Gansett Marathon - Race Reviews

Race is very well run and low key without bells and whistles (e.g. patch instead of a medal, no expo). You did get a very nice singlet with the Gansett logo on back. Course is open, scenic, and beautiful. Spectators are great, but are of course not as numerous as they would be for a large race. Aid was every couple(?) miles or so, with water and sports drink, gels around mile 17. Most importantly, the race is donating all 2013 proceeds to The One Fund - what a class act. I will be back!

Great low-key race, but need some tiny improvements. This is a very good race, because: 1. Need faster time than Boston Marathon to get in; 2. Close to starting/finish line and everything else; 3. Cheaper entry fee; 4. No poser; 5. No unnecessary junk, such as fancy energy food/drink at expo; 6. Finisher patch is something different to have. However, need some tiny improvement, but not deal breaker  1. Please use paper cup at water stop, not plastic cup  we only have one earth and plastic cup cant squeeze correctly; 2. If second loop (or last ten-mile) can run reverse direction or something interesting than same ol hilly route; 3. Some folding chairs at the finish and few bags of ice would be nice.

First off, I want to say that this is an awesome marathon. The director, volunteers and town were all amazing. Its EXTREMELY low key...maybe this is how marathons were done before the masses started joining in and the big-city marathons sold out in 30 minutes. I'll never do Boston again because I despise the chaotic nightmare that its become. With that said, I still appreciated running with other athletes who had distinguished themselves by running qualification times. I had a blast...I just wished the Gansett Marathon was a 'few frills' marathon rather than one that seemed lacking. Upon finishing, I was handed a cup of watered down blue drink and an iron on patch...not sure what to do with that. In todays running 'market' I think races need a little flare and a touch of 'bling'; perhaps an actual medal or a technical tee that had some color and design. This one's going in my work clothes box. I want Gansett to continue. Its got TRUE promise, I think it just needs to 'pump its chest a little and show its feathers'. It needs to make a statement in accordance with all the hundreds of other marathons out there. Market and PROMOTE this one and be proud of it. Limit the field, but bring them in however you can. It would be a shame to lose this one.

There's a simple elegance with this race. From the directors, the volunteer staff, to the field, this is all about the runners. The course is not easy, but it's quick enough for a possible PR. And if you're a regular on the marathon circuit, then you'll find several of your buddies there. I run Gansett to have a good run, and I run Boston to enjoy the crowds. It's a win-win double.

I ran this for the first time. The organization was terrific. This is a small race for runners by runners. The logistics were great, the director was very attentive and at the half and finished they announce every runner with their qualifying times. A great touch. Many volunteers on the course called to runners by name and the other runners were all experienced and very supportive and enthusiastic. A great race!

I've run several of the major US marathons (Boston, NYC, Chicago, Marine Corp) and this was my first really small marathon. I really enjoyed the course, the location, the personal feel of the race, and how well organized it was. Although there weren't huge crowds the volunteers were all supportive. Many of them had bib number lists with the runners names on it so they could cheer for you by name. Gansett is a race that embraces its size and does an excellent job making the runners feel welcome and supported. I would definitely run here agian.

This was a great race. It was well-organized, convenient and went off without a hitch. It was small and included only qualifying runners. The volunteers called runners by name! A fast race with all of the amenities. It was beyond great to run with experienced runners who were so supportive. The director was very responsive with informative and timely e-mails. A must do.

I loved this marathon, and stopped after the first loop of ~16.5 miles, due to a foot issue. For about $70, you got a gender-specific technical shirt, a pin, a very well organized race in a beautiful location, and even better support. Maybe 120 runners this year and I think finishers got a badge. Water/sports drink every couple miles and Gu at some stops. Mile AND half-mile markers. An apology from the race director about 3 markers that were stolen after being set out on the course (not that I noticed). Friendly runners, who are all accomplished, but really just like to run. Volunteers holding flags to help with traffic and to tell you where to go. From volunteers at aid stations to spectators to volunteers directing traffic/holding flags, I don't think there was anyone along the race course who wasn't cheering runners on. If I qualify again, I'll definitely register again.

A beautiful scenic, very slightly rolling course. Stunning ocean views, and homes! Well supported and organized by the best! The start/finish is located perfectly with indoor facilities too. The support staff on and off the course seem to be experienced runners! The post-pasta feed was complimentary and delicious! I urge any experienced runners to support this run  you won't be disappointed. I just barely qualified, but felt good even at the back of the pack! Everyone cheered us on! Plus running with so many well qualified professionals, gave the run a neat 'vibe' without any pretentious feel. Everyone there 'qualified' and was deserving!

Had heard about Gansett through Runner's World, was looking for a spring marathon after a bout of bronchitis ruined my first marathon of the year. I truly loved the course, always turning, never got bored, gentle hills keep your legs in check, had a very fast time for me. Volunteers are amazing, made a point to cheer for you by name, offering helpful advice, like relax your shoulders etc. Many spectators for as small of a field as it was; I highly recommend the Gansett Marathon and will definitely be returning!

The night before pasta dinner was a great way to meet the other runners. Course was well laid out with plenty of room to run on the shoulders. Vehicle drivers were very courteos. Volunteers fantastic. Organization was excellent. My only complaint was the host hotel (Village Inn) was not very accomadating to the guest runners. They had a checkout time of 11 AM. Even the first place finisher would have a hard time taking a shower and getting out of there. I was 44 minutes late checking out and was charged an extra $50. Also, the night before they had a loud party going on downstairs under my window. All in all GO to this race but stay at different accommadations.

This is a great small marathon. It is remarkably well-organized, and has a fantastic cadre of volunteers. I love the small-marathon touches: every runner (and their qualifying race) is announced at the finish, you get to meet and hang-out with the race director, there was pasta for the runners afterward as well as an after-party in a local tavern, there's a sense of camaraderie among the runners, and you can comfortably leave your room 10 minutes before the start! The course is fast and scenic - and because it's a double-loop and the field is small, you get to be a spectator to the other runners, while you run your own race. This marathon should go on your list! If you can't tell... I had a blast.

This is one for the connoisseur, tired of the crowds and the hype surrounding most other marathons.Narragansett is just about the running.Put on by runners, organization is first class as is course management with race numbers seeded by qualifying time, which literally put everyone in their place.Nobody showed up in a gorilla suit or got married on the course. This race features all you need and nothing you don't and you have to earn your number. It will never be crowded but long may it run.

Outstanding. Flat fast course, great support. The focus was entirely on the run and not logistics of getting there/back. (And no walkers to weave around.)

First off, many thanks to the wonderful volunteers and course marshals... your encouragement and praises were greatly appreciated. This is by far the smallest marathon (or road race, for that matter) that I have ever participated in, but somehow I really enjoyed the tranquility of the course. I always had someone around, whether in front or behind. Nothing but positives... perfect weather; nice, scenic course; and a very small marathon focused on making it all about the runners. The race director kept us updated via emails and I felt in tune with all that was happening prior to arriving. He even went as far as soliciting feedback before making any changes.... For any 50 Stater looking for an inexpensive marathon in RI, this is a good choice if you qualify of course.

Gansett Marathon was a nice low key event. It had a homey, comfortable, small town feel that was a nice change from the sensory overload you get at an urban event like Chicago or Boston. Course was scenic, following the ocean in sections. I liked the Light House at Point Judith although it was a bit windy. Inland on Point Judith road, houses sheltered runners from the wind. Narragansett has many beautiful homes. Runners were relatively fast and experienced. Many came from other states or countries. I liked how bib numbers were assigned based on qualifying times. Lowest qualifying times got you the lowest bib number, etc. You could see the front runners passing in the opposite direction several times. It was interesting to guess who was going out too fast, who was having an off day, etc. based on bib number vs. place. Volunteers were plentiful, cheerful and encouraging. I liked the red flags waved to direct runners in the correct direction at the turns. It was kind of like a really fast, extremely well organized training run with excellent support. The second loop seemed easy and short without the Great Island and Point Judith sections. The ballroom had nice pasta afterwards, and a nice family atmosphere. A lot of runners had friends running Boston. Aid Stations were numerous. I was handed gu packets at least four different times. I would run this race again.

This was my 69th marathon, but I would rank this in the top five overall races I've run. With just 162 finishers, it's simple to park next to the packet pickup hotel, hang out in the car until two minutes before the start, and jump right in at the front of the pack. At the finish, there's lots of food in a nice, warm room in the host hotel, and then I was right back in the car and on my way home in no time. As far as the race itself, this course is fast, scenic and relatively low-traffic. Most of the race you are in view of the ocean, and with the strong east wind today, you could feel the pounding surf and spray. There was a bit of a boring stretch on Route 108, which lasted about three miles, and you have to cover it twice, but it is mostly flat, and it was a good spot to zone out and push. Overall, a great little race that will surely grow.

Running the Exeter Marathon was a great experience. Having run many larger marathons, i.e. Boston, Philadelphia and the like, this felt very comfortable. The runners were the main focus - not the event itself. The volunteers and support staff were excellent and race went off without any problems, thanks to race director Mike Tammaro and his crew. The food after the marathon was great and there was even a party that night. Thanks and see you next year.

This race was a great concept, a truly unique experience, and overall a great event! The fact that there are qualifying standards faster than Boston makes you feel proud to be running in it. Having a small field of runners allows the race director and volunteers to get to know every runner and personally help them with logistics. As great as this race was, I am sure 2011 will be even better!

I had a great time at this race. The course was good for the very small number of runners, but it wouldn't work for a bigger race - not that it matters, as it will be different next year anyway. The volunteers were top-notch, and the spectators were great. There weren't very many, but you got to see the ones that were there quite a few times as the course was very easily traveled. Lots of personal attention for every runner - everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves (even the volunteers who stood in the rain for hours on end watching us run, despite many of them getting ready for their own marathon 2 days later.)

This is a low-key but superbly organized event unlike any other on the race calendar, held as it is in a rural location through rolling terrain that includes forests, sod farms, other agriculture, and residential areas. All aspects of what really matters were flawlessly achieved, including packet pick-up (with great shirts that have a couple of cows and "Exeter Marathon 2010" on them, without the all-too-common billboard effect of multiple sponsor names), course measurement - the RD is a physicist! - on-course fuel and liquid, course markings, and a fantastic home-spun buffet at the end inside the little ski-lodge. What a fantastic inaugural effort from top to bottom!

I really enjoyed the inaugural Exeter Marathon. Most of the course was on beautiful New England country roads through residential areas and along some open fields with plenty of rolling hills. It was an out-and-back course with about 5 miles each way along busy Route 2, but there were wide, paved shoulders marked with orange traffic cones to warn motorists. Aid stations were abundant, and road guards with flags manned every turn and busy intersection. It was obvious that all of the volunteers were runners themselves. Since I am partial to small, low-key races, I was pleased to be qualified to run the inaugural Exeter Marathon as an alternative to Boston. And while I missed re-qualifying for 2011 Exeter by one minute, I still qualified for Boston next year! Congratulations to Race Director Mike and all of the awesome volunteers (who were also the spectators)!

The race had a quality that the Majors could never duplicate.The volunteers were fabulous and so supportive. The course, beautiful. Now we have another great race to strive for. You did an awesome job, Mike! Thank you, and keep the quals!

Congratulations to the race director for putting on a first-class event on the first try. There were 60 runners registered for this race and it seemed like there were twice as many volunteers. They were a wonderful, supportive and smiling group of individuals who looked like they enjoyed being out in the misty, 40-degree rain. Thank you to all of you. The course was rolling hills (but fast) through neighborhoods and along a highway. No streets shut down and we ran on the shoulder where necessary. The turns were clearly designated by volunteers with large orange flags. The mile markers were large and visible. The water stations were properly staffed and appropriately spaced. The indoor facilities at the start allowed us to get in out of the rain. The first Boston Marathon, on April 19, 1897, had a 15-member starting field with a winning time of 2:55:10. Exeter had 54 finishers with a winning time of 2:21:44. This could be the start of something great. I enjoyed running the first Exeter Marathon very much. Thank you, Race Director Mike.

This was a small race in 2010. Only around 60 people finished the race. However, it was a good alternative after missing the opening to Boston. I had run the Marine Corp Marathon in October and didn't have enough time to decide to run Boston. The course consisted of a lot of rolling hills, but nothing steep.

