More Marathon - Race Reviews

What was I thinking when I signed up for this race? I can only blame myself for not reading the reviews beforehand. It looks like I will only be listing negatives since I honestly cannot find one positive thing about this race: 1) Waaaay too crowded! About 7,500 people crowded in narrow running lanes in Central Park. At least 95% of them were half marathoners. Yes, no one cares to run the full. 2) Most walkers I've seen outside of the March of Dimes Walkathon. 3) Droves and droves of walkers! Constant dodging of walkers who are walking side by side by side, creating human roadblocks. Every water stop (which was self serve) had scores of rude walkers who would just stop in front of the water tables forcing others to wait or go around them for hydration. 4) Mind-numbing and repetitive course. 5) Course marshals were clueless and inattentive as to the route for the full. 6) No energy gels distributed along the course. 7) Spectators? Probably more pigeons looking at us then spectators. 8) Lonely - after the half marathoners left (thankfully), there were more casual joggers out for their morning jog than racers. 9) Mounds of horse poop at the lower end of the park (which I inadvertently stepped on dodging those walkers). They say that the worst pain during a marathon happens after Mile 20; for me the pain was after the race, thinking about the time, money and training wasted. I guess the best thing I can say about this race is that it is over. At least with a root canal I figure it was necessary pain, but with this race I only blame myself for being a masochist. I guess if I want the camarzaderie of more mature women, I might have to try a knitting club... and certainly not this "race." Never, ever again.

I too was excited to come to NYC and run this marathon as NYC is my hometown. I'd read comments about the race after my friend and I signed up to do this marathon but decided to give it the benefit of the doubt. Well, the race proved me wrong. I started with a pace group and got stuck behind the walkers. The pace group went TOO fast. I was running a 4:20 marathon when I should have been running a 4:40. Thankfully, the second group of pacers that took over slowed things down but by then the damage was done and my legs were toast by Mile 23. Thankfully, one of the pacers stayed with me. The finish line was a disappointment. There was not the hoopla that I'd seen for the half-marathoners. I got my medal and a friend found a bagel and apple. All the booths were breaking down. I finished in 4:46. Way under the cutoff. To me, if you're going to put on a race, everyone should get the same treatment, which is why I think the marathon should be eliminated from this race. The other thing is that over 300 started the marathon but only 152 finished. I checked the half-marathon stats and found 20 marathon numbers amongst the finishers. So if marathoners didn't just quit, they opted to just to just do the half, which explains why they ran out of half-marathon medals. I really hope the organizers will read these comments and take it all into consideration when planning next year's event. I think it is great to celebrate women over 40 and to know that so many women did the half-marathon for the first time is awesome. However, if the support is not going to be there for the marathoners, they should just eliminate it from the event. It is very disheartening to have trained for so long to find no one *home* to greet you.

I ran the full in 2006 and had a pretty good experience. I went back in 2008 and wish I had taken the comments on this site more seriously. NYRR should know better than to hold a run for some 8,000 people in Central Park. It doesn't work. At the very least, they need to have a staggered start. I saw four people fall while attempting to dodge the other "runners." I decided to cross the finish line when I was at the half marathon mark because I was so bruised (literally) from the first two laps. I could also see that the small support we had in 2006 was not going to happen in 2008. No interest whatsoever. I'd also like to know why they changed the course to this new and very confusing route. The old course that sent the marathoners across 102nd and to the bottom of the park on the south end for five laps at least allowed us to get out of and then ahead of the half strollers after the first half lap. There was no relief this year for the first two laps. I was absolutely exhausted from playing dodge people for two hours. Never, ever, ever again. I also thought the expo was bad: Two floors crammed full of women who thought they were on a shopping trip. There was no water at the expo and one table for another race. The idea is that this is a race. I'm happy so many people want to give distance running a try, but it should not be at the expense of those of us who train year round to run races. If More and NYRR want to sponsor an event for first-time runners and people who want to distance walk, they should bill the "race" as such. If you are at all serious about running, avoid this race at all costs.

