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Atlantic City Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Atlantic City Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.4 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 126 [displaying comments 111 to 121]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 > ]

 

A Runner from Philadelphia, PA (10/16/2002)
"Exellent Organization & Plenty of Refreshments" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I saw all the bad comments on here prior to running the 43rd Annual Atlantic City Marathon, and I must admit that they scared me. I was expecting a disorganized and unfriendly racing environment. It couldn't have been further from the truth for this year. There were 100s of happy competitors, well stocked refreshment areas with encouraging volunteers, and better than expected traffic and crowd control. While about half the racers just ran the half marathon, there were still plenty of people running the second half of the marathon to keep you motivated and pushing yourself. I'd definitely recommend this race to anyone looking to experience some amazing scenery. What's great about this course is that it takes you through the entire urban landscape of Atlantic City. You not only get to experience the nostalgic Atlantic City Boardwalk with all the flashy casinos, but you also get to see another side of the city. The course takes you through areas in the city where urban planning and development our occuring as well as those of plight and underdevelopment. The most amazing part of this course overlooks the Atlantic Ocean where the race begins and ends. Rightly so...
 

A Runner from McLean VA (10/14/2002)
"Extremely fast course" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


This course is all at sea level with no grades, and about 10 of the 26 miles on boardwalk that is kind to your legs. Half of course has ocean breakers in view -- the rest is still entertaining and the boardwalk is scenic it its own right. Very small field makes for PR possibilities.
 

A Runner from new jersey (10/1/2002)
"nice race, good scenery, below average ammenites" (General Comments)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 2


I see a lot of bashing this race in other comments. I like the race. You cannot, however, go into it expecting a race like NY or other big name races. I have run it 3 or 4 times and use it as a long run with friends. It would possibly not be good for a PR due to poor crowd support and running alone if you are toward the front. There is water every 1 to 2 miles and yes, it is true, there are not clocks every mile and some of the miles may be inaccurate. There are also several turns, but this adds to the character of the race. You get to see different parts of Atlantic City and surroundings. You run about 10-12 miles on the boardwalk which is very pleasant unless you are going into the wind, but if you are it is only for 5-6 miles since you run the boards north and south. The towns south of the boardwalk from about miles 16 to 22 are scenic and pleasant. The part north goes past condos and neighborhoods and is also pleasant. If you are dissappointed with the race, it is because you were expecting something different. Not every race has to be sensory overload like NY or Boston. Some races can just be run for the fun of running 26 miles.
 

A Runner from Boston, Massachusetts (9/22/2002)
"Awful" (about: 1997)


COURSE: 1  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 1


There is NOT water at every mile, nor are there clocks at every mile. There are too many hair-pin turns around orange cones or poles, which break momentum. There is no crowd support. In fact, boardwalk gamblers are strolling aimlessly all over the course. The race organizers are only helpful on race day, prior to that day it is virtually impossible to get any reliable information.
 

A Runner from south jersey. (9/3/2002)
"would not recommend" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 1


small marathon with no community interest. almost no crowd support, in fact, we actually were heckled in some areas. from street punks with boom boxes to degenerate gamblers making smart remarks, you pretty much are on your own. field of about 200 is so spread out, you are alone most of the time.
 

A Runner from Nashua, NH (12/14/2001)
"Pleasantly surprised" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


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.'
 

A Runner from FLORIDA (10/17/2001)
"was atlantic city marathon always this bad" (General Comments)


COURSE: 1  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 1


I'm really suprised that this marathon was so bad. I've never run it but I believe this marathon has a long history and hasn't been this bad. Would like to see some comments who might have run this marathon in its better days. Was very suprised to see only 140 or so finishers. I know Atlantic City itself has had better days in the past, I think the same could probably be said about this race.
 

A Runner from New York (10/16/2001)
"Flat and fast, overall enjoyable small marathon" (General Comments)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


The course was flat and fast. Not particularly great surroundings, but running on the Boardwalk was nice. Despite the difficulty in contacting the organization initially, they were well organized at the start, during and at the finish of the race. A lot of course volunteers, plenty of water & gatorade. Too bad there weren't more spectators. Needs to be publicized more locally.
 

A Runner from Wildwood Crest, NJ (10/16/2001)
"Could be better." (General Comments)


COURSE: 1  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 1


This is such a beautiful area from Atlantic City to Linwood....it seems to me that in the city of Atlantic City alone race organizers could find so much more water, road helpers,( volunteers or paid)......put more time and money into it and you will get more out of it ! . It has the making of a beautiful experience. I ran three years in a row....has been progressively worse every year.....sad. I enjoy the closeness to my home but wouldn't travel far to participate.
 

A Runner from New Jersey (10/2/2001)
"Avoid this Marathon" (about: 1998)


COURSE: 2  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 2


I have run 40 marathons and ultras, and this has been the worst one. The start was disorganized, the support was inadequate, the course is uninteresting and pedestrians kept getting in my way as I ran on the Boardwalk. Check out the race Web page and you will see that it is terrible as well. No one should waste their time and money making a special trip to Atlantic City for this disappointing race. The T-shirt, however, is one of my favorites.
 

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