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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 41 to 51]

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

Paul Stout from Asheboro n.c. (3/21/2012) "Half marathoners eat all the food!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Wilmington Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Had to ask for gel, no bananas on course. Have you ever tried eating a pretzel while running?
Rick Cummins from Detroit, MI (3/19/2012) "Great Event - Superb Organization" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Beautiful Area. Course is a little repetitive but a very enjoyable run. The route went through a very nice neighborhood. Our group was only in town for 20 hours but that was enough to know that we will be back. Spectators were out in full force wearing collegiate gear in the 'March Madness' spirit (not Chicago in numbers but genuine and very enthusiastic). This course was very well marked and all turns were staffed with volunteers. There was plenty of bike support monitoring the course. I like the quantity and quality of music on the course. I enjoyed the size of this race very much. Not super huge so you couldn't run your pace but not so small that you were running solo the entire time. I love the T-shirt. It is a thin cotton shirt. I have so many tech shirts from marathons that I never wear. I will wear this shirt a lot. The high socks with the race logo were very original and cool. I highly recommend this race. This is a quality event. The running community around Wrightsville Beach obviously takes pride in this event. Great Job to all involved.
C. G. from Cary, NC (3/19/2012) "Course needs to be improved" (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Course: The course is flat, and what should have been a PR for me ended up being my worst marathon time. There are multiple loops (3) in the gated community of Landfall, which gets boring very fast. It's discouraging when you see the sign for 14 miles and a few hundred feet away you see a sign for 17 miles. This happens multiple times during the race. The out and back from mile 23 to mile 26 is also tough. The only time you're at the beach it's before sunrise, so you never see the water. They really need to do something about the course. Organization: They did not have enough trolley's running from the finish to the start, so people were still getting there right up to start time. The finish was also disappointing. I run just over 11 minute miles, so by the time I finished they were closing down most of the post race activities. There wasn't much food by the time I finished at 5 hours; there must not have been much left for those finishing after me. Lots of water stops, enthusiastic course volunteers and students from a local tech school giving post race massages were great - to me this made the race. The organizers also kept emphasizing the cut off time for finishers. One woman I ran with was really upset that she would get pulled off the course. It was her first marathon and she was really worried she wouldn't be able to finish the last 9 miles in time. Fortunately, she wasn't far behind me when I turned around at mile 24. I understand the organizers have limits, but they need to be careful on how they present this information to runners. Spectators: There were lots of great spectators on Military Cutoff Road, which you run up 3 times during the race, but once you enter Landfall, spectators are sparse. The volunteers and the spectators who do turn out in Landfall are great; there just aren't enough of them. Overall: I wouldn't run the race again unless there is a significant change in the course.
T. B. from Durham, NC (3/19/2012) "Great Race, Great spectators!!" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, so take it for what it's worth... Weather: First off, being able to go to the beach (day before race) in mid-March and the weather is ~85 degrees, makes for a wonderful weekend trip. Race day, was perfect running weather for me, high 60's, overcast and misty. Course: While the lack of running on the actual island, the run course was super nice i.m.o., I have no problem running past million dollar home after million dollar home. Although, he second loop though Landfall had me directionally lost (thanks to overcast mist and no sun), but course markers and staff were clearly identifiable. Only other 'wish' would have been to finish coming up the main street in Mayfaire just in front of the movie theater for a more dramatic finish line. Spectators: Were awesome, NCSU wolfpack club was by far the best aid station, and couldn't believe there was a high school prep band kicking out songs for hours as well! There were plenty of good signs and costumes to keep most motivated, although they dissipated when the halfers finished. Overall, I would give a 4.5 and will most likely do again.
Alice Kassens from Fincastle, VA (3/29/2011) "Super race, super crowds" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Wilmington Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I did this race for the second time and loved the new course even more than I liked the 2010 course. The biggest changes were that we spent more time at Wrightsville Beach and the horseshoe turns were taken out of the Landfall community. Both changes made the race faster. Although this is a small race, the crowds were electric. Running the couple miles on Military Cutoff (which you do three times) was nuts. People cheering, high-fiving, etc. It felt like a much bigger race than it actually is. I couldnt believe the number of people out there cheering us on. The section of the loops in the community were nice because you got to race the people ahead and behind you, as the second time through there was a small loop that you ran against the people behind you (cheering, high fives, etc.), and the next time you ran with everyone. EVERYTHING WAS CLEARLY MARKED. Having the loops made the race go by very quickly and you are able to break it up mentally into small parts instead of thinking about the whole 26.2 miles. There was fluid (water and HEED) at every two miles or so. There were also gels at a few spots. There were plenty of volunteers at these spots that you had no problems getting as much as you needed. The race organization was A+. Huge number of friendly volunteers, seamless packet pickup and race day start, and great food/beer at the finish. I would recommend this race to anyone. It is a great first timer race and a great race to get a fast time.