Whew... ditto any negative comments below. New York Road Runners generally does a bang up job with any race they stage, so I don't know what keeps on going wrong here. Too many people, too many walkers, too many inexperienced racers breaking every rule in the book (like cutting into the porta-potty lines - I was in line a good ten minutes after the starting horn) and too repetitive of a course for a marathon (Central Park works for a half, but four loops? Yikes...). I ran the half yesterday, and had my worst race experience to date. I saw a marathoner conferring with a husband or coach, and realizing she was going to finish 29 miles rather than 26 because no one directed her on the proper turns in the course. The winners lapped the field at one point - not an uncommon occurrence in NYRR Central Park events - and masses of walkers and slower runners REFUSED TO LET THE WINNERS PASS. Perhaps a nice, feel good get-together akin to the Walk for the Cure Events, but not a serious road race.

Wish I had read the comments earlier! I was excited to run the More Marathon and thought it would be an empowering experience to run with all women over 40. Fighting to get across the 1/2 marathon runners and mostly walkers to get to the water and Gatorade was no fun. Apparently I missed a turn-off for the marathon despite my constantly asking if I was going the right way. I ended up doing a third outer loop. Eventually a race marshal on the course picked me up and led the way (but it was impossible to make up the more than a mile extra I had run). To make matters worse, when I finally finished (5th overall), a medal was placed around my neck - and it said, "13.1!!" Since I had actually run an ultra marathon of 28-plus, I asked for the correct marathon medal of 26.2, to which they apologized and handed me the correct medal. It is so frustrating after the hours and hours of training to have something like this happen - I certainly will not be back. I think all the confusion would have been lessened if the courses were marked with different color lines and maybe had water and Gatorade on our left side as well (since marathoners were told to stay to the left - and all of the drinks were on the far right!).

I was inspired to do this race by the older women (60's, 70's and even one woman who was 81). I figured if they could do it, I could run my first at 41 years. I love the camaraderie and support the women show each other. I enjoy seeing grandmothers and granddaughters racing together. I guess in comparison to other bigger races, the other commenters who don't like this race are correct - the spectators and overall excitement of the race aren't as great as bigger events. But this is the only marathon I've run (3rd one coming up in 2008) and I enjoy it because it fits my level of competition and I have a good time in NYC. I'm happy to be able to finish a marathon and I don't want to be crowded or pushed around when I run (like runners are in the NYC Marathon).

Are there enough words in the English language to describe what a horrendous race this is? Wish I knew about MarathonGuide.com before signing up for this one. This is not a race; it is more like a parade without the floats, clowns or any fun! About 90% of the "runners" were half marathoners and the majority of whom were social walkers sipping cappucinos, listening to iPods, catching up on the latest gossip and recapping Sex & The City episodes, all the while walking side-by-side in groups of 2, 3 or more, blocking the entire width of the running lanes. Should have known that this race was not to be taken seriously when I passed a woman wearing hiking boots and walking shorts. Since it is a repetitive loop course, you are lapping the half marathon walkers and it never seems to end. I was expecting throngs of spectators since the race was in NYC but I've actually entertained more people in my apartment than the size of the crowd of spectators. Hardly anyone even noticed us marathoners, especially after the majority of the half-marathoners finally walked off the course. I think I saw more hotdog vendors along the route than spectators. While the first half of the race is spent trying to maneuver around the half marathoners, the second half is spent preventing yourself from going crazy and dodging the regular park users (runners, stroller moms, dog walkers, etc.) that have no idea that a race is in progress. If I were smart, I would have just walked off the course and got myself a hotdog and pretzel along with an ice cold beer and just lay on the grass in Central Park. With the lack of support from fans and equally the organizers, along with the constant hills and repetitive nature of the course, watching a Ben Affleck movie marathon would have been even more exciting.

I actually ran the half this year but after 2 loops (and a little more) of the park, I could not have run the park 3 more times. The expo was great - lots of great handouts, lots of energy, and plenty of space without being too big. Great focus on women's health too! There were no power gels at the water stations, but plenty of water and Gatorade. The start is difficult getting out, as there are so many runners and walkers (about 4,700 this year). I was slowed a full minute for the first and second mile before I could pull away from the crowd. There is great spectator support on the bottom third of the park, but the rest has few, if any. However, the fellow runners are great and if you need support, the walkers and regular morning exercisers will cheer you along! Overall I really enjoyed the half experience and would do it again in a heartbeat, but I would only sign up for the full if I were desperate to run a marathon next March.

