Taking the subway to the end of the line in the darkness of early morning, I was glad to see a couple of runners on the platform waiting for the shuttle.
Once we found the hosting pub, we were very well looked after. Just leave your things here, I'll lock the door.
The sunrise over the ocean? Spectacular - the first lap was blissful. Doesn't get nicer than that.
People - the organizers, supporters, other runners, and even the lead runners - were friendly, and positive. The course turns back a few times, so you see all the runners going by several times - strangers were watching for you each time around. A small but genuine cheering contingent, cheering for strangers too.
A HANDSHAKE with your race medal ? How civilized! An honour!
After the race, standing in the ocean to cool the legs feels great. Back to the pub? Terrific buffet sandwiches and salads, and strudel to go! Generous runner's kits - t-shirts AND a hoodie? I don't go for that sort of thing - and have been wearing mine in the mornings non-stop ever since the Sandy Storm. I'm back in Canada, but my thoughts are still with Rockaway.
I would happily run here again, and will recommend it to my running friends whole-heartedly.

This was my first ever marathon. The morning was crisp and clear, the sun was rising. It was absolutely beautiful. Flat, fast course,with a nice breeze coming off the water. There were not too many runners, which I liked, and I was not intimidated by a crowd. I LOVE the RD and how he directs the races, he is there from start to finish and cheers for everyone as they cross the finish line. I hope to be able to run this one again!

This is the antedote for the big-city so-called 'elite' marathons. If you're tired of the crowds, bureaucracy, and high fees of the ING NYC marathon, then this is the race for you. You will re-discover your love of running and why you do this as you watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean among a group of friendly and supportive people. And it doesn't get much flatter than the boardwalk at the beach, so take a break from the hill training. And it's nice to get your marathon done in October instead of waiting until November.

Beautiful start, on the Rockaway Boardwalk, overlooking the sunrise and the ocean. This was my first marathonm and also their first Marathon, and fairly well organized for a first time! I ran the Rockaway half the month before, beautiful and flat, and it was a bit nicer just because it was less windy on that boardwalk, this marathon killed a lot of runner times because of the wind! The course is a bit repetitive, the boardwalk is about 7-9 or so miles so you repeat it a few times. Major downfall is very few spectators,and few runners in general. But despite this, the organizers are super, the volunteers that are there are cheering every second you are near, and it's a perfectly flat course. Also, the organizers are very devoted to their community; they are soo cute and so sweet. Finally, the after party was amazing, and the goodie bags (for 70$ entry fee!) - medal, hoodie, long sleeved shirt, big box of cookies, and cap, in addition to all the food, was amazing!

This was my first marathon but not my first organized race. I have run several of the NY Road Runners races and this was my first race outside of their organization. Despite the incredibly windy conditions, I thought this was a beautiful coarse for a race. It is completely on the boardwalk which makes it somewhat repetitive but the ocean view is amazing and the primarily wood boardwalk is very forgiving on the knees for a marathon. (I had less recovery in this marathon than in several city runs I've done). The organization needs a little improving since they did run out or water stations towards the end of the race but I'm sure in the future they will have that worked out. The goodie bag at the end of the race was not to be believed considering it was only a $70 entry fee. A large box of really delicious cookies, a long sleave T, sweatshirt, hat and a medal plus food and a great band at the end of the race..definitely worth running again next year. (Hopefully with less wind)

Initial PRO: 20MPH TAILWIND

Initial CON: 20MPH HEADWIND

I recently ran their first official marathon along the boardwalk on Far Rockaway beach. The day started off very windy so I knew my finish time was going to be much slower than what I was expecting to run. With less than 50 people running, it was nice to 'toe the line' before the start.

Beginning with a small 4 mile loop and then 2 loops of the boardwalk, where you finish next the big blue whale sculpture. The course is out in the sun, so a hat, glasses and sunscreen are a must. While running the wind would kick up the sand which would hit you in the legs...bearable, but annoying.

Fans were minimal or non-existent...the only support you received were at certain mile marks where water/gatorade was offered. They did a good job keeping your spirits high on a mostly lonely course. There is a person on a bike who rides up and down checking on everyone to make sure everyone is ok and good spirits.

Overall the race was not too bad, but wish they had more refreshment stations and bathrooms. A medic tent would be a good idea even though I didn't need one, but I did see ambulances parked on the side...was that for us? The goodie bag was the best...a box of free cookies, hoody, shirt, cool little medal and free food/drinks. Although small, it was intimate with good friends.