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May 3, 2024

Wilmington Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Wilmington Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.2

Organization 4.5

Spectators 4.4

Number of comments: 59 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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

D. D. from Las Vegas, NV (2/28/2022) "Beautiful North Carolina Race!" (about: 2022) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a beautiful, scenic race. The volunteers were cheerful and plentiful. There was always some encouragement along the way! Lots of food at the finish line, gatorade, water and a few gu stations along the course. Perfect running weather! Logistics were made simple--I stayed at the Embassy Suites in Wilmington and it was steps away from the Expo and a short walk to the shuttle pickup. They also provided a grab and go breakfast. Kudos to the race organizer!!!
S. L. from Dixon, IL (3/18/2019) "Beautiful scenery but course could be improved" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The weather was great, beautiful scenery along the course. However, that extra loop should have been clearly marked since this is at a point where runners are fatigued and shouldn't have to try and figure out which way to go. I ended up going the wrong way and added mileage. I didn't know whether I had done the 2nd loop. I figured it out when I passed mile 24 mark and my watch was around 22 miles. Just a simple sign saying 22 mile marker to the right would have been enough to help me figure out which way to go. Fair amount of spectators but most were not very lively. One group of young women were very enthusiastic and greatly appreciated. The expo was great, lots of vendors to provide any last minute things needed for race day.
A. D. from Chicago, IL (3/27/2018) "Could be much better..." (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 First, the good - the weather was about perfect. Nice cool morning. Enough porta potties at start. Mostly decent course. And the bad - absolutely no signs around the campus to make it easier to find the Expo building or the proper parking lot. Late start. Unnecessary double loops and in-and-outs that could have been avoided on the course. Gatorade and water ALWAYS in the wrong paper cups. And the cardinal sin of marathons - no medals at the finish line. Apparently, they didn't arrive in time. Well, that's not your first rodeo, is it? Shame.
A. M. from Wilmington, NC (3/24/2018) "Great marathon" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Wilmington Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run this half marathon several times and every time has been great. The weather was perfect this year and the course was beautiful. The race organizers do a fantastic job! Planning to run next year for the 10 year anniversary.
P. C. from North Carolina (3/23/2018) "Fun, organized, fast course, professional" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Wilmington Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've run this marathon three times and the half twice. Every year seems to get better in regards to the course, logistics, registration, and swag. The whole weekend is a blast from the dinner and speaker to the 5k to the race and awards. The few snags that have happened were handled efficiently and professionally, more so than in any other race I've run. I will do this even every year.
S. G. from Clayton, North Carolina via Wilmington, NC (3/23/2018) "My first Marathon went GREAT, except my WALL! =)" (about: 2018) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon. I thought about starting smaller and flatter, which this race is sure to provide. When you are new, a Marathon combined with a Half Marathon that has less than 3,500 people is IDEAL. Very surprising as the area the race is located at is very popular amongst tourists. I believe because of this and if it continues that this race will become a "destination run". What great exposure for the local area and for people who have never seen the great southeast beach community. The expo was really need because it was at the local university (UNC-Wilmington) and on a Friday. (Did I mention Saturday races with Friday expos BLOW Sunday races with Saturday expos out the water?! If not, now I did) The area had vendors of anything imaginable that you could pick up/discuss with for the evening before your race. Even cooler was the fact that there was a 1MILE race and 5K happening for those who don't want to get their feet wet (no pun intended) for the Half or Full lengths yet. Now let's get to the nitty gritty. The race begins at Wrightsville Beach, NC (My favorite NC beach and one of the top 20 I've ever been to in my life-no humble brag here, I have seen MANY beaches & and if I wasn't from there I would say the best ever). The race start is in a good area at Wrightsville Beach park so plenty of room for everyone. If you happen to have friends with a place, or rent a place (hotel or condo) or even something right over the bridge & it is the perfect warm up to the start line. The start is right before 7AM and this is great because during daylight savings time part of your run is sunrise over the bridges ON the water. AMAZING. I even took videos. I already wrote a review that revolved around my feelings and how I did so I will skip all that, but I will say everyone should read it & I explained it in all its glory. The course goes through Landfall, another loop around the popular loop on the island, and you get to cross the main bridge a few times as well! Part of the ending for this race is the beautiful Airlie Road and then you get on a trail of sorts that runs back to the university. The encouragement from all the crowds in all these areas was phenomenal. There were more aid stations than I would ever need that is for sure! DJ's, beer tents, and every station goes with a university led theme & which leads me to my conclusion for this race. This race SHOULD always happen during March Madness. It just fits. That means the NCAA tournament. Even better when it lines up with St. Patrick's day because it gives you the run in the morning and ability to celebrate after (just google how fun Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are during regular parts of the year, so imagine a HOLIDAY!) This race happens after you are used to springing forward in time so I hope that will continue. See above about sunrises. I can't find anything wrong with this run other than it was challenging for me because it was my first. That being said, it gave me the "bug". All in all a great race, come check it out and while you're at it make sure you check out the entire surrounding areas for a long vacation with friends and family. I bet you'll come back. Signed, First Marathoner who will run many more THANKS to the Wrightsville Beach Marathon Madness
D. D. from Wilmington North Carolina (3/23/2018) "Great location, fast course, earned my BQ!" (about: 2018) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 Wilmington Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I love this race! I'm a local, have run the half 4 times, and 2018 was my 3rd straight year running the marathon. The course has been improved each of these years, it starts on the beach at sunrise, weaves through two beautiful neighborhoods (Landfall and Autumn Hall), includes scenic miles on two different paved trails (Summer Rest Trail and Cross City Trail), and ends on the campus of UNC Wilmington. The race staff is always so helpful, the volunteers and aid stations are enthusiastic and plentiful. The March Madness theme combined with St. Patty's Day made the race even more fun - so many athletes in costumes and wearing their green! If you are looking for a fast race, a PR, or BQ, you should run this race! I am Boston bound for 2019!!!
K. S. from North Carolina (3/23/2018) "Awesome Race" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Wilmington Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great race, great venue, course runs through a variety of landscapes from the barrier islands of eastern NC, manicured landscapes and eventually UNCW in a grand finish
Beth Ann Soporowski from Wilmington, North Carolina (3/22/2018) "Awesome Marathon" (about: 2018) 3 previous marathons \| 3 Wilmington Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a great event!!! It's a flat course with beautiful views of the intercostal, UNCW, and through beautiful neighborhoods! There are people cheering and rooting for you throughout the whole course! It is run by people who care about each runner's experience and go above and beyond to ensure it is a great event! I highly recommend this race and the after party too!
J. B. from Tampa, FL (3/22/2018) "Favorite Race of the Year!" (about: 2018) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Wilmington Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Scenic and fast course. The expo and after party are excellent, as well as the high quality swag given. 5 out of 5 stars!

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