I should have been prepared for the disappointment of this race when race organizers never bothered to respond to an email question I sent twice (in January & February - same question). I am not sure I'd really call this a race - it was more of a half marathon event. I am all for getting more people into the half marathon and marathon distances, but for folks who are so militant about their time cut off (just a few questions about that - since I saw no police expense for course security, the course wasn't closed during the race to other runners, walkers, dogs, horses, etc in the park, and the water/aid stations were mostly self serve, just why DO you have the same time limit for the full as the half?) there were no clear instructions for where to line up if you were a slower marathoner trying to make the 6 1/2 hour cut off. My walking partner & I lined up behind the 11:00 minute mile pace group (according to the signs) and in front of the walkers (again according to the signs) and ended up smack in the middle of the women walking the half marathon. We never even saw the pace group that was supposed to be for the 6:25:00 marathon time (which would have been a little over a 14 minute mile pace & there was no sign for anyone slower than an 11 minute mile - everyone else was just lumped into the walking category). When we crossed the start line (13 minutes after the race officially started), the mat didn't even chirp to let us know it had picked up the chip for the start time - I suspect it had already been unplugged. It was a real mess for everyone when we made the first loop and had to switch sides for those who were trying to continue on (move to the left, ladies - after miles of being screamed at to keep to the right) AND for those trying to finish the half marathon (move to the right, ladies - after miles of being told to pass on the left). The passing lane was too small to allow anyone to keep moving at any kind of pace through the finish line area and once the half marathoners started finishing en masse (the second time time through the finish line area), they were standing around in the passing lane talking and blocking the area for those marathoners continuing on to the third loop. That wasn't their fault - most of them were very excited about finishing their first half marathon - I suspect that, once again, there were no clear directions on what to do once they received their medal. I was very grateful for my husband (who ended up walking the last 10 miles with me) as he kept runners, walkers and groups of tourists from knocking me down on the last 3 loops - again, they had no clue there was any kind of race going on and thought I was just someone who wouldn't get out of the way. On the plus side, every volunteer who spoke to me on the race course was friendly and encouraging. And, even though I didn't make their time cut off, I was allowed to finish the race and did receive a medal. If you are looking for a well organized marathon, whether you are a runner or a walker, this is not the race for you.

I wish I took the time to find this site before I did the marathon because all the comments are right on target. It should be a half marathon only; I spent too much time trying to get around the walkers that I kept lapping; the oncoming recreational runners/bikers were very distracting; and there was minimal support (if any) at the finish. The concept of running in an all women's marathon was exciting but More Magazine drops the ball on "Marathon." There were only 144 marathoners and like 5,000 half-marathoners. What does that tell you?

Well, the idea is good; but the execution of the race really leaves a lot to be desired. Seems like it's strictly for half marathoners, as there were 4200 Half Finishers and only 143 finishers for the Full. First of all, I found the whole course confusing with all the repetitive laps but the distances of the laps changing. Spent the first 2+ laps dodging half marathoners about half of whom were walkers with backpacks chatting and taking up both running lanes as if out for a Sunday stroll or a hike in the woods. My hips are not happy having to have zigzagged and run outside the cones dozens of times due to the half marathon walkers creating human barricades. The last 10 miles were spent then dodging regular joggers (many of whom were running in the opposite direction in the race lanes), cyclists, dogs, strollers, etc. as many had no clue that there was even a race in progress. Felt all alone out there and one of the water stations was abandoned 3 hours into the race. Only 1 water station that had any enthusiasm. Spectators were few and far between and the only support I got were other runners not in the race and a friendly dog. No gels throughout the course, hardly any post race food. The constant incline in Central Park, the hills, the loneliness and lack of support had me muttering some harsh words for the race organizers by mile 20. If they don't care about the full marathoners, why have it at all? Should have just saved my energy and money and spent my vacation watching some Broadway shows and trying some NYC pizza.

This was an extremely disappointing experience. Considering the amount of training involved in preparing to run a marathon, it would have been nice if the organizers had prepared a commensurate amount. I don't know what was more demoralizing; starting alongside walkers who proceeded to clog the 10-foot wide lane we were corraled into or having to dodge the myriad of dog walkers, oblivious stroller-pushing parents or the gentleman who asked me if I had any prune juice?! The obvious lack of interest of the "spectators" made a monotonous course even more painful. Would not repeat this particular race.

