Marathon Details - Ocean Drive Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > NJ > Cape May County > Ocean Drive Marathon

Ocean Drive Run Club, Inc. Ocean Drive Marathon & 10-Miler, 5K, 1.5 Mile Fun Run

Cape May County, NJ USA

April 22, 2018

http://www.odmarathon.org

More Info:	News
Results:	2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2006 \| 2005 \| 2004 \| 2003 \| 2002 \| 2001 \| 2000 Top 3 Finishers by Year
Course Maps:	View Course Map/Elevation Chart

Contact More Info Organizer

Name:	Ocean Drive Run Club, Inc
Address:	PO Box 1245 Southeastern, PA 19399
Phone Number:	(609) 523-0880
Fax Number:	(610) 688-7629
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.2

Organization 4.2

Spectators 2.8

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Number of comments: 199 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 20 > ]

R. S. from Holbrook, New York (6/5/2018) "SMALL Marathon with Flat Course" (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my second Marathon that I completed and much different from my first. My first was the Philadelphia Marathon which everything seemed much bigger. This is the first year the Marathon was held in April, which judging by previous posts, the weather was much better. It was a sunny day with a little breeze, not the head winds that previous years had. The Course is an out and back type course that is very flat. The only hills come from the three bridges you must cross but they are relatively easy. There are not too many turns with a lot of straight paths which makes this an easy Marathon to PR or qualify for Marathon. The volunteers at the water stations were very supportive and poured their hearts into cheering every runner.....all 170 of us....The water stations were spaced out fairly. Arriving in the morning was tough because not many people knew where the start line was and their were no signs directing anyone. The course had very little spectators but those who were out were very supportive. I was surprised by the low turnout due to the beautiful day but I assume there is not much advertising for this race. The Expo was not an expo but a bib pick up where you get your shirt and if you wanted, you could buy a previous year shirt. Overall, I enjoyed this Marathon. The beautiful weather with the scenic course of the water and beach homes made the experience enjoyable.
K. B. from Alexandria, VA (4/29/2018) "Beautiful race on the shore!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 In 2018, we had perfect weather. There was a breeze but it was not a factor at all as has been reported in previous years. As ever, weather is luck of the draw. The course is flat, well-marked, and well-served by enthusiastic volunteers. It is also scenic at some points, and there are lots of pretty homes to eyeball on the out and back course. The race is small. Not a big field of runners (a lot were doing the ten miler vice the full marathon), and the expo, as noted, is really just a bib pickup. You also don't get a lot of spectators ... it's a bit early for the summer beach crowds, and the area hosts a lot of other events. I was surprised how many people asked me what I was doing and how long a marathon is as I ambled past them on the boardwalk! Still, it was a very nice, well-supported, quiet race. And since it is not my first rodeo, I was okay with having a smaller expo and such. A note for healthy eaters: Good Earth and Green Street Cafe are superb places to eat! Good Earth down by Cape May is a hole in the wall macrobiotic place run by an Italian couple who came here in 2012. It has delectable homemade meals that are perfect for fueling and recovery. Cafe Green Street is in a health food store.
M. G. from New Jersey (4/22/2018) "Don't expect marathon level organization" (about: 2018) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 First, the good...the course goes through a really lovely part of Cape May county which is very pleasant and entirely flat except three bridges, each of which are less of a hill than a speed bump with an attitude. There are a lot of aid stations and they're well stocked and the volunteers are great... When I didn't want water or Gatorade I actually felt guilty because they were so consistently enthusiastic and supportive. I really can't say enough how great they were and it seemed as if there were as many or more volunteers than runners. The big disappointment is the organization. Why are you required to pick up your bib the day before, in a place not that near the race, at an expo that doesn't exist? There is no running related activity there except bib pickup, an operation no different than the bib pickup before the start at every 5k.... Even worse is the start, which makes the pre-race at every 5k I've ever run look like a logistical work of art by comparison. Why would you advertise a bag check but not wait to close it until after the start? By the time I got there it either had closed or never opened... None of the race officials at the start could tell me which, only that it was supposed to be on the other side of the building next to the start. Finally, the race webpage could really use more information, like where to park and where the start is relative to that and how it will work (as if that should be planned and documented). It really seemed to I assume that anyone who wasn't local was staying at the hotel they recommended and taking the hotel shuttle to the race. Oh, and as others have mentioned, appreciate the nice quiet pretty towns and open natural spaces because the only cheering you'll hear will be from the volunteers at the aid stations. Spectators are very few.
