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Marathon Details - Mystic Places Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > CT > East Lyme/Niantic > Mystic Places Marathon

Mystic Places Marathon

Mystic Places Marathon & Half-Marathon, 5K

East Lyme/Niantic, CT USA

September 28, 2008

http://www.nianticbayhalfmarathon.com

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Marathon Results

By Year:

2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Instead of putting on a good marathon, race organizers want to put on a great half marathon. The events will continue to be staged in the picturesque Rocky Neck State Park. The half marathon course will be flatter and more scenic than the marathon course was. A 5K race will be added to attract the less intense runner.

Contact Information

Name:	John Bysiewicz
Address:	JB Sports 2 Buena Vista Rd. Branford, CT 06405
Phone Number:	(203) 481-5933
Fax Number:	(203) 481-5965
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

Mystic Country Marathon becomes Half Marathon!!!!! (7/31/07)

John Bysiewicz

This year, The Mystic Country Marathon will become the Niantic Bay Half Marathon & 5K! The event will continue to be staged in the picturesque Rocky Neck State Park. The two loop Half Marathon course will be flatter and more scenic than the marathon course was while a 5K race will be added. Both events will start and finish near the beach. After the race, participants will enjoy an outdoor beach party with live music, food and beverages. The race field will be limited to 1,500 participants. The new event will continue to benefit numerous local charities.
Please visit www.nianticbayhalfmarathon.com or call 203-481-5933 for more information.

Runner Reviews (83)

Course 4.0

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 83 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

steve&paula boone from Houston (11/7/2006) "Excellent race for an easy double" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mystic Places Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 John, thanks for making the commemorative shirts for running Breakers and Mystic. We enjoyed the races again this year and will probably run both again next year. While the post-race food was sparse for the people running the double, the $10 in tokens provided some great Chinese food at Yummy Yummy after the race. The volunteers did a great job again this year.
E. W. from Bay Village, OH (11/3/2006) "Overall C+" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I am ambivalent about this race. The course ran through some waterfront areas - nice but not especially charming. I think there is room for improvement: 1) With a 10 a.m. official start, definitely plan and publish the opportunity for early start - frankly, I'd move the time up to 8 a.m., and still have an early start. 2) Course map was very busy/confusing (don't use double-ended arrows, or have two arrows pointing at one another) and course marking/directions were not very clear - at least a dozen people missed the first loop, didn't realize it until mile 4/5, and had to go back. 3) A few more porta-potties along the course would have been nice.... 4) The only food for the five-hour finishers was bread and water. I stuck around to see friends finish, and two boxes of sub sandwiches were found - talk about manna. I was starving and they were delicious! There wasn't any control on how many subs folks took, so perhaps that's why they ran out in the first place? I am glad to have completed this race, but would not run it again.
J. F. from MA (10/31/2006) "Good course, but refreshments a bit lacking" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon, and I thought Mystic was a good race. It was a very scenic course, and although the spectators were sparse, the ones who were there were quite supportive. Traffic was never a concern, and I enjoyed seeing the lead runners as the course looped around. I finished around four hours, and even though I was in the top half of the finishers, there wasn't much left for refreshments - mini loaves of bread, a few yogurt containers, and the dregs of clam chowder (which wasn't appealing to me post-race). Organizers could do a better job on the food front, but otherwise I'd recommend the race to others.
R. W. from Bloomfield, NJ (10/30/2006) "Beautiful Run" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 It couldn't have been a better day for running; sunny (but not too sunny), a slight breeze & mid-50s. The course is beautiful and while hilly, except for the monster at 23-24, it wasn't too bad. The course is a confusing one, but there were plenty of marshals available. Two problems, though: 1) some of the mile markers were off, 2) due to unanticipated problems I came in much later that I expected and there was little food left. This evidently had been a problem in previous marathons. I would love to take another crack at this course.
Bob Dyjak from Rochester, NY (10/28/2006) "Small, But Well Done!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 21st marathon and 8th state. I initially intended to make Hartford my CT marathon, but other priorities got in the way of that plan. I'm not disappointed that MCM turned out to be my CT marathon. I knew it was relatively small compared to others I have completed, but it was well done. I was especially impressed with how well the course was marked and the abundance of road marshals insuring that you made the right turn. Water stops were plentiful and the course, though a bit winding (READ: lots of turns), had some very scenic spots. I would recommend this marathon to others. Thanks for a job well done.
J. H. from East Lyme, CT (10/25/2006) "A job well done!" (General Comments) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Thanks for putting on another well-organized event. I have particpiated very year in either the full marathon, relay or 10 miler. I have enjoyed it every year and look forward to many more. the two small hills at the end are certainly a challenge. Not many spectators but the ones out there were awesome.
c. p. from Richmond, Virginia (10/25/2006) "pretty place but confusing" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was day 2 of my first double marathon weekend. The course was nice and went through some very pretty neighborhoods. You passed runners many times going the opposite way than you...this was good but also a bit confusing, especially towards the end when marathon mind takes over. There were lots of other double race runners out so you got to keep up with familiar faces. Overall I liked the race...the race directors and state park were well prepared to handle the volume of traffic so it was easy to get in and out of the park...and the outdoor but very warm shower at the camp sites was a nice touch for those of us that were leaving and could not get a 3pm check out from the local hotel.
T. M. from New Jersey (10/24/2006) "Overall a very well organized and enjoyable event" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race was my seventh marathon. I thought it was organized extremely well. The crowds were a little sparse, but the spectators that were present were full of positive encouragement. Lots of locals came out to cheer us on. All of the other runners I interacted with on the course were very friendly and encouraging. Since this is a smaller marathon there was plenty of room to run without getting elbowed or bumped around. There were also plenty of water stops. The course was very enjoyable - some rolling hills but none to really break your spirit. There was plenty of traffic control. Lots of race marshalls keeping the runners going in the right direction and the traffic away. My friends were able to get to a few different vantage points to cheer me on. However, there were some resticted traffic areas that hindered spectators from getting to some areas of the course. The weather was perfect high 50's, little wind, some clouds, lots of great foliage. I was slightly disappointed with the lack of refreshments at the end of the course for us back of the packers. When I finished, the course was still going to be open for one more hour and there were almost no refreshments left and most of the tents were being packed up. I found this a little depressing. I understand the day was coming to a close but having everything being shut down in my face put a very slight damper on my experince. Overall this is a very very good marathon. I would recommend it to runners who are looking to run a 'smaller' event.
m. c. from Middlebury, CT (10/24/2006) "A nice, small, picturesque marathon" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a good marathon for those that just want to run a nice course....and not necessarily depend on spectators to cheer them on. The course is often entertaining with great waterfront views, with occasional diversions through various neighborhoods and into the town of Niantic. With the course being an out-and-back....with an additional mini-out and back loop at mile 5&6 you get to see the race leaders twice in the race. This race doesn't exactly bring out the Niantic crowds. Many of the homeowners in the neighborhoods on the course were taking advantage of the great weather to do some yardwark. Some of them would drop their rakes and cheer the runners. Before the race many runners were concerned about the many sharp turns on this race (some were already complaining that it was too many before the race even started). I didn't mind the turns at all. They were all well marked....and the trickier ones always had a volunteer pointing the way. Multiple turns won't kill a good time for a marathon. If there were this many turns on a 5k race I could see the point of those complaining...however not on a marathon. The only hill worth mentioning is the the one at mile 23. All the others are short and manageable. The 23 mile hill is a bit steeper and more drawn out, but it isn't a killer. Good course management in the early portion will leave you ready to tackle this one. Regarding the on-course drink, Powerade, and GU Gel....no major complaints from me. Those looking to qualify for Boston, who have done at least a minor amount of training for hills should like this course. The small crowd allows to run your pace right away. All in all.....I'm glad I ran Mystic. Not sure if I will be back though as I will be looking for different Marathon experiences to add to my resume.
J. E. from Bridgeport, CT (10/24/2006) "Disappointed" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Mystic Places Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 It's unfortunate that after running five hours, there was no food left except bread and water. It's hard to take that after paying $65.00 there was no food to eat... and we got no apology from the organizers either. This is probably my last time running this race. I hope that next year there will be food for the slower marathon runners.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]