I was very excited to do a marathon with only women over 40. The race proved to be not my favorite though.This race is much better for 1/2 marathoners. Only 173 marathon fininshers, most of the second 1/2 of the race was spent running in the park by myself. The mile markers are needed at every mile for the second half of the race, it was very frustrating to weave in and out of walkers, and general traffic in the park. Am glad that I carried my own power gel, as none was distributed on the course. Great freebies at the expo, did not see any water, food at the finish line though. Thank you to the guys holding up the lap signs at the finish area, I would have lost track with out you! I really liked the concept of this race, but was disappointed at the turnout and the overall experience.

This marathon was practically a non-event. There were so few marathoners that we could not be discerned from the casual runners and walkers who were simply out for their Sunday morning exercise session in Central Park. There were so many folks in this category - some with dogs, some with strollers - who ran and walked both in the direction of the race and also in the opposite direction that it became difficult to even navigate the course at times. Hardly an ideal set-up for a marathon! And five loops through the park without anyone but the volunteers watching or caring is extremely demoralizing. This would have been my 19th marathon finish, but I walked off the course in disgust at mile 18. I'm saving my energy for a marathon and a course with spectators and organization. If the organizers of the More Marathon cannot keep the traffic off the marathon course and generate some excitement (or even acknowledgement that an event is taking place), they should just skip it and have the half-marathon.

I only recently started running seriously. I ran the 2006 Mores 1/2 Marathon. I had a good time racing with all those women. I was a bit disappointed with having to manuever my way through your typical Sunday strollers on my 2nd lap. It was nice getting my first medal, improving my time and receiving that goody bag. I also got to meet Grete Waitz at the expo. I'm very glad I participated.

The idea is great, the city is great. However as a runner who was trying to do her best, the race was a big letdown. When I wasn't dodging the constant onslaught of walkers who were always walking side by side by side, creating constant human roadblocks, I was also trying to keep away from the constant slant on the road, the cyclists and other runners in the park who were not in the race. Seemed like there were more walkers than runners in this "race." Looking at last year's results underscores the fact that no one is interested in the full marathon, as they had fewer than 400 finishers last year, while the half had over 2,000. With a median finishing time for the half marathoners last year of over 2:28, it's strictly an "event" for women who want to run with similar women in their age group and are not really concerned about their race times.

I really enjoyed being in New York for the More Marathon. On the plus side, the goody bag was definitely the best I've received from any marathon, and the expo was fun. But there were a few details overlooked that marred the overall experience. First of all, there were no safety pins included with the race number. Seems like a nitpicky thing but also a basic--even my local small-town marathon remembers safety pins. The worst oversight: the full marathoners were instructed to watch for the blue mile markers. There was one at 1 mile, one at 2 miles, then not another one until the 7-mile mark. In addition there were a bunch of other mile markers left up from other races, which did not correspond to the miles on the marathon. Very confusing. Lastly, once the half-marathoners were done, there were so few of us left that ordinary visitors to Central Park thought we were just casual joggers. More than once I had to stop for strollers crossing my path. We didn't even have so much as a bike path cordoned off for us. Occasionally someone would notice my race number and give a cheer, but it seemed like the majority of the spectators went home after the half marathoners finished. I would say if you want to run a half marathon, this is a great one. If you want to run a full one, wait for November and run the NYC Marathon.

I was glad to be a part of this race as a Half Marathon relayer with my sister. We were some of those walkers. At a 12:12 pace, I don't think we were an impediment to very many runners. However, knowing that the vast majority of the half marathoners would be walking at a slow pace, why were the 'corrals' for a seeded start only up to a 9 minute pace? Looking at results, only about 200 finished at a pace of 9 minutes or better while 2200 were slower. Even as walkers, my sister and I had to work our way around many women strolling. My only other complaint would be the T-shirt--a thin white, short sleeved T which couldn't have cost the organizers more than $4.

Nice expo! - 100% improvement from last year - lots of free 'stuff', clinics, guest speakers, etc. FREE pre-race pasta party. Buses picked us up at hotel and took us to a club way across town, where we had all the pasta you could eat. Race day was a beautiful and sunny day at Central Park! Thank you to my pace team leaders, Kathryn and Kara who coached me every step of the way through the first 23 miles (and over every hill that I THOUGHT I had trained for). You're wonderful! A HUGE thank you to Tom - a man just out for a run in the park who ran with me, coached me, and encouraged me through the final 3 miles when I couldn't hang on to the pace team leader and thought I would surely die. You're my angel, Tom!!! I'd love to say I'm doing this race again next year, but thanks to Kathryn, Kara and Tom, I'M GOING TO BOSTON INSTEAD!!!!!

