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☰
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 51 to 54]
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M. U. from Rapid City, United States
(3/26/2010)
 "Not great for marathoners" (about: 2010)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Wilmington Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 I was sick during this race and my expected time was somewhat of a disappointment. More disappointing, however, was the course. It was really boring. The residential area and bridge at the start were scenic, but aside from that, the course was a mess. Two loops through some pretty boring parts - not a lot of marathon support (half sounded good), a weird rocky path, and an ending with odd twists and turns. It was the inaugural race, but I hope that they consider changing the course. I also have to comment on the spectators who seemed to have no idea where the finish was, and the spectators that were saying, "Almost there" to the marathoners who were only halfway through the race. | |
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m. o. from chapel hill, nc
(3/25/2010)
 "Worth running but needs quirks worked out" (about: 2010)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Wilmington Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was a fast marathon worth running. I like the small marathons; they have a great homey feel. I thought that doubling through the landfall community would be a drag, but I found it comforting to know the area after seeing it previously the first time. Fans were sporadic but very friendly. Turns were all well manned and clear. That being said, along with the previous commentator, there are some things to work on.... Why start in an area that you can't drive to and have to walk several hundred yards to? Why not start at the beach parking lot? It was an odd starting place for sure. Why 6:30, when the sun hasn't even risen either? There are sunrise calendars that show when the sun will rise each day of the year. Like the previous commentator, there were way too many turns... especially in the last 5 miles. It was very annoying and de-motivating. I would suggest running through the landfall community a third time rather than have so many turns over and over. They even had us run over two dirt road patches... certainly there was a better option than that. Also, my Garmin 405 showed 26.42 miles; another guy I ran into said his 305 showed 26.41, and he missed the three hour-mark by a couple of seconds. That's really frustrating if the course was off! Further improvements would be a more significant swag bag - an ill-fitting, Thai-made shirt with no other goodies, not even a course map/brochure. I have received much better from a $90 race! The post-race seemed to lack a little organization as well. I was in the first batch of marathoners back so maybe they weren't ready, but I found myself wandering through a small hut looking for fluids and couldn't find any Gatorade or other drinks besides water. Then I found 5-gallon dispensers with cups similar to those passed out in the race... disappointing after seeing the same thing mile after mile. At the end of the race you want a bottle of Gatorade, don't you? There were oranges and bananas - the norm - and there were pizza boxes too, but they were empty! Finally, i thought the 26.3 beer garden was a good idea. But it was in a small hut, with nowhere to sit and relax - just some coolers with taps coming out. It seemed like it failed to deliver on the hype. All in all, I would run this race again, but it has some quirks to be worked out to make it a really viable option for those other than locals. | |
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David Livingston from Hodges, SC
(3/24/2010)
 "Volunteers of this race were EXCELLENT!!!" (about: 2010)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Wilmington Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The expo for the race was very crowded due to it being in such a confined room. Organizers did a great job in providing transportation from Mayfaire to the start line. Adequate restroom facilities were provided at the start and thoughout the race. Would recommend 2 portojohns at the water stops that had them. For those of us who finished near the end the folks at Landfall were great and still there. I will stumble through this marathon again. | |
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S. E. from Raleigh
(3/24/2010)
 "Fun Race" (about: 2010)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Wilmington Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Course - The course was well marked and well manned with volunteers. Positive points: 1. This course is flat and fast. 2. Wrightsville Beach and the Landfall Area are very secic and pleasant to run through. 3. Vehicle traffic was not an issue in this race. Negative points: 1. The course has many half-marathoners who are jogging/walking when marathon runners begin their second loop through Landfall. At times it is difficult to pass within the designated running lane on the second loop do to participants walking/jogging up to 4 people abreast. This is not a huge problem, but slightly annoying when the legs are starting to get tired. 2. Lots of 90 degree (or sharper) turns in the last 5 miles. As a runner, it seems that this problem only gets worse as you get closer to the finish. In the final mile there is one section where runners make a 90 degree right, run approx. 150 meters, make a 180 degree u-turn, run 150 meters, and then make another hairpin 90 degree turn. In addition there is another 90 degree left turn only 40-50 meters before the finish making the finish line invisible until you are already there. The course would be more runner friendly if some of these sharp turns could be avoided late in the race. With all of this being said this course is very flat and fast - it is just difficult to hold a steady pace with all of the turns in the final miles. Orginization - Other than starting about 10 minutes later than scheduled I thought this race was very well organized. I will list a few areas for potential improvement, but these are very minor. 1. the expo area seemed to be cramped into a very small area. 2. The yellow arm bands given to marathon runners were too loose and could easily fall off once they became sweaty and wet. This was a minor problem, not really a big deal - just annoying. 3. Lots of walking to the starting line, then more walking to the 'bag bus', and then more walking back to the starting line. Once again, not a big deal but something that could be addressed in the future. Spectators: I wasn't expecting much given that this is a fairly small race that starts pretty early on a Sunday morning. I was actually suprised by the number of Landfall residents that came out to watch the race. Everyone that I encountered along the course was friendly and encouraging. |
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