Moncton Legs for Literacy Marathon - Race Reviews

Very nice event. PRO'S Double loop course with gravel trail section enabled leg fatigue to be delayed. Great aid station support, awesome race shirt, scenic course across wetlands and along river. CON'S Starting all events at once lead to congestion driving in and start, start 5/10K race after 1/2 & full. Improve food at end, have some protein options - yogurt or milk SOME ROAD PORTION WAS VERY BUSY POSSIBLE MAKE MORE TRAIL ON 1ST LEG OUT Suggest placing tidal times on website for out of towners to see this unique amazing natural event Overall B+

This marathon was very well organized  like so many I have attended in the States over the years. They had registration and check-in downtown at the host hotel, and it was easy to find. Check-in was staffed with friendly volunteers, and the race director was available to answer any questions. In the evening, they had a pasta dinner too, for those who chose to participate. A one-hour early start was provided for those who expected to finish in excess of 5 hours and for walkers (a group that I joined). For us, we gathered at the start line, with printed directions in hand, got a pre-race briefing, and at the sound of the horn, we were on our way. The forecast weather was for rain, but rain held off until afternoon. The course meandered out of town, over a bridge, and down the river. After a course reversal, we went the other direction, up the river, and back. At about 14 Km, we crossed back over the bridge, and joined a path along the river on the downtown side. Part of the path was boardwalk, but most was dirt/gravel. It had been raining, so there were plenty of wet spots, (but no mud). I was usually able to tip-toe around the mud puddles. After perhaps 10 Km along the river trail, we were back on roads running in neighborhoods. After a modified loop  with lots of turns - we returned to the trail and returned to downtown  and the finish line. The volunteers for this race were among the best. There were lots of volunteers all along the course, and they were encouraging and friendly. Sometimes little kids were out helping their parents hand out fluids. Some of the later aid stations had gel and fruit (bananas & orange slices). At the finish-line, they had chocolate milk, fruit, miniature candy bar snacks and pizza; water was available too. And off and on, throughout the race, there were people cheering and doing high-fives with the runners. When I turned down the final stretch toward the finish -line, I was still smiling. This marathon was well done!

Well organized and great support on the course by pacers and spectators. I'm from Maine and track all my runs in Miles, so I relied heavily on my GPS since the mile markers were kms. Unfortunaly my GPS somehow added distance (never happened before), so when I though I had 0.2 miles to go and was on track to break 4 hrs, I actually had 0.5 miles. So my only comment would be to also have mile markers, not just km markers on the course, the race will attract more American runners that way.

A good portion of this marathon runs along a very scenic nature trail along the Petiticodiac River - it had beautiful fall colors, and the trail was easy on the knees!!! The organization was excellent - lots of water and potty stops!!! My only problem was the pouring rain and 50 KM/hour winds during the first 12 KM - but I guess the organizers couldn't do anything about that!

I'm a first-time marathon runner. Great experience! Everything was greatly organized. Showed up for the race pack, and everything was well organized. Showed up on race-day, and everything was also well organized. Special thanks those who helped me finish this: Lyn and Jean. Thanks so much!

on site parking would be helpful for those not from Moncton

I was really impressed by the organization of this event! The committee did an AWESOME job! Everything was well taken care of! We had lots to eat to replenish our energy! The people along the way were cheering us on! The marathon left at the exact time! We didn't have to slow down for anything along the way! It was INCREDIBLE!!! I will certainly be there next year! Hats up to the organizing committee!!!

It's very well organized, with lots of water stops; however, there was a lack of parking at the starting facility....

Just about everything about this marathon was done right. A very scenic, well marked course with varied terrain (city streets, trails, suburbs) and just enough hills to make it challenging. Streets blocked off for the race - something you don't always see with a smaller event. Chip timing with a field of only 139. Showers and a hot meal at the finish. All in all the organization was superb. Only suggestions: we were lucky with the weather - a November day in these parts could have been a lot worse. An earlier date might be a good idea. Also, put bricks or stones on the kilometer markers so they don't blow over or away. Congratulations to all involved in pulling it off.

You should be proud of the job you all did. When I saw the first part of the course the day before the race, and all the streets and intersections, I had my doubts about how you were going to pull it off. But the organization and volunteers were fantastic! The course itself was also very nice - especially the trail section. Mostly flat on this part of it, with a few small hills in the residential section and the last hill coming home. I'd like to have seen it run 4-6 weeks earlier when it would be a little warmer and you could set up everything outside at the finish and hand out the medals there instead of in the school. Despite my poor time, which was because of my bad training and not the course, it was a great marathon.

I have to give two thumbs up to the organizing committee. This has been one of the best races I have participated in. The course was great; it included all three municipalities, ran along the river, went through the neighborhoods, and the final three KMs were great.... All the aspects you want in a race. I look forward to running the race again next year.... HIGH-FIVES TO ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS.

I cannot imagine the organization it took!!!! Kudos to you all.... A job well done. Lots of fun, lots of water, lots of food. Thank you all!!!! A high standard to follow.