C. S. from Wilmington, NC (3/29/2011) "Fast Flat Course with Good Support" (about: 2011) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I'm from here so I'm a bit partial to sleeping in my own bed and getting up to race. Transportation and parking was easy and convenient. It's a fairly small race so you don't have to stand in line 4ever. Good energy at the start and the crowd thinned quickly so you could get into pace early. Tons of aid/water stops b/c it's a loop course. I saw one every couple miles at latest. Great energy from aid workers and support group. Also, you're in the south so the spectators and other runners are great. Loop through residential isn't scenic but lots of pretty houses to look at. Some residents come out but but there are times when you're alone with your thoughts...which was good for me. Great ending with lots of cheering. Post race amenities were very good. lots of massage tables and good aid tent. Had a band and beer at the end too. You can tell this race is directed by a runner. Lots of attention to runner detail. Only bad part of race in my opinion is that at about mile 22 you run close enough to the finish line that you can see and hear people and then have to treck back out onto probably the most boring part of the race (through a not as nice residential community) and you're always looking for the turnaround. However, that was also the most heavily spectated part of the course and the loudest cheering sections (I think just people came out of their house and were rowdy...which was awesome that late in the game when you need a push). I'll run it again, and not just b/c it's in my backyard.
M. R. from Valdese, NC (3/23/2011) "Good for first-timers or for chasing a PR or BQ." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Though I prefer trail races, I am occassionally coaxed out of the woods to hit the asphalt, as was the case for the Wrightsville Beach Marathon. After the soreness has worn off, I'm glad I entered. This preference for trails is the primary reason the course got three stars. It's certainly a nicer course than Charlotte. Crowd Support: Not important to me, but there were a few spots, like Military Cutoff Road, where there were quite a few onlookers, as well as aid station volunteers. In the Landfall Community, where much of the race occurs, it was spotty, with mostly volunteers and a few residents who came out to watch. Aid Stations: Hard to say; they had enough volunteers to where you didn't have to go to the table, so if they had something beyond the water, Heed, and Hammer Gels they were handing out, I didn't see it. Course: Traffic was not at all an issue, so the only negative for me was the out-and-back that came right beside the finish but at mile 22 for the marathon. I had mixed feelings about the many loops within the Landfall gated community. The community was nice and it kept us off the main roads, but I could see where the loops might annoy some people. Pre-Race: I saw other comments about the tight quarters for the expo. I picked up my packet fairly early on Saturday so crowds were not an issue. It was a five-step process, though. Table 1: sign in and get number. Table 2: get chip. Table 3: get chip activated in computer. Table 4: get water bottle. Walk through expo. Table 5: get shirt. The expo was pretty small, but I rarely need/want anything at them so that was ok by me. Bill Rodgers spoke at the pasta dinner and ran the half-marathon. I have a pet peeve about no race-day packet pickup. While I partially understand it from the race director's view, it is annoying for anyone who lives say an hour or two away who would be driving up on race day. This means that if they have no one who can pick up their packet, they have to make a two to four hour drive the day before to get their stuff. We stayed for the weekend at this race, but for people who live closer, it could be an issue. Host Hotel: I did not stay there but it is a nice facility according to family members who have stayed. Post Race: Takes place on the grounds of an outdoor mall (town center), but since it's Sunday morning, the only people there are racers, volunteers, and spectators. There was a beer/pizza tent, a couple of sponsors' booths, optional massages, a main stage with live entertainment. Awards: The marathon awards began at 11:30. I did not stay for them but did see the half-marathon awards. Pint glasses went to all award winners and the overall and masters winners got cash also. The medallion was a substantial piece of metal shaped like a wave with the race name. On the back "26.2" was stamped. Intangibles: The race started and finished at different locations and most of the parking was at the finish. I saw one commenter complaining about having to walk "several hundred yards" to the start from where they parked. I have to assume they have not been in many marathons. If you wanted to park at the finish, there were trolleys taking people to the start. If you parked at the start, there were post-race trolleys taking people back to the start. There was also a comment about the lack of porta-jons on the course. I seem to recall seeing quite a few near aid stations and scattered around Landfall so maybe that was fixed between 2010 and 2011. In summary, I think it was a well run event, especially given that they are in only their second year. It's unfortunate that it falls on the same day as Tobacco Road Marathon, as that forces some people to decide between the two. I'm sure I'll come back again to Wrightsville, though.
S. C. from NC (3/22/2011) "Lot of Turns" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 There sure were a lot of turns in this race. The course didn't seem to follow any sort of flow. Winding through a gated community a couple of times. Never saw the beach. If it were daylight during the Wrightsville part I guess we could have. How is this called the Wrightsville Beach Marathon if it's mostly run in Wilmington? There were a lot of energetic spectators. Fast, but not too exciting course. Post-race food could've been better: Bananas, Doritos, cookies, soft drinks, water, and beer. That's about all I saw. Get a protein shake to be one of your many sponsors and help us with recovery. And that's another thing. I was put off that the race logo was small compared to the large sponsor logo. The race logo blends in with the red shirt, while the large, bright, corporate logo doesn't. Maybe a minor issue, but maybe not. I sure like races with a lower-key feel, not driven by corporate sponsorship.
J. N. from Wilmington, North Carolina (6/2/2010) "A flat race with good potential" (about: 2010) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was a nice, flat, small race. ideal for a BQ. Having said that, this race was lacking a few amenities. There were ample port-a-johns at the start but only 3 (maybe 4) along the course that I counted! There was a paucity of water stops, especially between critical miles 19-22; moreover, the water was allotted per small, mouthwash-size cups, which I think were decorated with a "Finding Nemo" motif. More water stops with larger cups and port-a-johns would benefit the runners' safety. The route through Landfall was nearly impossible to preview, as this neighborhood is a gated community, and the race director was of no assistance. One has to contact the realty company to get a day pass or know someone who lives there. Passing the finish and watching half marathoners walking back with their medals were quiet a tease. It was also discouraging to run through desolate neighborhoods for the last 5 miles. Lastly, can a marathon assume the name of a town through which only one mile is run? It was a singular experience to have run an inaugural marathon.
J. W. from New Bern,N.C. (3/26/2010) "Well organized" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Wilmington Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A very well organized race. Lots of support from spectators and fellow runners.

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