calendar icon Apr 29, 2024

Bermuda Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Bermuda Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.1 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.3 
 
 
Number of comments: 29 [displaying comments 21 to 29]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

 

J. R. from Kansas (2/2/2004)
"Not One For First-Timers According To JR" (about: 2004)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


This was my first marathon and definitely a learning experience. I learned that my next marathon will be a totally flat course. When I signed up to run this marathon (with a charity), I thought that I would be running along beaches with pink sand, next to the turquoise water. (I thought I could deal with the hills if that were the case). Was I ever so wrong!! I guess the scenery was pretty for the first 13.1 miles, but for the 2nd loop I just avoided getting hit by a car. During this dreaded 2nd loop, I found myself running a single file race with two lane traffic on very small, winding, hilly roads. Cars and busses were whizzing by the entire 2nd loop. I am amazed that nobody has gotten killed yet.

Anyway, at least I finished under 5 hours and I know that the next time I am in Bermuda (it is a beautiful island), I will NOT be running the marathon. I will, however, be lying on some of the world's most beautiful beaches. (They should move the course to the south shore where these beaches are).

The spectators get the 5 stars. They were most friendly... they even knew me by name. Imagine that. The water stops were always a welcome relief, pretty much every two miles. Only I guess I didn't drink enough because I experienced major leg cramps at mile 20-26. Like I said, it was my first full marathon and I finished. What more can I ask for?
 

G. B. from Atlanta, Georgia (2/1/2004)
"Excellent Race" (about: 2004)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Challenging, but beautiful course. Great size (right around 1,000 runners for full and half marathons combined). Course includes lots of views, outstanding fan support from the locals and a couple of tough hills. Only drawback for marathon: double-loop on 13.1-mile course. Overall, very satisfying race in beautiful, scenic environment. Would do it again.
 

George Jackson, III from Chicago, Illinois (1/2/2004)
"Fun race, nice people, will run again... some day" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 4


The rolling hills were more than my muscles could handle. Having trained in Chicago where it is 'drafting board' flat, the endless rolling hills caused me horrific muscle spasms on the second loop. Still, it was a fun run. The auto traffic was not much of a bother to me, though some complained. Closing the road to traffic did not appear practical on the small island.

The organizers need to coordinate the close of registration with arrival of the final flight the day before the race. We arrived on the last flight of that day and had to search for someone in order to register. There were a small, but sufficient, number of marathoners. The pasta dinner was nice, especially the dance presentation. The course was well marked and there was ample water and sports drink. Gels would be nice. Great post-race food.
 

D. M. from Asheboro, NC (1/27/2003)
"Great Fans - Dangerous course" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


The race is a double loop on a very narrow two lane road that is not closed to traffic. There are knee high to shoulder high walls along the course and only a few spots with side walks. Only 200 people ran the marathon but there were a bunch of half marathoners doing the first loop too. There was wind and rain for the first 10 miles. Although the organizers can't control the weather, the course really needs to be closed off. One runner was hit by a car and taken to the hospital, she was released latter with minor injuries. Bermuda is beautiful the people friendly and the course is very scenic. In the pouring down rain the fans were out there cheering us on. The water and gatorade supplies were great. The organizers did a great job with everything. If they could close the road it would be perfect. The cost of the trip is expensive. Food is about double the price there (although it was delicious). The rooms are $200 or more a night. Airfare is high. It was a good race and a good experience but it will be awhile before I consider doing it again.
 

B. C. from Worcester (1/20/2003)
"Tough Love!" (about: 2003)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


Welcome to a challenge! This course does everyting it can to try and beat you....endless hills, soft limestone pavement, head winds, tail winds, cross winds, solitude, rain, wind, sun and of coarse, the complete satisfaction when I did a PR on this beauty!!! My pink racing number will be hung with a smile. I earned it.
 

A Runner from Florida (12/23/2002)
"Best Fan Support Ever" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I ran Bermuda in 1999. It's a beautiful two lap course. The fan support was the best I've ever seen in over 20 marathons. They printed out a program guide in the paper with all the race numbers and registrants names. All the residents come out to the side of the road and cheer for you by name! My only surprise was the prevalence of first time charity runners. This is not a good course for first time marathoners. It's quite hilly and is warm and humid. It seemed like about 2/3 of the race was charity groups, so without them, it wouldn't be much of an event. Lovely island, fantastic people!!
 

A Runner from Boston, MA - USA (2/17/2002)
"Great Island but tough race" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This was my first marathon in January, 2002. Bermuda was a lovely place to spend a few days of vacation in January though the weather was humid and only occasionally sunny. The Bermudans were incredibly friendly and very supportive.

I was part of a Team In Training contingent that made up about 400 of the 600 participants so the comaraderie was very high.

I had a hard time on the second lap because of the humidity, hills, and moped exhaust. Also, I could have done with a little more food on the course. I would recommend doing this marathon if you are looking for a nice place to get away to in January and you don't mind some challenges to your race.
 

Alvin Richard from New Brunswick, Canada (8/10/2001)
"Most scenic of the 20 marathons I have run" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Quite a challenging course, lots of hills, but very scenic views and beautiful vistas around this 2 lap course for the marathon. Very good value- 25$ entry fee.Very good runners, but not a very elite field. Ran a sub-par 3:28, and most of the second lap I ran with no other runners in site. Overall, a great place to visit, people are extremely warm & freindly, and the most scenic course I`ve done in 20 marathons.
 

A Runner from New York, New York (8/9/2000)
"Tough Beauty" (about: 1998)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


On most days I 'don't do hills' but to run a 1/2 marathon, I did the Bermuda hills. Wow! Tough Course! Breathtaking scenery though. At the end of the toughest hill was the most unforgetable view. The local Bermudians were great. So hospitable and cheering the entire course. I could not find check in however which made for a rough beginning. The weather is not that sunny either so don't expect to tan. Just expect to see a great island, run a great race and enjoy a quick winter getaway with a great personal reward at the end.
 

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