What a great experience. Perfect weather, plentiful water stops and great cheerleaders wearing the More sweatshirts. I did not even mind the hill at 110th street. I especially enjoyed the young kids with their yellow plastic capes and their funny comments about drinking plenty of fluids. These teenagers were a great inspiration and I hope they were recognized for their time and support.

I did the first More Marathon and liked the idea of 'running' with all women over 40-years old. The course consists of five loops in Central Park. The race was well organized, but really, imagine running five loops when the majority of the participants in the race are walkers in the relay marathon (each person does half a marathon). It only takes five miles and you will be trying to weave your way through walkers on your second loop, and it does not get any better on the third, fourth and fifth loop. If you consider yourself a serious runner, there are better places to run. A PR cannot be had here. It's a walkers' paradise. This marathon was started with the idea to empower women to have their own marathon. Unfortunately, the empowerment is a walk, not a run. Would this happen at an all men's event?

I loved it! I have a plethora of experience in many distances 5k to 100-miles, road and trail, but had never done an all-women race. I was inspired by ALL the women both young and old. I have a couple years experience in running road marathons and I thought the NYRRC (who organize the huge New York City Marathon each year) and MORE Magazine did a FINE job at this inaugural race. Yes, it was hard to weave around all those walkers – but hey they are out there doing their thing and we need to share! Maybe walkers need to be told at the start of their race to stay to the right and please don’t walk side by side during the first hour so that the runners don’t have to do so much weaving. Yes, I did weave. Yes, I almost tripped more than once. Every marathon, while providing the basics (mile markers, fluids, gel and timing chips), also provides attributes unique to itself (volume of spectators and participants, scenery, course challenges – hills, flats, loops). When shopping for a marathon, consider what you want. The specifics I encountered with the More Marathon: The course was 5 clockwise loops for the marathoners; 2 clockwise loops for the half-marathoners. The half-marathoners got to experience a particularly tough hill near 110th St. that was excluded from the marathon course. We all went clockwise along this rolling and hilly course – all 2600 of us. There were no cars or traffic crossings (which are real typical in other road marathons). There was plenty of weaving for the faster marathoners. There was plenty of water and Gatorade, as well as cheerful and supportive volunteers. Gel was available for the marathoners. There were spectators (lots of Dads and kids with signs!), but nowhere near the volume of Chicago, Boston or NYC! I think the sight of so many older women trotting along inspired more than one New Yorker out for a Sunday stroll! We did have to stay to the right at all times because there was plenty of foot traffic coming at us from the other direction. They had pacing teams (starting with a 3:40 pace) and I had a great experience with the gal who was my pacer - topnotch, strong and professional. I suppose if I have to complain about something, I wish the 40+ gals that placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the half marathon had been recognized. I think the concept behind MORE is a great one and I think it is only a matter of time before this becomes one of those races that closes almost immediately after it opens.

What a thrill to take part in this worldwide inaugural event! I hope it continues and becomes New York's springtime tradition! I am not too keen on loop runs, but it was a great run. First, the course had only one semi-sharp turn...the rest were easy curves. Then, yes folks, there was some snow on the ground as a reminder that winter was still around. The best thing to watch was a beautiful park coming alive on a sunny Sunday. Every loop offered a different scene - from a very few people stirring - to a line of horse drawn carriages as the sunny morning unfurled. Mary Steenburgen's encouraging words prior to the start were quite sincere and Valerie Fagan's 'God Bless America' echoed through the park at 8AM. Just beautiful! The marathon also benefited an organization, 'Step Up', which is a group that mentors not-so-fortunate women and girls. More info needs to be shared on this organization. This was my 83rd marathon in just over 6 years and, because I do love New York, will become a habit for me as long as I am able! Thank you, NYRR, for your superb organization and more magazine for highlighting the abilities of 40+ women!

