etc. The shirt, the right size by the way other than Boston is the best yet. Sunday only wear!
R. K. from Connecticut (10/23/2014) "Big city advantages without the hassle" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 2 Hartford Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great job Hartford! Weather aside, which is obviously out of the Foundation's control and also probably an anomaly as the days surrounding the event were perfect, this is a terrific New England marathon. All of the advantages of a big marathon without any hassle. Great course, lots of spectator support (even in the cold pouring rain), wonderful volunteers (even in the cold pouring rain). Access to the start could not have been easier. In an effort to minimize standing around in cold rain, I arrived a mere 45 minutes before the start, parked 2 blocks from the finish line and still had time to use the port-a-potty, stretch and get going. Finding family and friends at the end is a snap. I love the mail-bib option. Finally, there was a snafu with the shirt and the operations team could not have been nicer. They mailed me the correct one in days and were immediately responsive to my email. Registration was also great and accommodating. This event is becoming one of my favorites. If I don't do another full, I would definitely return for a half. Only suggestion-there appear to be a lack of time clocks on the course-I am not sure whether that was weather related, and most people have watches, but a few more would have been helpful.
J. H. from Texas (10/22/2014) "Great Race..but needs a corral start" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was overall an outstanding marathon experience! One of the most beautiful finish lines and a great medal! Volunteer support was awesome, and though the crowds were small due to the rain, those that were out were very enthusiastic and supportive. Only negative for me was the start. Though runners were asked to 'seed' themselves based on posted mile paces, the signs were less than 20 yards apart. So, basically ever one crammed together and trying to push their way through the crowd. Made for a bit of a treacherous start with the rain slicked roads. Saw a couple of tumbles as people jumping up on curbs and sidewalks. Though this race is not huge in numbers...definitely could use more organized corral start. That said, still an awesome race during a beautiful time of year! And, yes!!! The grilled cheese rocked my world at the finish!!

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