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☰
Atlantic City Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Atlantic City Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 3.5 
Organization 3.4 
Spectators 2.6
Number of comments: 126 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
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B. B. from Texas
(10/23/2014)
 "A good one" (about: 2014)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I spent some time trying to figure out the best choice for my NJ race (state #49) and am glad I picked this one (NJ seemed to have some poor choices). Pros: 1. Not that hard to get to about 1 1/2 hours from Phila. airport, and there's a train that only cost $10 into Center City, and my wife and I stayed there the next day, and that's a great city to visit if you have the time; 2. Good hotels (if a little expensive) right on the start/finish line and nexto the expo we got upgraded by Caesars Palace, which was nice; 3. Well organized start and finish with good pace groups; 4. Course is fine - mostly flat, a lot on the ocean and enough turns from around M1 -7 and 13-18 to keep it from being a totally boring up and back on the boardwalk (which was easy to run on); 5. Good course support, with PowerGels at just about every aid station; 6. Announcer called out everyone's first name as they finished; 7. Nice medal. 8. Instant results on computer; 9. Decent enough food after 10. Good weather, except see below. Cons: 1. Huge wind (obviously they can't control that, but it must have been 20-25 mph). 2. Age groups by 10 years (but it's a relatively small race, with 800 finishers or so); 3. Those hotels... 4. A lot of out and back (but you get to see the ocean so that's good). 5. Atlantic City | |
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Suzanne Bansley from Brattleboro, Vermont, USA
(12/13/2013)
 "Okay At Best" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 This race itself was okay at best. I did it with a group of friends, so I was there for the social aspect of the race and that was very satisfying so overall I had a good experience. Though the course is terrible. It started on the boardwalk and immediately ran off it. The first 6 or so miles were along highway overpasses and ramps, through run down neighborhoods and through old, littered, and graphite industrial and commercial zones. Not scenic at all! Then back on the boardwalk for several miles, that was nice. Then around mile 14, the course meandered through nice residential areas until mile 23 when we're back on the boardwalk. On the boardwalk, people were annoyed by the race, not at all supportive. Some people wouldn't even move out of the way, I was dodging folks on weak legs. Worst part about the race couldn't be helped, it was super windy! I was glad it didn't rain as that was in the forecast. Volunteers were great and some cheered their hearts out. The post race food was delicious clam chowder and soft pretzels! That rocked for sure! One of my friends had medical issues after and I was surprised that the med tent didn't have stretchers; my friend was lying on the ground. Parking to get to the race was a hassle in the garages and then finding the start line was a bit confusing too, plan ahead if you are doing this race. The race medal is rather neat, it blinks and doubles as a beer bottle opener. Overall, the race wasn't that great, an unimpressive course in an unattractive city without much else to offer runners but drinking and gambling. I wouldn't recommend it as a destination race or a race for a first timer, but for locals or regional runners with low standards for race quality, then this is an okay race. Read my detailed take on the race on my blog: http://empoweredbyrunning.com/?p=550 | |
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J. L. from Cherry Hill, NJ
(10/21/2013)
 "Loved the Course" (about: 2013)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is generally flat & easy. You begin & end at the same spot on the boardwalk. First 7 mi takes you through the north end of AC. Then the next 4-5 mi are on the boardwalk which at this time of day it's OK. Then you do an out & back to Margate. Last 3 mi are on the boardwalk which was a bit crowded especially at the last mile, but unfortunately it wasn't blocked off from pedestrians. If it wasn't for the strong winds from the lingering storm I would have gotten a PR. The after race food was great!!!! Rita's water ice, Philly soft pretzels, Johnson's popcorn, Honest Ade, & orange slices. The best spread I've had at a race. The medal was awesome too!!! It has a blinking light for the lighthouse & it's a bottle opener too. Definitely recommend this race. | |
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S. J. from NS
(10/14/2013)
"nice route, terrible wind, disappointing spectator" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I don't think the city even knew there was a race going on.....sad....no pasta dinner, very little recognition from the city that anything was going on. Route was nice but very few spectators. Lots of police support although I assume they are paid. Boardwalk was great to run on, lots of water stops but more than once I asked for water and was given Gatorade. I know they're volunteers so no big deal but did upset my stomach. oh well. Has potential but I'm not sure the city needs or wants my business. I came a long way for this and won't come back. No particular reason, just been there done that. thanks | |
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Jeffrey Christakos from NJ
