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Apr 29, 2024

Bermuda Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.3

Organization 4.1

Spectators 4.3

Number of comments: 29 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

C. B. from USA (1/31/2009) "Incredibly beautiful course, wonderful people" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I actually ran the half marathon, not the full marathon. The marathon was another loop of the same course. Bermuda is the most beautiful and well-kept island. Beautiful streets and gardens, quaint old villages, turquoise ocean.... The course is indeed hilly. However, despite the fact that I live somewhere that is pancake-flat, the hills really did not bother me too much, even though I had not trained on hills at all. The spectators were fantastic. The people of Bermuda are so friendly and supportive. I am in love with this place! This was the most fun race I have ever done anywhere. It will take a lot to beat. The only improvement I could suggest (and this applies to almost all races) would be to have women's t-shirts. Even a small unisex (men's) t-shirt is like a tent on many female runners. I, and many others, would happily pay a little more for a race shirt I could actually wear. Bermuda, however, cannot be improved upon....
C. B. from Bermuda (1/18/2009) "Much improved organzation" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 As I live in Bermuda, I knew what to expect from the course, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the organization. Many comments about previous races have mentioned that this has been a bit suspect and, having run quite a few other local races, there can certainly be lapses. However, this race was well organized - comprehensive information pack, plenty of water stations, marshals or police at key points. It was also clear that the race officials had read previous comments - the marathon medal was different from that for other races. Also, the support on the second loop - especially on North Shore (which trends up between about 20 and 24.5 miles) - was good. Previous comments have said that people go inside for the second loop; that was not true this year. Also, I was running with an injury that was causing me increasing trouble as the race wore on. It was obvious that the race officials around the course knew this and that bicycle riders were keeping an eye on me - and it was very much appreciated. From my own experience, though, I would advise people not to try to run this course with an injury. It is hilly!
j. k. from New York, New York (1/23/2008) "Maybe the most beautiful" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I did the Bermuda Half-Marathon this past weekend. The course was hilly, with a bit of a wind, and temps around 73 degrees. This may not be ideal conditions for a PR, but the beauty of Bermuda is intoxicating. The spectators that were there were sincere and enthusiastic, and the host hotel was amazing. Pretty mellow at the start with no visible start or finish line set up. And no mat to register your official chip start!! The medal was unspectacular, with all runners getting the same one. But, again, the race is gorgeous and the people are fantastic. I see this event growing and growing!
A. D. from Pound Ridge, NY (1/21/2008) "Tough Course, Great Peple, Not For 1st-Timers" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bermuda Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 I ran the Bermuda Marathon this year (2008). The positives far outweigh the negatives. As far as the negatives worth mentioning... I would highlight the well-intentioned, but suspect organization. The most obvious example of this was nobody manning a water/Gatorade station on mile 7/14 (ish). Rather, there were a few cases of beverages staked on the side of the road for runners to pillage through. Those who didn't basically had to go about 4-5 miles without fluids. Not safe and not cool. The other negative was that the medal for the marathon runners appears to be the same awarded to the other racers (10K, 13.1 miles, etc.). That's lame. Lastly, with under 100 runners doing the marathon, it can get very lonely during the second loop. I passed one runner and was passed by two during the whole second half. If you are a runner that needs a "rabbit" to pace yourself against, this course is not for you. As far as the positives, there are many. First and foremost, the people of Bermuda are beautiful. The cheering sections along the road were wonderful, kind and supportive. Moreover, the island's landscape is gorgeous. I didn't mind doing two loops during this race, because there is so much natural beauty to see on this island. Another positive, for more experienced runners, is that this is a very challenging and "hilly" course. Not one for PR's, but definitely one to challenge yourself physically and mentally. You have to fight challenging hills and a rough wind. Lastly, if you make a 3-4 day vacation out of it, you can check out the beauty of Bermuda, from the Chrystal Caves, to the Southampton Beaches, etc. Very relaxing and smooth. I can't believe I just ran a marathon, I'm so relaxed from this trip. This was my fifth, hardest, and perhaps favorite marathon so far.... - AD
D. D. from Washington, DC (12/12/2007) "The Skies are Clear and the Race is Run" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bermuda Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 WOW! My first time in Bermuda and I sure hope I get to go back again. The race was amazing partly because of the course and partly because of the support (surprising since it was such a small race). My only disappointment was at the end of the first loop when the course went from really loud at the 1/2 finish to virtually quiet further down the road on the 2nd loop in Hamilton. But an overall great island, really friendly people (see if 'Cheeks' is still driving his cab) and an awesome race!