C. G. from Pennsylvania (3/31/2017) "A welcomed Change!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Ocean Drive Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my fourth ODM & my favorite so far. The race time starting at 9 was great, enough time for me to get from Cape May to Sea Isle. The out & back course was a welcomed change to the usual brutal headwind. This year it worked out that the wind was only tough for the second half. I think the expectations of people need to be altered for a March Marathon at the beach. Ed did a great job by making a change when the people asked for it. I will be back next year for my 5th!!!
Sanjay Mohanta from Ottawa, ON (3/27/2017) "97th Marathon! First with a Noreaster wind!" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first race in Cape May. They changed the course and the first half was pretty much flat and fast. When the turn around came I was hit with 50 km an hour winds. Tough. I would rather the race kept going the same direction and go point to point to avoid the wind. Lots of runners were knocked out by the wind. My time was under the cut off but not as strong as it could be. Lots of food at the expo and the medal is good. I would like to see the organizers work with the local gyms (3 on 1 street!) for shower facilities after the race. I had a ten hour race home! Great shirt and easy packet pick up.
H. Y. from US (3/24/2016) "Very tough race" (about: 2016) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I usually run half marathons. I ran only one full marathon before but the result was beyond 4 hrs. I would like to go below 4 hrs one time. I registered for this marathon because the course is flat. I believe I had training enough to run below 4 hrs. Unfortunately, the wind was so hard and against all the way. This is the risk of one way direction marathon, which I learned this time. You can be prepared for the cold weather by wearing more but you cannot do anything for against wind. My result was far below 4 hrs and I decide to run another marathon to achieve my goal. The course is good. Spectators are very few but they are very nice. Organization is also good. But, although I sent 2 emails to the address in the website asking simple questions, I received no response, which is not nice.
J. L. from Indianapolis, Indiana (3/22/2016) "Windy, Cool But Good Race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Out of 45 marathons, this was the most difficult, not because of the course, but because of the weather conditions. It was very windy from start to finish. The course was very nice and the volunteers were awesome considering the weather. There was little to no fan support but then again, who visits the beach in March. Overall a good race and would love to visit the area in great beach weather.
A. T. from Chicago (3/30/2015) "Scenic, small race with ocean/water views" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Other than not being listed in the official results (which hopefully will be rectified), I was pleasantly surprised by this race, considering how so many comments in previous years focused on the strong winds. Yes, the winds were strong (NW 22) but this year, only when we headed due west, which was seldom; yes, it was cold (-14 windchill at start), but being from Chicago, totally bearable with appropriate clothes, especially since it was sunny. I liked that some was on the Boardwalk, some was on ocean roads, some were through coastal neighborhoods with beautiful big homes, some were through marshy areas, some was past harbors. I thought it was a nice variety. The shuttle buses back to start were great and ran on schedule. They allow a 1-hour Early Start; just email the RD. I was told by the RD no race-day packet pickup so I paid an extra $10 to have it mailed, but there were LOTS of runners picking up their bibs before the race. I stayed at Colton Court in Cape May CHEAP with ocean-front room/'balcony' (just bring your own coffee, shampoo/conditioner, hair blower). Shirt fit to size.
S. P. from Waldorf, Maryland (3/30/2015) "Small, friendly, no frills, open course w/ traffic" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a small, but friendly race. We were expecting cold temps, but with the sun it was a pleasant run. The expo was very small, one small room. Don't expect anything in the 'goody' bag; there isn't anything. Park at the finish for the Marathon; there is plenty of close parking. The buses pick up right at the finish to take you to the start. The hotel was great by letting everyone stay inside until the start, which is just outside the hotel. The race is almost all flat except for the bridges. Don't expect many people to cheer you along. There are a few along the way, but not after mile 11. Thanks to the very enthusiastic kids after mile 10. The runners are sparse after mile 10 as the Marathoners tend to spread out. The course isn't always marked very well. If there aren't any runners in front, pay attention. Watch out for traffic. There are several area later in the race where you are sharing the road with the cars and there are no cones to separate you from the cars. Thanks for the massage. The food was very slight; bagels, chicken broth w/o the chicken or noodles, bananas and oranges.
J. G. from Mendham, NJ (3/30/2015) "not the best for a mid-back of pack runner" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Ocean Drive Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I gave the race a pass for lack of course support and spectators last year due to the rain; however, this year with bright sun, it was no better. Pretty much zero spectators, and not great support. The first half had police/safety vehicles at most intersections, and cones. The second half was rather deserted. There were a few times where we weren't sure where to go. One bridge with no shoulder had traffic open in both lanes - really quite an accident-waiting-to-happen. This race should really be a lot cheaper, or there should at least be more course markings.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 20 > ]

