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May 11, 2024

Martha's Vineyard Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Martha's Vineyard Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.9

Organization 4.6

Spectators 4.2

Number of comments: 17 [displaying comments 11 to 17]

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Timothy Dunn from Chicopee, Massachusetts (5/23/2018) "Martha's Vineyard Marathon- Fast & Fun" (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Martha's Vineyard Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was our first time running the Martha's Vineyard Marathon and we had a great experience! It's a perfect location to have a race and I look forward to coming back! Much of the course was on a paved bike path away from traffic which made it fast and safe. The course also took us along the shore-line with awsome views. We heard it was a fast course and a Boston qualifier and it was! I ran my best marathon time ever and my girlfriend qualified for Boston! The police did a great job directing traffic as the runners came by, the volunteer staff took great care of us and the finishers medal was definitely a unique & fun conversation piece! We can't wait to come back and see the race grow in years to come!
C. B. from United States (5/22/2018) "WONDERFUL!" (about: 2018) 3 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Greetings, This was a wonderful venue for a marathon! It was perfect that it was right before the busy season. I liked how the full and the half marathoners had a chance to cross paths on several occasions as I had friends doing the half! It was a good boost for us all. I also enjoyed running through the park area as it made it easier to navigate traffic for a while but just as you were getting bored with that you got to venture out into the "traveled" areas to see people! The course was as described, mostly flat, and it allowed me to achieve my Boston Marathon qualifying time! I ran with a group of friends and we all had a great time and we were looking forward to the "cool" metals or "bling" as we like to call them. They were so different than the usually ones you get. The volunteers and shuttle drivers were outstanding. I had an "angel" help me at the end when I could not untie my shoes so I could get my sweat pants on. He truly was so awesome to me and I was never so thankful in my life! The gear check was so conveniently located at the beginning and end of the race.... kudos to you guys.... it was perfect! I really hope to see this marathon grow each year as it is one I will never forget!
Judi McDermott from Ringwood, New Jersey (5/22/2018) "A beautiful, well organized race!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Martha's Vineyard Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 We made the Maratha's Vineyard Marathon and Half-Marathon a family weekend away and it did not disappoint. It is a great destination marathon/half-marathon. I ran the full marathon, my 13 year old nephew ran the full marathon and my sister ran the half-marathon. We each found the course to be beautiful. The course went through lovely bike trails, past the pretty Vineyard homes and, of course, the ocean. The course was well-supported by volunteers who were encouraging and in good spirits despite the rain. The finish line MC was fun and the flags from the 50 states really made the finish feel momentous.
M. R. from Boston, MA (5/22/2018) "Amazing course - great destination race!" (about: 2018) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Martha's Vineyard Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I absolutely loved the Martha's Vineyard marathon. This was my 29th marathon, and it was one of my favorites. I'd definitely recommend this race as a fantastic small-ish marathon (~1200 half marathoners and ~375 marathoners in 2018), and it would be near the top of my list for destination races. The course was beautiful (great stretches on paved paths through the woods, fantastic vistas along the coast, even the course through portions of Edgartown was picturesque). The course had no real hills to speak of, and changes in scenery kept it interesting. The course was well-marked and mile markers were visible from a distance which made the distance between them feel shorter. There are a few portions of the race on roads, but cones were placed to partition a portion of the lane for runners, and police were stationed at intersections. I never felt like cars or traffic interfered. Despite a fairly small race, it started in waves, which avoided too much congestion or weaving, and the marathon and half marathon did not share the course for too long before splitting off - which made a big difference. There were plenty of water/gatorade stations and outhouses along the course (though there were long lines for the bathroom at the beginning just before the race). It was nice to be able to wait for the start inside the high school, since it was cool before the race (2018: after threatening rain, the weather was great - cool with only a little light rain toward the end). Race organization was smooth, and the spectators and volunteers were enthusiastic. My only recommendation would be a little bit more food / drink at the finish line (primarily water and bananas by the time I finished the full - not sure if there was more for the half marathoners, or if I missed other options). I don't get too hung up on the shirt or medal, but I thought both were nice. The one heads up I'd give would be to plan ahead when it comes to traveling to and on the island. I think you have to book fairly far in advance to get a spot for a car on the ferry to/from island (not certain, since it was full when I tried - note; it's not cheap, and probably worth going without a car if you're making a trip just for the weekend). You can rent a car (but be aware that the rental places may close early) or get a taxi or rideshare, and the public buses are also a fairly good option - depending on where you are staying. It's also worth knowing that the race happens just before the summer season gets going on Martha's Vineyard, so restaurants / other businesses may be closed / close early. Otherwise, I'd consider this the perfect destination / vacation marathon. I will definitely be back next year!
S. R. from Boston (5/22/2018) "Great course & views!" (about: 2018) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Martha's Vineyard Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I had chosen this race because I love Martha's Vineyard and it fell on my birthday and I am so glad I did! Everyone was extremely friendly and the energy was intoxicating. Definitely couldn't beat the views and it was great seeing the island in a completely different way. Ended the day over a beer and lobster roll - couldn't have wished for a better way to bring in 25 (besides maybe with some sunshine)! Convinced my best friend to come up with me. Overall a great course and day!
K. C. from Washington DC (5/22/2018) "An excellent smaller race, great for first timers" (about: 2018) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first half marathon and I really enjoyed it. The course was absolutely lovely and there weren't too many participants - it was well spread out compared to some of the other races I've been a part of. In addition, despite being a smaller event, the organization was still top notch. The amount of hydration stations was perfect. The number of spectators was perfect, especially considering that Martha's Vineyard isn't a particularly large island. Regardless, all the spectators were high energy and lovely.
S. B. from Massachusetts, USA (9/26/2017) "Great way to explore Martha's Vineyard on foot" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Martha's Vineyard Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Great course except for sand like dirt road for two miles and 1/10 mile finish on uneven grass surface. A local runner I ran with for 25 miles said it was planned to be paved but the town priorities changed, not race's fault. Negatives: The island doesn't offer much shade under May Sun, it would have been nice with more water stops towards the end and electrolytes for those who needed. Post race replenishing was poor with only over ripe bananas. Not enough porta potties at the start for the size of the event. The organizers advertised the post race shuttles but sounds like they weren't delivered to those who needed. Positives: Scenic course and 'New England flat' covering most of the central/east sections of the island through the woods and then along the eastern shore. The course mostly is on bike path making it peaceful. The course marshals/police at traffic intersections were attentive for the safety of the runners. Awesome volunteers, cheering all the way. Nice finisher's medal in shape of the island.

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