May 20, 2024
Current Year Results
Results Search
Biggest/Best Boston Qualifier
2024 Results
2023 Results
2022 Results
2021 Results
2020 Results
2019 Results
2018 Results
2017 Results
2016 Results
2015 Results
2014 Results
2013 Results
2012 Results
2011 Results
2010 Results
2009 Results
2008 Results
2007 Results
2006 Results
2005 Results
2004 Results
2003 Results
2002 Results
2001 Results
2000 Results
☰
Kiawah Island Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Kiawah Island Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 4.4 
Spectators 3.2
Number of comments: 211 [displaying comments 181 to 191]
|
A Runner from TN
(12/17/2002)
 "Great Course, Great Volunteers" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 They took the feedback from last year seriously! There were plenty of water stops throughout the course this year and they had a chip mat at the start line and reported chip times. Any two loop course can be mentally challenging, but this course is incredibly flat and fast. I ran Kiawah two years ago on the old course and MUCH prefer this one without all the turns. This year's weather challenge was the wind, but seldom is the weather perfect for any marathon. Overall it was a very well organized race, on a flat fast course, with enthusiastic water stop volunteers, in a beautiful location. There weren't many spectators, but with frequent water stops, some of which had loud, upbeat music playing, it didn't seem as lonely as some marathons. Would definitely recommend it for someone looking for a smaller (around 850 finishers), fast marathon. | |
|
A Runner from Clarkston Michigan
(12/17/2002)
 "Good Marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 It sounds like the organizers are listening as there was a mat at the start this year for chip timing and plenty of support on the course-good job! The course is not the most exciting as it is actually a double out and back with very few views for an island course; however the homes are fabulous. The weather although near perfect temperature-wise could have been a lot less windy as there was quite a strong headwind on each return section. This is a good marathon for speed as it is super flat but the bike path takes some concentration as it does twist and turn a bit. There is very little crowd support if that is important - not a big factor for me as this is #19 but should be considered for first timers. It also gets a little lonley for the second loop as most of the runners seemed to be doing the half marathon. If cost is a concern we stayed in Charleston and cut our cost considerably as staying on the Island seemed quite expensive for those who are doing several marathons per year. Post race was A+ for food and free massage. | |
|
A Runner from Charlotte, NC
(12/16/2002)
 "Fast course; wanted to see more of the island" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The race was fast and support from volunteers was excellent. There's nothing quite like seeing military personnel handing out water. Still, the course left a bit to be desired. Marathon runners never saw the ocean during this course and in fact mostly viewed the large vacation homes - running past some four times as the course looped down the same streets repeatedly. Also, a note to race organizers: Please let at least one friend or relative escort runners to the food. Many of us need someone to hold on to as we walk gingerly to that delicious soup! | |
|
A Runner from Raleigh, NC
(12/15/2002)
 "Very nice resort, good marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Nice fast course, a PR for me by 6 minutes. I didn't mind the double loop at all. Pretty well organized, and they seem to be taking the feedback to heart as there was plenty of water and gatorade. The post race meal was super (great soup!) and the resort is quite nice. The only negatives were probably the high prices for lodging and the pre-race pasta dinner, and maybe the thin crowd support on a lot of the course. Still, if you like seaside marathons and fast courses, it's a good one! | |
|
A Runner from Columbia, SC
(1/29/2002)
"Hello??? Why are we paying for chip timing???" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Enjoyed the course, despite record heat. I got great treatment along the way for a blister. Definitely needed more water and perhaps more oranges on the last leg. My biggest disappointment, however, was the lack of accurate timing. I mean, what's the point of wearing the chip if it isn't being used??? I really wanted an accurate time on this one, and hope this is ironed out by next year. If I'd have known it was going to be so haphazard, I'd have paid closer attention to my watch. That's what I get for assuming!!! | |
|
A Runner from Marietta, Georgia
(1/12/2002)
"Great Race/Need more water stops for Marathoners." (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was my first Marathon and it was Great and wonderful relaxed atmosphere. Our friends that ran the 1/2 were able to run with us the first 13 miles which was a help. The only complaint that I have (well actually 2) are that near the end of the Island on the second half of the Marathon there needs to be another water stop, and make sure that they don't run out of water like the did at the 2001 race. If it wasn't for my son riding a bike and meeting up with us every so often we would have had a hard time because before the water stop we had our gu expecting to get a drink in a 1/4 to 1/2 mile up the road and that never happened because they ran out of water. Not good on a warm day running the second loop. Being first timers we were slow, but there were people after us and most of the food was gone or not very fresh. Thanks, Elinore Meadows | |
|
A Runner from Washington
(12/20/2001)
"I love this race for many reasons" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I used to tell everyone how well organized this race is. This year, that failed to be true, but I have faith that it will be back to true form. Really, really could have used rehydration stations between miles 18-21, that HURT!!! Do not like the 2-laps, not at all. Still...it is a great time of year for a marathon...keeps you motivated during what may be the off-season for us northerners! | |
|
A Runner from ohio
(12/20/2001)
"nice scenery but poor organization at the start" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 Not at all organized at the start. There was no clear starting gun or command -- we were just standing and then all of the sudden the crowd started to move and there was no chip start. Also, with the half and full on such a narrow winding start it got too congested. The course was not very well marked. Volunteers at aid stations were very helpful. | |
|
A Runner from Denver, Colorado
(12/19/2001)
"A first timer to high heat and humidity" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Kiawah Island was absolutely beautiful and a delightful place for a marathon. The vans at the resort shuttled you to everything so transportation was great. The pre race pasta dinner, the after marathon food and the seafood buffet were absolutely wonderful!! When I left Colorado, the temp was 10 degrees. This was my first experience of running in this kind of heat and humidity. As hot as it was, they needed water stops every two miles. My second loop, one of the stations was out of water and others were closing down. I had bad blisters on one foot at the finish and the medical help was wonderful. Thank you Mary, the nurse!! The t-shirts and medals were great. I was fortunate enough to win an age group award and those were absolutely super. This is a first rate marathon. I would just want people to know to be prepared for hot weather. Carry a bandana to soak in water to cool yourself down. Thanks Kiawah for a grand time!!!! | |
|
A Runner from nashville, TN
(12/19/2001)
"What happened to chip timing?" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This was a great race and really well organized (yes...pretty pathetic in terms of crowd support, but it might mean that all the rich doctors and lawyers on the island might have to get some fresh air..:)..BUT, why wasn't there actual chip timing? There's supposed to be a chip 'carpet' at the start too to mark the actual start..This is the whole point of chip timing, folks! I imagine the majority of people who ran this race really had a time anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes faster than what was registered at the finish. The start was pretty crowded and somewhat bottlenecked. Obviously, this would not be a good race to use for a Boston qualifier since the times are not accurate from actual start to finish. Is this going to be fixed by next year's race? |
Quick Links
Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools
© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC
