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Apr 27, 2024

B&A Trail Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.3

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.2

Number of comments: 93 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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D. L. from Washington, DC (4/1/2014) "Miserable conditions, great race" (about: 2014) 3 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a race put on by runners for runners and it really showed this year. Between the rain, wind and cold weather, it was a challenging day. I ran the half and found it tough going. But the logistics were almost flawless, with volunteers where they were supposed to be, clear mile posts, and a fully stocked finish line. Its races like this that show the true commitment of the organizers. Pros: 1. Waiting inside the high school! Warmth, and flush toilets. It was also a welcome place to come in out of the rain after the race. 2. Great swag. The Annapolis Striders always manage great premiums for a relatively inexpensive race. This year it was a nice pullover. Cons: 1. I don't get the lack of bag check. I guess its a security thing, post-Boston bombing, but I've run other races since that did have a bag check. There was ample parking at the school but it was annoying to run back and forth to my car in the rain. 2. Few spectators. Of course this year I was amazed that anyone came out given the conditions thanks spectators! but even in good weather this race has few people on the sidelines. I don't mind that, but if a lot of cheering is your thing, this isn't the race for you.
L. C. from Western Maryland (4/21/2013) "Great early spring small marathon, flat and fast." (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Annapolis Striders put on a great marathon. The course is flat and mostly on the B & A Rail Trail. It is well supported with enthusiastic volunteers. It started and finished at an LA fitness gym, so hot showers and nice locker rooms were a big plus. This is a great early marathon if you don't prefer lots of spectators and other runners. I got another BQ too.
B. S. from South Jersey (3/24/2013) "Nice, no frills, early spring marathon." (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I ran the 2013 race. The logistics of this race are super easy. There are plenty of hotels in the Arundel Mills area, a few miles from the start. We stayed at the Aloft, which allows pets. It was the first time my Pomeranian could join us on a marathon trip. The packet pick up at the running store on Friday was easy, in and out in 5 minutes. Parking at the race start on Saturday at the LA Fitness was was ample and free. About 90% of the course was on the paved bike path, which is generally flat and fast. The first 5 miles were somewhat congested but not too crazy. The race organizers limit the number of runners to a few hundred. It would be wise to bring a Nathan water belt as there are not very many water stations. The stations were, however, well staffed and well stocked with water, Gatorade and GU. Volunteers were very friendly and supportive. Thank you! I recommend this race to experienced marathon runners who don't need big crowds, expos or spectators. The hot shower at the end of the race is a BIG plus! Thank you Striders for a great race experience!
G. B. from Augusta, GA (4/29/2012) "Good organization, good people" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course, support and organization of the race were great for the size of field, and are a tribute to the folks in that area. the volunteers late in the race were Great!! While not my best performance day (didn't get my finishers medal yet - but still hopeful it will be sent), I would recommend this run to anyone.
David Zajic from Alabama (3/8/2012) "Great Marathon - Great folks" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 50th Marathon and 32nd state so I've seen good and some bad. This was a well-run race, the team has good experience and is well organized at the important stuff. I did the early start (had an early flight) and even though I was the first to go thru the water stops the crews did great. The showers are a nice touch and greatly appreciated. I also enjoyed getting the pants instead of the shirt (already got a closet full of those). I recommend this race to everyone!
Ed Robins from Philadelphia, Pa (3/7/2012) "Well organized small race" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the 2012 race for my Maryland race and I feel I chose well. This was a nice, small (1000 runners; 329 did the full marathon) race. There is lot's to like about this race. I was able to pick up the race packet race morning. The race begins and ends at a high school so you can warm-up indoors and use real bathrooms. After a mile and a half running on roads to spread the field out a little the rest of the race is on a paved 'rails to trails' bike path. It is a flat course with only one real hill to speak of that we hit at mile 7. The scenery along the way doesn't really change but it is always pleasant. There are plenty of aid stations (in fact more than the web site promised); They all had gatorade and many on the second half had orange slices and pretzels. I did not see any gels but since I brought my own perhaps I missed them. I'm a slow runner who had a bad day but the volunteers remained out on course till the end. Thanks! They had a nice medal and gave out nice running pants rather than a shirt. I also enjoyed the post-race massage. I didn't use them but showers from the school were made available post-race. This race was run by the Annapolis Striders running club and my experience with races run by local running clubs has always been great. They certainly understand a runner's needs and the 'local flavor' is a nice touch. You can't do wrong if you decide to run this race.
Charles West from Pottstown, PA (3/6/2012) "Nice flat fast scenic course" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I am starting to work on the 50 state marathon challenge and have heard many great things about this race and wanted to avoid the hilly Baltimore race so I choose B&A for my maryland race. First, this is not a regular trail race. The entire race is on paved surfaces. It's not a huge race and there are stretches with no spectator support. However, the trail is scenic and there are distractions to keep you occupied as you run. Instead of a shirt, the organizers gave out a nice pair of jogging pants. The fee is very low for a marathon. Very nice water stations (the one located at the 18/20 mile mark did run out of cups between my first and second passing) with nice sweet treats during the 2nd half. Like most half marathon/marathon races, the half marathoners did a good job on the post-race refreshment area but there was still plenty of food left when I finished. The showers were luke warm at best but most races don't provide showers anyways. Overall, I am very happy with the nice flat course. I had my 2nd fastest time. Very small hills except for the one around mile 7 but that did not last long. Highly recommended.
C. H. from Aberdeen, SD (3/6/2012) "awesome event" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is a very well organized event. The course was fairly flat and I enjoyed being on a bike trail instead of another tour of a city. Only one hill and it comes early and is not real significant. If you are a 50 stater I can't think of a better marathon to do in Maryland than this one. I was at the Baltimore marathon last October and B & A Trail Marathon beats it hands down.
L. G. from Maryland (3/5/2012) "A gem right in my backyard!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This marathon was a great experience with lots of positives: - well organized / easy logistics - awesome volunteers - Coke at aid stations - track pants instead of a shirt - enthusiastic spectators - flat course - warm school to hang out in before and after the race with showers available afterwards - nice food selection at the end, including pizza - bargain price for all you get - early start available if needed - packet pick up on race morning - friendly runners - nice medal Cons: - the headwind ( not controllable) Overall, a really fun event that takes good care of the runners and is well worth running! Do not miss!!
M. T. from New Jersey (3/5/2012) "No complaints!!" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 B&A Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 First marathon I have run that I have zero complaints about. Great organization, easy packet pick-up, nice scenic course, awesome volunteers, plenty of aid stations with lots of goodies, lots of post race food including hot pizza, post race showers, free massages, and they announced my name at the finish line!! I loved every part of this race, and you can't beat the price!!

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