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May 10, 2024

Palm Beaches Marathon Festival Runner Comments

Back to Palm Beaches Marathon Festival Information & Reviews

Course 3.7

Organization 3.6

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 106 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

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J. H. from Miami, FL (12/7/2008) "Great course, horrible organization" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 I ran the half this year and was really impressed with the course but terribly disappointed with the organization. The Marriott was the "Official Race Hotel" but there was no coordination between the race officials and the hotel. The final shuttle left the hotel at 4:50 (without any prior notice)for a 6:00 race. The first shuttle back to the hotel came at 9:30 - what about us half marathoners? The only food available after the race was pasta salad and bagels - who wants to eat pasta salad at 7:50 a.m.? On top of that, all of the volunteers had no clue about the race-sponsored transportation. Terribly disappointed - would still run next year because I'm a local, but I would not recommend this race for out-of-towners.
T. K. from Wellington, Florida (8/21/2008) "Don't make it your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Marathon" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Palm Beaches Marathon Festivals COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Too many half marathoners, and the course is set up so that you pass the finish line so many times you just want to go get the free bagel and schmear. Bring your own motivation, and cheering section. It has a good point; it's better than the Disney Marathon.
Caryn Ginsberg from Arlington, VA, US (1/25/2008) "Very fun, small race" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race was scenic, well-organized and fun. As a run-walker, it's much less taxing to be in a smaller event where you don't keep burning time and energy to pass through the same crowds after each walk break. * Pace groups a big help in my making my goal. * Free massage at the finish was awesome. * Wacky water stops were entertaining. * Easy city to get around, with lots of free parking on race day. Also, excellent customer service. I emailed on a couple things - once before and once after the race - and got prompt, helpful replies. Will definitely consider doing it again. I like the heat. Thanks, organizers and volunteers!
Eric Ortman from Iowa (1/19/2008) "Top-Notch Marathon" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and not knowing what to expect, especially after training in Iowa in the late fall (cold) and traveling to Palm Beach, Florida to run in December (80 degrees), I was a bit skeptical. The course was flat, which is exactly what I wanted on my first marathon. Not one hill along the entire course. The scenery was incredible along the entire route but especially gorgeous along the Intracoastal Waterway. The organization was wonderful as well. Aid stations and mile markers were plentiful at nearly every mile marker. The expo was small but easy to maneuver around. The people were great, as well including all the helpers, volunteers and spectators. The only downside with regards to the spectators was that there weren't many, but those who do come out fully support the runners, so kudos to them. If not for the distance from my home, I would run this race again in a heartbeat. It was dark and cooler at the start and sunny and hot at the finish (so beware of that). Overall, I was incredibly glad this was my first experience as a marathoner, as I am getting ready to train for my second marathon. Had it not been a pleasant experience, I may not have chosen to run again. Great job, Palm Beach!
B. B. from Hortonville, Wisconsin (1/17/2008) "Dave M. is great race director" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Everybody has a view. Great race people don't travel to Florida to watch you run, sweat and complain. Don't count on a PR; count on a great challenge Enjoy the view.
A. S. from Wisconsin (1/4/2008) "Well organized and well stocked marathon" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was fun and well organized marathon! It was hot, but all the water stops were well stocked with water, ice and very friendly/helpful volunteers. The pacers were fantastic. I'm not sure that I would have finished without it. The post-race food was great. My only complaint was that I wish that there had been more porta-potties for the first 1/2. All in all, a great marathon, and I will be back.
S. B. from Belmont, MA (1/2/2008) "Fantastic Experience" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Thank you for such well organized marathon. The water stops were definitely a hit with all the costumes. Also the race pacers were extremely helpful and got me to the end. As other runners have mentioned, I would prefer not to do loops, specially twice on the finish line. Thank you.
Heywood Jablowme from USA (12/6/2007) "Lose the Marathon; Keep the 1/2" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 My first experience with a southern "hot" marathon, so I won't complain about the weather (but it did get hot... fast). My suggestion is to lose the marathon but keep the 1/2. The 2nd half of the marathon course was depressing. After crossing the 13.1 mark (why wasn't there a chip mat to get a half split?), the course just drug on with few highlights other than the water stops. It seemed that the marathoners were ignored crossing by the finish line twice, with the 1/2 marathoners getting the finish line attention. I also have never had to wait in such a long line for food. The 1/2 folks outnumbered the full folks about 4-1. I finished in under 3 hours and had to wait in line 15 minutes to get a banana! I also had to cross over to the 1/2 finish side to grab a bottle of water. One other complaint was the timeliness of the awards - about 2 hours after I finished. If I would have known, I could have driven to Boca, showered and returned, but no public announcements were made about the delays. And whatever happened to the military division? No mention was made at the awards.
Laurie Miller from Seattle, Washington (12/6/2007) "Need more porta-potties!" (about: 2007) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Palm Beaches Marathon Festival COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I came from Seattle for this race and found the heat oppressive but bearable (80 degrees with 80% humidity at the finish). I stayed well-hydrated days before the race and drank about 2 liters while on the course. I was still very hot at the end and was looking everywhere for ice. It would have been nice to have ice cups available to finishers. Another complaint was the bathroom situation. It seemed there was about 1 porta-potty per mile - for 3,700 runners! I'm sure my time would have been much better had I not wasted about 15 minutes waiting in bathroom lines. People were going in the bushes!!! Overall, however, I have to say this race was well organized, energetic, and scenic. I really enjoyed watching the sun rise over the inter-coastal waterway. I also appreciated seeing spectators coming out of their houses at 6 a.m. to cheer us on. The press coverage on TV was very touching and the newspaper section the day after the race will become a keepsake. I will never forget the story about the female marathon winner. What an inspiration! Thanks for the challenge and the great memories!
A. E. from North Fort Lauderdale, Florida (12/6/2007) "An awesome first 1/2 marathon with superb support!" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This 2007 race was my first 1/2 marathon in over 20 years and I was extremely impressed with how well organized and caring the volunteers, staff members and spectators were. Throughout the run, the enthusiasm among all participants was contagious, the ice chips made the Gatorade taste 10x better, the themes along the way kept you smiling, and the final mile was filled with energy and cheering. One of the nicest races I have ever run despite the warm temps. :) I will run this again next year and thank you for making my transition back into distance running such a positive and rewarding experience. :)

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