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R. S. from Holbrook, New York (6/5/2018) "SMALL Marathon with Flat Course" (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my second Marathon that I completed and much different from my first. My first was the Philadelphia Marathon which everything seemed much bigger. This is the first year the Marathon was held in April, which judging by previous posts, the weather was much better. It was a sunny day with a little breeze, not the head winds that previous years had. The Course is an out and back type course that is very flat. The only hills come from the three bridges you must cross but they are relatively easy. There are not too many turns with a lot of straight paths which makes this an easy Marathon to PR or qualify for Marathon. The volunteers at the water stations were very supportive and poured their hearts into cheering every runner.....all 170 of us....The water stations were spaced out fairly. Arriving in the morning was tough because not many people knew where the start line was and their were no signs directing anyone. The course had very little spectators but those who were out were very supportive. I was surprised by the low turnout due to the beautiful day but I assume there is not much advertising for this race. The Expo was not an expo but a bib pick up where you get your shirt and if you wanted, you could buy a previous year shirt. Overall, I enjoyed this Marathon. The beautiful weather with the scenic course of the water and beach homes made the experience enjoyable.
K. B. from Alexandria, VA (4/29/2018) "Beautiful race on the shore!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 In 2018, we had perfect weather. There was a breeze but it was not a factor at all as has been reported in previous years. As ever, weather is luck of the draw. The course is flat, well-marked, and well-served by enthusiastic volunteers. It is also scenic at some points, and there are lots of pretty homes to eyeball on the out and back course. The race is small. Not a big field of runners (a lot were doing the ten miler vice the full marathon), and the expo, as noted, is really just a bib pickup. You also don't get a lot of spectators ... it's a bit early for the summer beach crowds, and the area hosts a lot of other events. I was surprised how many people asked me what I was doing and how long a marathon is as I ambled past them on the boardwalk! Still, it was a very nice, well-supported, quiet race. And since it is not my first rodeo, I was okay with having a smaller expo and such. A note for healthy eaters: Good Earth and Green Street Cafe are superb places to eat! Good Earth down by Cape May is a hole in the wall macrobiotic place run by an Italian couple who came here in 2012. It has delectable homemade meals that are perfect for fueling and recovery. Cafe Green Street is in a health food store.
M. G. from New Jersey (4/22/2018) "Don't expect marathon level organization" (about: 2018) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 First, the good...the course goes through a really lovely part of Cape May county which is very pleasant and entirely flat except three bridges, each of which are less of a hill than a speed bump with an attitude. There are a lot of aid stations and they're well stocked and the volunteers are great... When I didn't want water or Gatorade I actually felt guilty because they were so consistently enthusiastic and supportive. I really can't say enough how great they were and it seemed as if there were as many or more volunteers than runners. The big disappointment is the organization. Why are you required to pick up your bib the day before, in a place not that near the race, at an expo that doesn't exist? There is no running related activity there except bib pickup, an operation no different than the bib pickup before the start at every 5k.... Even worse is the start, which makes the pre-race at every 5k I've ever run look like a logistical work of art by comparison. Why would you advertise a bag check but not wait to close it until after the start? By the time I got there it either had closed or never opened... None of the race officials at the start could tell me which, only that it was supposed to be on the other side of the building next to the start. Finally, the race webpage could really use more information, like where to park and where the start is relative to that and how it will work (as if that should be planned and documented). It really seemed to I assume that anyone who wasn't local was staying at the hotel they recommended and taking the hotel shuttle to the race. Oh, and as others have mentioned, appreciate the nice quiet pretty towns and open natural spaces because the only cheering you'll hear will be from the volunteers at the aid stations. Spectators are very few.
C. G. from Pennsylvania (3/31/2017) "A welcomed Change!" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Ocean Drive Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my fourth ODM & my favorite so far. The race time starting at 9 was great, enough time for me to get from Cape May to Sea Isle. The out & back course was a welcomed change to the usual brutal headwind. This year it worked out that the wind was only tough for the second half. I think the expectations of people need to be altered for a March Marathon at the beach. Ed did a great job by making a change when the people asked for it. I will be back next year for my 5th!!!