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steve&paula boone from Houston (11/7/2006) "Excellent race for an easy double" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Mystic Places Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 John, thanks for making the commemorative shirts for running Breakers and Mystic. We enjoyed the races again this year and will probably run both again next year. While the post-race food was sparse for the people running the double, the $10 in tokens provided some great Chinese food at Yummy Yummy after the race. The volunteers did a great job again this year.
E. W. from Bay Village, OH (11/3/2006) "Overall C+" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I am ambivalent about this race. The course ran through some waterfront areas - nice but not especially charming. I think there is room for improvement: 1) With a 10 a.m. official start, definitely plan and publish the opportunity for early start - frankly, I'd move the time up to 8 a.m., and still have an early start. 2) Course map was very busy/confusing (don't use double-ended arrows, or have two arrows pointing at one another) and course marking/directions were not very clear - at least a dozen people missed the first loop, didn't realize it until mile 4/5, and had to go back. 3) A few more porta-potties along the course would have been nice.... 4) The only food for the five-hour finishers was bread and water. I stuck around to see friends finish, and two boxes of sub sandwiches were found - talk about manna. I was starving and they were delicious! There wasn't any control on how many subs folks took, so perhaps that's why they ran out in the first place? I am glad to have completed this race, but would not run it again.
J. F. from MA (10/31/2006) "Good course, but refreshments a bit lacking" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon, and I thought Mystic was a good race. It was a very scenic course, and although the spectators were sparse, the ones who were there were quite supportive. Traffic was never a concern, and I enjoyed seeing the lead runners as the course looped around. I finished around four hours, and even though I was in the top half of the finishers, there wasn't much left for refreshments - mini loaves of bread, a few yogurt containers, and the dregs of clam chowder (which wasn't appealing to me post-race). Organizers could do a better job on the food front, but otherwise I'd recommend the race to others.
R. W. from Bloomfield, NJ (10/30/2006) "Beautiful Run" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 It couldn't have been a better day for running; sunny (but not too sunny), a slight breeze & mid-50s. The course is beautiful and while hilly, except for the monster at 23-24, it wasn't too bad. The course is a confusing one, but there were plenty of marshals available. Two problems, though: 1) some of the mile markers were off, 2) due to unanticipated problems I came in much later that I expected and there was little food left. This evidently had been a problem in previous marathons. I would love to take another crack at this course.
Bob Dyjak from Rochester, NY (10/28/2006) "Small, But Well Done!" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 21st marathon and 8th state. I initially intended to make Hartford my CT marathon, but other priorities got in the way of that plan. I'm not disappointed that MCM turned out to be my CT marathon. I knew it was relatively small compared to others I have completed, but it was well done. I was especially impressed with how well the course was marked and the abundance of road marshals insuring that you made the right turn. Water stops were plentiful and the course, though a bit winding (READ: lots of turns), had some very scenic spots. I would recommend this marathon to others. Thanks for a job well done.
J. H. from East Lyme, CT (10/25/2006) "A job well done!" (General Comments) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Thanks for putting on another well-organized event. I have particpiated very year in either the full marathon, relay or 10 miler. I have enjoyed it every year and look forward to many more. the two small hills at the end are certainly a challenge. Not many spectators but the ones out there were awesome.
c. p. from Richmond, Virginia (10/25/2006) "pretty place but confusing" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was day 2 of my first double marathon weekend. The course was nice and went through some very pretty neighborhoods. You passed runners many times going the opposite way than you...this was good but also a bit confusing, especially towards the end when marathon mind takes over. There were lots of other double race runners out so you got to keep up with familiar faces. Overall I liked the race...the race directors and state park were well prepared to handle the volume of traffic so it was easy to get in and out of the park...and the outdoor but very warm shower at the camp sites was a nice touch for those of us that were leaving and could not get a 3pm check out from the local hotel.
T. M. from New Jersey (10/24/2006) "Overall a very well organized and enjoyable event" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race was my seventh marathon. I thought it was organized extremely well. The crowds were a little sparse, but the spectators that were present were full of positive encouragement. Lots of locals came out to cheer us on. All of the other runners I interacted with on the course were very friendly and encouraging. Since this is a smaller marathon there was plenty of room to run without getting elbowed or bumped around. There were also plenty of water stops. The course was very enjoyable - some rolling hills but none to really break your spirit. There was plenty of traffic control. Lots of race marshalls keeping the runners going in the right direction and the traffic away. My friends were able to get to a few different vantage points to cheer me on. However, there were some resticted traffic areas that hindered spectators from getting to some areas of the course. The weather was perfect high 50's, little wind, some clouds, lots of great foliage. I was slightly disappointed with the lack of refreshments at the end of the course for us back of the packers. When I finished, the course was still going to be open for one more hour and there were almost no refreshments left and most of the tents were being packed up. I found this a little depressing. I understand the day was coming to a close but having everything being shut down in my face put a very slight damper on my experince. Overall this is a very very good marathon. I would recommend it to runners who are looking to run a 'smaller' event.
m. c. from Middlebury, CT (10/24/2006) "A nice, small, picturesque marathon" (about: 2006) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Mystic Places Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This is a good marathon for those that just want to run a nice course....and not necessarily depend on spectators to cheer them on. The course is often entertaining with great waterfront views, with occasional diversions through various neighborhoods and into the town of Niantic. With the course being an out-and-back....with an additional mini-out and back loop at mile 5&6 you get to see the race leaders twice in the race. This race doesn't exactly bring out the Niantic crowds. Many of the homeowners in the neighborhoods on the course were taking advantage of the great weather to do some yardwark. Some of them would drop their rakes and cheer the runners. Before the race many runners were concerned about the many sharp turns on this race (some were already complaining that it was too many before the race even started). I didn't mind the turns at all. They were all well marked....and the trickier ones always had a volunteer pointing the way. Multiple turns won't kill a good time for a marathon. If there were this many turns on a 5k race I could see the point of those complaining...however not on a marathon. The only hill worth mentioning is the the one at mile 23. All the others are short and manageable. The 23 mile hill is a bit steeper and more drawn out, but it isn't a killer. Good course management in the early portion will leave you ready to tackle this one. Regarding the on-course drink, Powerade, and GU Gel....no major complaints from me. Those looking to qualify for Boston, who have done at least a minor amount of training for hills should like this course. The small crowd allows to run your pace right away. All in all.....I'm glad I ran Mystic. Not sure if I will be back though as I will be looking for different Marathon experiences to add to my resume.
J. E. from Bridgeport, CT (10/24/2006) "Disappointed" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Mystic Places Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 It's unfortunate that after running five hours, there was no food left except bread and water. It's hard to take that after paying $65.00 there was no food to eat... and we got no apology from the organizers either. This is probably my last time running this race. I hope that next year there will be food for the slower marathon runners.

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Marathon Details - Mystic Places Marathon