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May 17, 2024

Tybee Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Tybee Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.8

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.7

Number of comments: 64 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

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

Kenneth McGregor from Irmo, SC (2/12/2006) "A pleasant surprise." (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this marathon. I had read some comments about people getting lost on the course, the absence of spectators, and the mental toughness of the double loop. I decided to run this race because it is convenient considering where I live, and for no other reason. When I saw that the marathon's website was down for almost 2 full months prior to the race, I almost made the decision to skip the race altogether. I arrived the night before the race and went to the packet pick-up and knew instantly that this race was not lacking in organization. Things were very organized and the volunteers where especially friendly and helpful. As for the race itself, there was no chance of getting lost on the course as there were people at every turn (and there were plenty of turns). I thought I would hate the double loop (I have run 10 marathons and have never run a double loop before), but I actually enjoyed it. It seemed mentally easier knowing exactly what was in front of you. And since the course looped back near the starting point several times it was easy for my family to spot me multiple times without having to get in the car and drive somewhere. I will definitely consider running this race again in the future.
Tim Chesko from Lockport, NY (2/12/2006) "Loopty-loop course" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my least favorite of the 20 marathons I've run in the past two years. The course layout has too many turns and the road surface is very poor. The race organizers did a good job marking a lot of the larger potholes, cracks, bumps, and loose blacktop; however, it takes a lot out of you to constantly look down at your foot placement. I'm a 3:45 average finisher, and I finished a very tired 4:13. It was hard for me to get into a good rhythm. The race organization was very good. The packet pick-up, start, support and finisher's medal were all done very well. Unfortunately, I left the race with the feeling that the 5K and the half-marathon were the main focus of the day. I have run many double-loop marathon courses and I primarily train on a multi-loop course. The Tybee course totally wiped me out. I was mentally drained. I would consider returning again if the course was extended out on Route 80 further, but due to the size of the island, I doubt that could be done. This would be a good half-marathon or training run, but as a Fifty-Stater, I'm disappointed with my choice for Georgia.
J. M. from Spanish Fork, UT (2/8/2006) "Flat, but tough" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I figured flat meant fast, or faster. The wind did not help matters. The stops were well-spaced and seemed to be stocked well. Thanks to the volunteers for being so supportive on those stops and at the finish. Lots of enthusiasm from the few who ventured out. The post-race feed was lame, only overly ripe bananas, two flavors of bagels, water, and PowerAde. I think the mental aspect came into play more so than any of my previous marathons.
W. S. from Atlanta, GA (2/8/2006) "Flat, flat, and flat... but there are easier cours" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Great organization, friendly volunteers, and well marked course. Weather proved warm and very windy... a headwind I did not need. ;-) Would I do it again? Yep! Thanks Tybee organizers, for the quick email responses, and a pretty cool medal.
Eddie Hahn from Tacoma, Washington (2/6/2006) "The Half Marathon is the Marquee Event" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Although the five-kilometer race and the half-marathon garner over 1,000 runners, my observation was that the half-marathon was the most popular distance in the Tybee trifecta (full and half marathons, and a five kilometer race). All courses utilize the same terrain. In the case of the half and full marathon, look forward to a grand tour of the island, including Palmetto and pine tree-lined quaint rural neighborhoods with beach houses, vacation rentals and charming Southern architecture. A surprisingly large number of locals support the event, and many that I observed were cheering on a local running group known as the "Seafearers" - whose bright orange outfits were easily recognized. Although there are a lot of intersections, the Savannah Striders Track Club does an excellent job of managing the traffic, and I didn't experience one incidence of an attempted vehicle "cut off," as I have in previous marathons. There are several breaks in the buildings where the ocean is easily observed, but don't anticipate viewing it for the entire course. The weather is typically temperate, good running weather. Although the nature of an island implies potentially windy conditions, there are enough turns on the course that despite extremely windy conditions this year, the longest "headwind stretch" is two miles at most. The long-sleeve, multi-colored cotton T-shirt featured a beautiful design, which included the lighthouse. Versions of Tybee Island's t-shirts have been recognized in the past by Runner's World Magazine. Convenient lodging exists very near the race and is reasonably priced in the winter. A nearby Catholic church sponsors a great spaghetti feed/fundraiser, which provides a chance to meet other runners. A few points I would recommend that a potential marathon entrant consider: the course is two out-and-back loops, so you cross the same point 4 times. This can be a little disheartening, as is passing the half marathon finish line, and still having half your distance remaining. The field also thins out considerably as half marathoners finish up (there were a little over 400 in the full marathon, fewer than half that of the half-marathon)... so you may have to self motivate for awhile. Both the half and full marathons award beautiful over-size medals draped by a blue ribbon. Two types of seashells that are found on the island are represented, one on each medal. In my view the half-marathon depicted a more aesthetically pleasing shell design.
C. S. from North Carolina (12/12/2005) "It is what it is" (about: 2003) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 If you like something just slightly more exciting than a 26-mile training run, go to Tybee. I've run Chicago & San Diego, & I really do prefer these smaller races to the giants. I feel like I can relax more & run on my own. As many have said, the double figure 8 is pretty cruel. It is good for spectators & support because you see them 5 times including start & finish. Don't expect there to be many folks in the race or watching. I'm coming back this year.
K. B. from Sanford, Florida (11/8/2005) "Mentally frustrating to run this marathon" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 9th marathon in 9 different states. I have to say that it was the least favorite of all my races so far. I was disappointed with the loop course. The course takes you to one side of the start/finish line through neighborhoods, etc... then you run across the street from the start/finish line to another section for ~7 miles and then run to the finish line where that majority of the runners end their endeavor... only to have to repeat the same 13.1 miles you just did again. Very, very tough to have the 'will' to stay in the race and keep going. I was also suprised not to see any photographers at the race. Despite the endeavour, I would have liked at least a photo to remember the race.
J. K. from Monticello, FL (4/9/2005) "Flat but Mentally Tougher Than Expected" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 The race was flat as a pancake but mentally tougher than one would expect. The 2005 race was run on a beautiful day so it is fair to ask why the race would be tough. The answer lies in the course, which is a double back and out. Especially tough is the midway point and the associated challenge of starting the second half next to half-marathoners being cheered in at their finish. Unlike many other races, the full does not take a different route ? you just run immediately next to the banner finish as you start the last half of the race. In fact, during the entire race you see the start / finish line four times due to the double loop layout. Despite having run multiple marathons and hilly courses, I really struggled at Tybee to stay mentally focused and not get frustrated by the repetitiveness of the course. All this said, the area is beautiful, there are a decent number of runners, and the organization was decent. Just do not mistake flat with mentally easy ? ain?t necessarily so!
S. Y. from Illinois (4/7/2005) "Hotel owners are crooks..." (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Course well managed and organized. However... I was extremely disappointed with the hotels. The managers seemed to be in cahoots with each other to force an extra day's rate for late checkout times. If you need a hotel DON'T STAY AT TYBEE, CERTAINLY DON'T STAY AT THE OCEAN BEACH RESORT. The course is extremely flat - which, due to the lack of variety, causes lots of leg pain early in the race. Expect lots of winds. My 11th marathon, so far the least favorite.
C. F. from Atlanta, GA (2/22/2005) "Great organization, great day, sparse fan support" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Tybee Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first marathon. I picked it for the cool weather and the flat course. The organization was excellent. Volunteers were great. I missed the feeling of being in an 'event' after the first loop when 80% of the runners stop. After that it was just a smattering of runners and locals (very enthusiastic, but not many of them). I'm looking to do a more crowded race next, but if you're looking for a well run race in February on a beautiful island, Tybee's for you.

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