(10/14/2013)
 "Enjoyed running in this year's event." (about: 2013)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Atlantic City Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Great job by the race organizers. The expo was well organized. Water, Gatorade and energy gels were plentiful along the course. I will definitely return. | |
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D. C. from CT
(12/7/2012)
 "A wonderful race; well organized and friendly" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I am so glad I had the opportunity to run this race. It was my 23rd marathon and I consider it to be a 'hidden gem'.. I will be telling my friends about it. I am glad you are continuing despite the devastation from the hurricane... AC is a great and fun city to run !! | |
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mary smith from Cushing Maine
(11/12/2012)
"fabulous w/ 1 discouraging qualm" (about: 2012)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I had a wonderful race, time, trip and experience w/ new friends, and athletes. I ran for the first time w/ a pacer, named Jaquae Wilkins. I hope I'm spelling it right. We would probably spell her name Jackie normally. There were about 30 of us that stayed together for the whole race laughing, and we crossed the finish on time as promised. HERE is my complaint, MY CHIP didn't work, so I am not in the books as doing the race. MAD!!!!!!! | |
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J. D. from Newark, DE
(10/26/2012)
"Easy" (about: 2012)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the second marathon for the weekend, and it met my expectations. I ran the half a few years back and knew what to expect: a well-organized race, plenty of on-course support and a scenic run along the boardwalk beneath the shadows of the casinos contrasted by a visit to the quiet side of the island. The expo was improved (no longer just a few people behind a counter) and was a much quicker visit this time around. Finishing just under 4:00 there were enough runners on the course over the last few miles that pedestrians were aware of us and for the most part did a decent job of being courteous and giving us room to soldier on to the finish. Volunteers were as helpful and encouraging as they could be. I couldn't ask for more. Hotels are plentiful in the start/finish/expo area, as are restaurants and outlet stores. It really is a 'park and forget the car' area with plenty to do within walking distance. I'm sure I'll be back. | |
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m. c. from Connecticut
(10/26/2012)
 "Well organized....just not much local enthusiasm" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 One of the flattest courses I have ever run (have done 11 marathons). If I am ever pushing for a BQ again some day, I will do this one again. I am coming off two straight years of injuries (torn achilles at New York marathon...then chronic hamstring problems last year). This year I just trained nice and easy to give my body time to recover and was not expecting to do well.....however the flatness of the course allows a low time to sneak up on you. About half way through the course I realized I could pull off a half-decent time...and did it. Organization of this course is just fine. I agree with other posters that gatorade had big variances of dilution from stop to stop.....this shouldn't bother you too much. This was the first marathon I ran which was also run with a half marathon. It has a huge drop-off in runners after you pass the half marathon turn. This shouldn't be too bad...except then the marathon course goes off the boardwalk for about 10 miles into an area that is really just not that interesting. Once you get back on the boardwalk at mile 23.....the trick is to hold back and not burn out to early. You can see the Bally's Casino (where the finish line is)....but it looks just one mile away when in reality it is over three miles away. It takes everything to keep from going too hard too early. Don't expect a fabulous feast at the finish line....but they have plenty of the usual staples (bread, bananas, oranges, yogurt....I heard there was chowder somewhere but never saw it (wasn't looking too hard cuz I had to leave). All in all... a good race that should be a BQ target for anyone needing one. | |
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M. N. from Syracuse, NY USA
(10/25/2012)
 "NO POST-RACE MASSAGE; Flat Course; Great Medal" (about: 2012)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Atlantic City Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my New Jersey marathon in my 50-state quest. Overall a decent marathon and I would recommend it for all 50-staters, as I believe this is the best NJ has to offer. The one big disappointment, however, was that there were no post-race massages, which many runners (myself included) rely on. The course itself was boring, albeit flat, but I think it was the best Atlantic City could do. The boardwalk parts were the best in terms of scenery. There needs to be improvement in marshaling pedestrians on the boardwalk for back-of-pack runners (like myself). The SWAG was top-shelf, including the goody backpack, shirt and amazing medal with a little working light house. High marks for that. The race organization was fair with plenty of water stops. The Mile 24 marker was missing, however. Overall a decent experience and would definitely recommend for anyone needing a New Jersey marathon. Could be great but not quite there yet... |
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