Pleasantly surprised (about: 2001)
Course: 4
Organization: 3
Fans: 1
A Runner from Nashua, NH (12/14/01)
I have run a couple dozen marathons and am going for the 50 states. I ran this race to get New Jersey, and because I didn't get into New York. I came to run with my running partner/sweetie. I didn't read the reviews until the week before the race. When I did, they scared me, but we had already paid for the plane tickets, hotel, registration, etc., so we ran it anyways. We are not particularly fast runners, and had not trained very well to boot. We ran a nice paced, relaxed race and took the time to look around. We thoroughly enjoyed this race. The organization was nothing special, but everything that was needed was available and there didn't seem to be any mishaps. There were plenty of water stops. The volunteers were helpful, friendly, kind. The race starts early in the morning, so the boardwalk is empty. That is really nice. You then head out into the residential part of town. There are so many turns, that I think the entire race is run within 5 miles of the start. You get to see the whole of downtown. When you finish, the boardwalk has filled with people who couldn't care less about the runners. They are more the eggs, bacon and a cigarette crowd. So you do a little dodging in the last mile or so. This could be seen as horrible, or unique, or challenging. I had fun with it. I would not recommend this race to a serious runner, or someone who is looking for a PR. But for a nice long run by the ocean, I would recommend it to everyone!! Plus, when you are done, you get to go to one of the many 'All you can eat buffets.'
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