Sanjay Mohanta from Ottawa, ON (3/27/2017) "97th Marathon! First with a Noreaster wind!" (about: 2017) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first race in Cape May. They changed the course and the first half was pretty much flat and fast. When the turn around came I was hit with 50 km an hour winds. Tough. I would rather the race kept going the same direction and go point to point to avoid the wind. Lots of runners were knocked out by the wind. My time was under the cut off but not as strong as it could be. Lots of food at the expo and the medal is good. I would like to see the organizers work with the local gyms (3 on 1 street!) for shower facilities after the race. I had a ten hour race home! Great shirt and easy packet pick up.
H. Y. from US (3/24/2016) "Very tough race" (about: 2016) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I usually run half marathons. I ran only one full marathon before but the result was beyond 4 hrs. I would like to go below 4 hrs one time. I registered for this marathon because the course is flat. I believe I had training enough to run below 4 hrs. Unfortunately, the wind was so hard and against all the way. This is the risk of one way direction marathon, which I learned this time. You can be prepared for the cold weather by wearing more but you cannot do anything for against wind. My result was far below 4 hrs and I decide to run another marathon to achieve my goal. The course is good. Spectators are very few but they are very nice. Organization is also good. But, although I sent 2 emails to the address in the website asking simple questions, I received no response, which is not nice.
J. L. from Indianapolis, Indiana (3/22/2016) "Windy, Cool But Good Race" (about: 2016) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Out of 45 marathons, this was the most difficult, not because of the course, but because of the weather conditions. It was very windy from start to finish. The course was very nice and the volunteers were awesome considering the weather. There was little to no fan support but then again, who visits the beach in March. Overall a good race and would love to visit the area in great beach weather.
A. T. from Chicago (3/30/2015) "Scenic, small race with ocean/water views" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Other than not being listed in the official results (which hopefully will be rectified), I was pleasantly surprised by this race, considering how so many comments in previous years focused on the strong winds. Yes, the winds were strong (NW 22) but this year, only when we headed due west, which was seldom; yes, it was cold (-14 windchill at start), but being from Chicago, totally bearable with appropriate clothes, especially since it was sunny. I liked that some was on the Boardwalk, some was on ocean roads, some were through coastal neighborhoods with beautiful big homes, some were through marshy areas, some was past harbors. I thought it was a nice variety. The shuttle buses back to start were great and ran on schedule. They allow a 1-hour Early Start; just email the RD. I was told by the RD no race-day packet pickup so I paid an extra $10 to have it mailed, but there were LOTS of runners picking up their bibs before the race. I stayed at Colton Court in Cape May CHEAP with ocean-front room/'balcony' (just bring your own coffee, shampoo/conditioner, hair blower). Shirt fit to size.
S. P. from Waldorf, Maryland (3/30/2015) "Small, friendly, no frills, open course w/ traffic" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Ocean Drive Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This is a small, but friendly race. We were expecting cold temps, but with the sun it was a pleasant run. The expo was very small, one small room. Don't expect anything in the 'goody' bag; there isn't anything. Park at the finish for the Marathon; there is plenty of close parking. The buses pick up right at the finish to take you to the start. The hotel was great by letting everyone stay inside until the start, which is just outside the hotel. The race is almost all flat except for the bridges. Don't expect many people to cheer you along. There are a few along the way, but not after mile 11. Thanks to the very enthusiastic kids after mile 10. The runners are sparse after mile 10 as the Marathoners tend to spread out. The course isn't always marked very well. If there aren't any runners in front, pay attention. Watch out for traffic. There are several area later in the race where you are sharing the road with the cars and there are no cones to separate you from the cars. Thanks for the massage. The food was very slight; bagels, chicken broth w/o the chicken or noodles, bananas and oranges.
J. G. from Mendham, NJ (3/30/2015) "not the best for a mid-back of pack runner" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Ocean Drive Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 I gave the race a pass for lack of course support and spectators last year due to the rain; however, this year with bright sun, it was no better. Pretty much zero spectators, and not great support. The first half had police/safety vehicles at most intersections, and cones. The second half was rather deserted. There were a few times where we weren't sure where to go. One bridge with no shoulder had traffic open in both lanes - really quite an accident-waiting-to-happen. This race should really be a lot cheaper, or there should at least be more course markings.

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Marathon Details - Ocean Drive Marathon