calendar icon May 20, 2024

New Jersey Marathon Runner Comments

Back to New Jersey Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.3 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.5 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 464 [displaying comments 431 to 441]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 > ]

 

A Runner from PG county, Maryland (5/1/2002)
"rain, rain go-away (wish I had a snorkel & fins)" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Yeah, the rain and wind made this run twice as tough as it should have been, kind of in between temperature really caused me problems (rain gear too hot, shorts too cold). Conditions aside, the POSITIVES: 1) spectators that were there were real troopers, 2) good event day pre & post-race organization, 3) frequent water stations, 4) nice views for most of the course (liked Deal, seeing the other shore towns, the Sandy Hook loop & view of the ocean & bay), 5) very nice long sleeve t-shirt and nice finishers medal, 6) plenty of port-o-johns at the start, finish and throughout the course. NEGATIVES: 1) cramped start area (partly due to the weather) felt like a cow in cattle chute, 2) could have used another tent/shelter at the start area due to the weather (though many stayed in their cars), 3) way too early shuttle bus departure times, 4) course around the 15 mile mark was cramped and felt really slanted as it was on a bike lane, 5) no time markers from 19 to 22 miles (had to look over your shoulder at the later distances to figure your time), 6) how about some cookies something sweet (besides oranges) at the finish to get that blood sugar up and food (bananas) around the 20 mile mark.
I think the positives far outweigh the negatives and the course would be pretty scenic on a sunny day with an ocean breeze to keep the temperature mild. For a smaller marathon, the organizers did a GREAT job. I'd run it again (on a sunny day!).
 

A Runner from Miami, Florida (5/1/2002)
"Bad Weather - Great Marathon" (General Comments)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The weather couldn't have been worse, but what a lovely course. This marathon was perfectly organized and executed. The volunteers were wonderful, especially KEVIN. No glitches, lots of smiles and support. Friendly pacers to run with. Host hotel was great. If you want a beautiful course and personalized treatment (including hot bagels and thermal blankets prior to the event), sign up for this one. Did I mention the great medal? Jersey Shore Rocks!
 

A Runner from New Jersey (5/1/2002)
"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.
 

A Runner from Virginia (4/30/2002)
"Outstanding! (Can't help the weather)" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was one to remember. In spite of the nasty weather (wind, rain, cold), the organizers and volunteers did everything possible to make sure we had a great race. With all the water on the course, it did feel like a steeplechase at times, but it all added to the overall marathon experience. I was amazed at the crowd support that we did have and very grateful for the volunteers. I was also proud to see so many runners gut it out and still have a good time doing it. I will definitely be back..the weather can only get better.
 

A Runner from Pennsylvania (4/30/2002)
"Rough weather but a nice race" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I knew we were in for a challenge when the wind was rocking the car as my wife and I sat waiting for the race to start. Due to the weather my time was over 10% slower than my time for the Washington DC marathon in March. The event was well-organized. The volunteers and the spectators who turned out were absolutely wonderful. It didn't matter this year, but the 9:00 start time could be a problem if it was sunny and warm.
 

A Runner from Arlington, Virginia (4/29/2002)
"Well Done, if Soggy" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Brisk wind and steady rain made this oceanside marathon a tough run, but the NJ Shore Marathon could hardly have been better organized or executed. Great volunteers on this flat, scenic course. No GU or PowerGel handouts, but plenty of water/Ultima at the frequent aid stations. Decent crowd support given the crummy weather. The start and finish are well-managed. Good groceries at the finish and a nice finisher's medal. I will be back.
 

A Runner from New York, NY (4/29/2002)
"Wet and windy, but a good experience." (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


The course and conditions were tougher than I expected, but it was still an enjoyable race. Heavy rain and a strong headwind made the start a challenge, and the wind did not ease up until around Mile 20. The spectators were great. I give them credit for being out in such bad weather, and it made the miles pass by easier. The course is not as flat as everyone says. Although there are not any steep hills, there are many gradual inclines along the way. It was also nice that the check-out time at the hosting hotel, The Holiday Inn, was not until 3:00 pm. This allowed for a shower and a chance to relax after the run, before driving home.
 

A Runner from Summit, NJ (4/29/2002)
"Very well run in spite of adverse weather" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


My compliments to all of the race organizers and volunteers for doing a magnificent job in running the race under wet and windy conditions. Many adjustments were made to make runners as comfortable as possible before the race in the rain swept starting area on Sandy Hook. Special arrangements were made to let runners stay on the buses that brought them to the starting area until the race started. Volunteers came around to the buses with food. They also came to the buses to make pre-race announcements that would ordinarily would have been made over the public address system. The three races (marathon, marathon walk and 10 mile run/walk) started on schedule. Thanks to the volunteers and workers, all of fluid stations and other facilities for runners along the race course (like medical assistance) and at the finish area were fully staffed and efficient. In particular, all of the volunteers were friendly and helpful in spite of the weather conditions. The 2002 Marathon was the third time I've run this race, and I plan to come back many times in the future.
 

A Runner from New York City (4/29/2002)
"Great Marathon Experience" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Extremely well-organized run, weather conditions were tough with the wind directly in our face for a good 15 miles in the middle of the course. Plenty of water stations, flat course, volunteers were great, more spectators would be nice. A much better experience not having to fight the huge mass of runners like in the NY Marathon. I was able to focus on my game plan. thinking about running it again next year. Conditions can only get better.
 

A Runner from New Jersey (4/29/2002)
"Give it the Gold for overcoming adversity!" (about: 2002)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my 3rd time at this event. I 'ran' the 10 Mile fitness walk, my partner ran the marathon and we were both so pleased with how Art and Mark Zenobia pulled this event off in spite of a downpour, strong headwinds, slippery conditions and a flood, yes a flood! When we arrived at the staging area we were shocked to see a rather small tent (which quickly became crowded) as our 'warm and dry' area. But within minutes the organizers arranged to have the buses available to keep runners dry and warm until the start. Food was 'catered' to the buses by volunteers. As we lined up for our 10 Mile event, we were appropriately warned about potential dangers. Those of us who intended to 'run' the walk (as I did) were also warned that the support areas may not be ready for us - but that wasn't a problem. Everybody was ready for us - with smiles and cheers! About 1/2 mile from the finish, I encountered a flood (water up to my knees!) at an underpass. A volunteer pointed me through the center and was so encouraging. We both had a great laugh. (I understand that a detour was eventually prepared.) When I arrived at the finish, I knew I would have to wait 3 hours for partner to complete the marathon, and I was so relieved to learn we could go into the gym where the wonderful Red Cross and First Aid volunteers were welcoming. In good weather (past years) this was an 'off limits' zone, but this year was different. They even had hot chicken broth! I could go on, but I think you get the point! Job well done to all the organizers and volunteers.
 

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