A. B. from New York City (10/17/2007) "Friendly, Beautiful and a Challenge" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Bermuda Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 As one of only 81 marathon finishers for 2006, I was thrilled have achieved the formerly impossible - an age-group triumph. I won third in my class, met the Premier and fought the elements to cap off a memorable long weekend in Bermuda. The course had some hills (nothing like Big Sur) and it opens to traffic for the 2nd loop, but with the great organization, support of the locals and scooters to rent - who wouldn't go! Great place to explore and visit... and run a marathon!
Marc Johnson from California (1/23/2007) "Running in Paradise" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bermuda Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 The small but incredible island of Bermuda.... My first marathon of the year, and it couldn't have been in a better place. The weather was perfect, the people where friendly, and the ocean views on the course were terrific. The marathon was the last race of a weekend of running. Friday night was the Front Street Mile (what fun, esp. the 8-10 year-olds); and Saturday was the 10K race, which fields the majority of the local runners and a fast elite field. Then finally Sunday was the marathon and 1/2 marathon. I hope the race will grow in numbers. The marathon is a great race for first-timers, and about the island and its people you just can't say enough. Next year, I hope to see ya in BERMUDA. :)
A. M. from New York (1/21/2007) "Run in a Tropical Paradise" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bermuda Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 It was a great marathon - at least on its first loop. It is like running through the tropical paradise - the jungle, palm trees, ocean waves, cute, small and large cottages in pastel colors. Beautiful! Well, the course consists of two loops and the second loop of the same course was quite different. Due to an unusually hot weather, suddenly the hills grew higher and the tropical paradise got a bit smaller. Still, the race was great, and the spectators sitting on the verandas of their houses were cheerful and funny. The only negatives were the cars passing us from behind on small winding roads with absolutely no shoulder. Their exhaust fumes didn't help either. I hope the organizers will find a way to redirect the traffic somehow, though I realize that on such a small island it would be unfair to the residents to block the main road for 6 hours. Before the race, we were given an instruction sheet that said that "shirts or tops must be worn during the race - it is a criminal offense to run or walk with a bare chest." In a hot weather like this?!? I ran half-naked all my previous 38 marathons, even in Tromso (Norway) 250 miles above the Arctic Circle. And what is typical for hospitable and friendly Bermudians, not a single police officer complained. I only heard from them the good luck wishes, and saw only their friendly smiles while people on the street reacted in a funny way, cheered, laughed, called me the "naked runner." And two miles before the finish, one woman even asked me a question I will never forget - "Are you married?" I guess I was still in good shape if someone was interested after I ran 24 miles. Overall, an excellent marathon and a terrific excuse to escape the winter and to spend a long weekend in such a terrific place like Bermuda!
Jen Craver from North Carolina (5/14/2005) "Very happy first-time marathon runner!" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Bermuda Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I ran this marathon - my first - in January 2005. My only expectation was to finish. I certainly didn't expect the wonderful people who passed out oranges, had their children cheering for me, and had read the paper the evening before and knew me and cheered me on BY NAME as I ran through the streets of their cities/towns. Yes, there were LOTS of hills; yes, traffic was allowed on the course; and yes, it was a warm 76 degrees. But it was an amazing experience and all the hard things just made me more proud of my accomplishment.
T. W. from New Jersey, USA (1/20/2005) "hilly, scenic, friendly and warm" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Bermuda Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and my first visit to Bermuda. I was initially intimidated when I arrived by the hills and winding roads, especially when I was taken on tour and was presented 2 HUGE hills that I was informed were on the course (gulp!); but they were not. The temperature was as expected, around 73-75 degrees and it was sunny for the first part of the marathon. The course has a lot of rolling hills, some a little challenging if you are not used to hills. The roads in Bermuda are very narrow and they had us running WITH traffic... and they only closed the lane for the first 2 hours. A teammate of mine got clipped by a car and recived a nasty bruise on her elbow. The scenics are amazing and the local residents come to their drive and support the runners, which is nice. They had water and Gatorade every 2 miles (a good distance, considering the heat). A nice race, this will always be in my memory and I may run it again. Anyone who wants to experience Bermuda and try its marathon, do not plan to make record time. Add about 15 minutes on to your expected finish time with the heat and hills, just slow your pace and enjoy it. :)

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