In the first inaugural More Marathon, there were over 1600 half marathoners and less than 400 marathoners. If you are running a marathon, you will be dodging the plethera of half marathon walkers. The course if over 5 laps of the cambered roads of Central Park. Any time you have to do 5 laps on a cambered road (which has several rolling hills), not only will it be quite boring, but it can really screw up your hips and knees running constantly on a slanted road over and over again. Just because it is in New York City, don't think there will be tons of spectators lined up to root you on, because there won't be. There are enthusiastic volunteers and some spectators, but nothing like the NYC Marathon. If you are a real runner, constantly dodging the half marathon walkers, the bikers, rollerbladers and other runners sharing the park can be quite exhausting and frustrating. Now if you plan on walking the half marathon, then you will probably like it. Run this race only if you feel you need the camaraderie of 40+ old women only race (except the half marathon has younger women providing they have a 40+ year old partner). If you are out to set a PR, to challenge yourself as a runner, or need a nice, scenic or flat course, then go elsewhere.

More was my second marathon. Having pace groups was the best thing! The leaders really took the stess off you and let you just run the race. Mile markers were a little confusing, but my overall experience was great. And the number of pictures taken and available to each racer was great too. Thanks for everyone's hard work, it was a great success!!

A race concept for women only over 40. Two women can do full marathon (each doing 13.1) as long as one woman is over 40. The half marathon did 2 loops around Central Park. The full marathon did 5 of the same loops around Central Park. Central Park is a buzz of activity on any given Sunday. Roller bladers, horseback riders, children being pushed in stollers, bikers, runners/walkers, dog walkers, and horse driven carriages giving sightseeing tours all enjoy 'our park' together. We all claimed some part of the park's path that Sunday morning and got along extremely well. Half of the park's path was bright and sunny-the other side of park produced blustery winds -- add a few up and down hills for the course and the challenge was on to complete the marathon in 6 1/2 hours. Volunteers were enthusiastic and very supportive. Water, sports drinks and power gels were distributed cordially. For an inaugural race, with the expertise of the New York Road Runners (who run the New York Marathon each year) this race ran very smoothly. Only suggestion: mile markers were not easy to read for the race participant to gauge accurate mileage.

Each marathon brings it’s own unique experience for me, including advantages and disadvantages. and I have learned to focus on that as opposed to a personal best, or a large fan turnout. I was not looking forward to marathon of all women. I loved the challenge of running with men and knowing that I could pass some of them was great. I don’t running in loops. I ran my first marathon with just 2 loops and not only was it my slowest marathon, but it was boring, and monotonous. It was pleasantly surprised to run a marathon with all women. I found it inspirational to see so many “older” women completing an event that so many “young” people could only imagine doing. I ran into a few people this weekend who told me they have never even met anyone who ran a marathon let alone consider training and doing one. I became inspired by this marathon. I now plan on running until I am 80 (and then re-evaluate my exercise plan). It would be a dream of mine to complete a marathon at 81 like Helen Klien, my new hero.

The course was boring: 5 loops, mostly uphill, and very crowned - hard to run that far on the same loop with one hip higher than the other the whole time. Also, spectators and park visitors were all over the course. Not enough room for runners to go around walkers.

A race dedicated to women over 40. INAUGURAL first and with the assistance of the New York Road Runners who run the New York Marathon I think the race went very well. The Half Marathon begins first and runs right by all the marathoners who are waiting for their start. Greta Waitz, Norwegian distance runner and winner of the New York Marathon nine times ran the half marathon. It was a thrill to see her go by. The half marathon does two loops around Central Park. The full marathon does the same five loops around Central Park. Boring? No way...Central Park is shared by everyone. Bikers, roller bladers, runners, walkers, dog walkers and horse driven carriage rides. We all take a little space in the park and make it our own. The backdrop of Central Park is the New York skyline. Everyone in the park becomes part of the race. The lead runners did have to navigate their way though all of this activity. Course: slight up and down hills. One side of the park was sunny and bright...the other side of the loop blustery and cloudy. Volunteers were enthusiastic and helpful keeping us all on track. Only suggestion: mile markers should be set apart from half and full marathon markers and labeled more clearly. At times I was unsure what mile I was at or what loops I was completing. All in all, for a first marathon I think it was a very successful day for more magazine.

This was done well considering it was a first year marathon. By having more publicity, it will bring more spectators and non marathon runners, walkers more awareness and consideration of the runners. They need to stay clear of the race path. It was challenging to the say the least to have to move around the oncoming foot and bike traffic. It would also be helpful to have volunteers to actually pass out the water as opposed to getting it off the table. It became painful to stop pick up the water then start running again. The photos were awesome, There were plenty of photographers, The walkers and runners should be separate, as I found the marathoners were running into the walkers for the half marathon.