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☰
New Jersey Marathon Runner Comments
Back to New Jersey Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 464 [displaying comments 421 to 431]
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A Runner from Maryland
(10/22/2002)
 "Avoid this race like the plague!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 What should have been a fast, PR-type of race was dampened the weather and demolished by the race organizers. While they couldn't control the weather, they could've treated the runners with more respect. First they make us get to the start three hours early, even though the start line was only about 10 miles from the hotel. Then they put up one tiny tent (with flaps that weren't tied down) to shield hundreds of runners. There was simply no room to stretch before the race, not even room to stand around with your bag. During the race, they served little food and that horrible Ultima drink. I came very close to giving up marathoning altogether because of the experience of this race (luckily, I tried one more and had a great time, which was almost a PR, but on a hillier and better organized course). Do yourself a favor; don't go anywhere near this race. | |
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A Runner from New York City
(6/10/2002)
 "horrible weather, outstanding race" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Just adding one more voice to those who noticed what a super job NJ did this year, despite hideous conditions. I can only imagine what a joy it is to run in good weather! It was my fourth marathon but first NJ and despite the conditions, I finally BQed -- thanks mostly to those incredible volunteers and raceworkers and some intrepid spectators along the way. The folks who organized this race were so supportive, I easily forgive them for not quickly building a big auditorium to shelter us at the start! | |
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A Runner from fort myers florida
(5/10/2002)
 "a 1st time runner from florida" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As someone who has walked 2 marathons, this was my first running. I want to thank the 4:30 pace group leaders for their support and leadership. It made for a very enjoyable race under adverse conditions. The 2 hr wait in the locker rooms were an open history book of previous marathon stories and horrors. The fans and support staff on course had it worse than us and should be recognized. If I am up that way again next year I will run it, hopefully in sunshine. Good job to Art ! | |
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A First Timer from Frostburg, MD
(5/10/2002)
"Wet, Windy, Wonderful" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was wet, windy and wonderful all at the same time. I didn't set any records, although as my first marathon it WAS a PR. The volunteers on race day, the race directors, the spectators and the web site - were chief reasons why I completed all 26.2 miles. Even though they began rolling up the sidewalks before I finished, there was support at each intersection and there was never a concern about traffic. And - this is the best part - even though it took me over 6 hours, the volunteers at the finish line made me feel like I won the Olympics. This was a great race, a great event. If you are a first timer - PICK THIS ONE - if it went so well in such lousy weather, imagine what it's like in even half way decent weather. I give it 100 stars. | |
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A Runner from Queens, New York
(5/4/2002)
 "What a race!!!!!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The weather was horrible!!! But if it hadn't been for the few spectators and hard-working and dedicated volunteers, I'm sure I would have lost my mind somewhere in the many puddles (some more like lakes). Despite the harsh elements, the runners were real troopers. Great job everyone!!! | |
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A Runner from New York
(5/3/2002)
 "Not a well planned marathon due to the weather" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 We arrived at the start at 6:20ish. Way too early to have people at the start especially in horrible conditions. The race started at 9am; there was no reason to have us there so early. The marathon should be the first event off, but at this event it was the last. The buses should be scattered so people would not be stuck in horrible conditions. This was the worst marathon of my life. | |
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A Runner from Brooklyn, NY
(5/3/2002)
"Great, fun race" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was pleasantly surprised at this race. Taking the train in from NYC, I knew I wouldn't have much time to pick up my number, get ready and get to the start, but it all went very smoothly. The volunteers and fans were the best! The thousands of fans in NY never did much for me, but these people standing out in the rain cheering for me really lifted my spirits. A few volunteers even ran alongside me to give me water. Be aware that although it's a flat course, it is totally exposed to the elements and is mostly run directly south, so the weather can make this tough (like this year's wind). Despite the rain, the wind and the flood, I've never had so much fun in a marathon. Thanks again to the staff and volunteers! | |
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A Runner from New Jersey
(5/3/2002)
"Poor Weather This Year - Very Dedicated Volunteers" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the third time that I have run this race and it was my 57th Marathon or Ultra overall. The New Jersey Shore Marathon is usually a very easy race to run and is an excellent choice for a first marathon. This year, because of the cold rain and constant wind, it demonstrated its potential to be one of the most challenging. My time was over an hour slower than it was in 2000! Although I was uncomfortable (wet and cold) for most of the race, completing it this year was as satisfying to me as if I had set a PR. I give a lot of credit to the slower runners and first-timers who decided to even show up and then stuck with it until they finished, under unusually difficult conditions. The volunteers did an excellent job as well and remained extremely cheerful although they were certainly cold and wet, also. I will be sure to return to this race in 2003. It will be really great when run in better weather. | |
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A Runner from New York City
(5/2/2002)
"Runner from NY...What was the big deal?" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The organizers couldn't help the rain and wind and they did a great job. What time did you think the 6:15 bus would drop you off at the start? We all knew the bus would drop us off with two hours or so before the 9 AM start and everyone knew it was going to be raining and cold. Part of running and enjoying a marathon is to be prepared. What would you propose the organizers had done differently? It was your responsibility to prepare yourself mentally and bring the right equipment. Like most of the runners, I wore throw away sweats and a hefty bag, but I got an unexpected extra Mylar blanket from the organizers before the race. The tough part was running the 26.2, not waiting around before. | |
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A Runner from New York
(5/2/2002)
"bad pre-race organization" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 When I asked at the expo what they were going to do in case of rain, I was told to go to the store and buy Hefty bags. Maybe if you got to the start at 7:30 you were o.k., but we were told to be on the 6-6:15 bus, which dropped us off in the pouring rain and howling wind with no protection. They eventually put up a pretty useless tent, and after an hour they relented and let us get back on buses, but by then we were miserable, frozen and totally soaked. Any marathon that tells its runners to be at the start 2-1/2 hours early should be prepared for any conditions. We won't be back. |
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