I loved this race. The course had the right amount of variation to keep your legs working different muscles and to keep your brain from getting bored. Some of the out-and-back turns were just a touch too sharp for my personal taste. There were rolling hills that weren't monsters but enough to notice. Overall the course is fast. The organization was incredible. Mike, the director, is extremely attentive to the needs of runners. He was very deliberate about keeping all of us racers informed about the course and all things race related in the weeks, days, leading up to race time. The volunteers were my favorite part. There was absolutely no way I could miss a turn or even pause to question where to go. There was no danger of missing something due to zoning out because all the volunteers, every single last one of them, cheered for the runners. There were plenty of aid stations and gels. There were volunteers with smiles and words of encouragement pretty much every other mile. You don't need large crowds cheering your name. You just need one person to meet your eye and say, "You're looking strong! GO!" It's a great race for challenging yourself. It is small and rather elite because of the qualification times. It was a great experience to run with (or rather, for me, chase after) such fast people. It felt good because it is a big deal to qualify for Boston, so when it closed out, I was disappointed. This race was able to completely capture how big of a deal it is to have worked so hard to get your time down to Boston standards. It is the smallest race I've ever been in but it was definitely my biggest accomplishment marathon-wise. This marathon has got a lot of heart. You don't need the fanfare and hype of a huge marathon with thousands to be your best. This small race will bring out the best in you because you will be surrounded by the best. Absolutely. I missed out on Boston this year, but instead I PR'ed and got to snarf down bananas and HOMEMADE chocolate chip cookies at the finish. I will definitely run this marathon again sometime.

I hadn't planned on running a spring marathon after missing the qualifying date for Boston 2010. I read about this one in Runner's World and thought, "Why not?" I am really glad I did it. I received much more information about when, what, where than most of the other marathons I have run. Any changes, to the course or otherwise, were quickly emailed to me. Everyone involved with this race was friendly and helpful. ALL intersections had a volunteer to guide the way, and everyone was happy (even in the rain). The race is fair but still challenging. When you show up at the start, you see this big hill and think, "Oh no," but Mike was nice. You don't have to run up it. This race has a lot of potential to become a must-do race.The first was super and it will be fun to see how it grows. And the qualifying times... well, if you don't have a challenge, even against yourself, how do you improve? This gives us another challenge to strive for, and it was fun. Hope to see you there in 2011.

Wow... great race and a great course!

This was by far the best small marathon I have run. Though there were only few dozen spectators, they were phenomenally dedicated. They followed me along the course, and seemed to be personally interested in my success. The race director did an excellent job of organizing and providing everything that was needed on time. He really took advantage of all of the benefits a small marathon has to offer. I think everyone got to park their car a quarter-mile from the start and 0.05 miles from the finish. That was really awesome. The $40 entry fee was right on the money. I had no problem finding a room ($130) the day before and got a late checkout so I could take a shower after the race. I could see the starting line and it took less than a second to cross it from where I started. I don't like seeing people left out, but the qualifying times make this a unique marathon. The competition was incredible, especially when you consider that the winner finished in 2:21, 20% of the entrants finished in under 3 hours, I'd guess most if not all finishers qualified for Boston 2011, and a significant percentage probably also qualified for a guaranteed entry at NYC in 2011. I didn't PR on this course, but I probably could. It's not flat, but no hill was much more than a quarter-mile long and no grade was more than 2%. It would be foolish to compare this to Boston (and I will run that again some year), but for a competitive marathon runner, this was a nice change.

This was a truly old-school race in the best way. Runners were friendly, super supportive of each other and serious about their sport. The race director welcomed every runner individually and volunteers were totally on the ball at every turn and aid station. Their encouragement of runners clearly came with knowledge of what running a marathon takes. They were almost the only spectators, but sometimes quality is more rewarding than quantity. Other supporters drove by in cars, whooping and hollering and bringing a smile to my face when the going was tough along the main road. Awards after were short and sweet, with almost every participant sticking around to applaud the winners and swap stories. The course was pleasantly remote and rolling with gentle slopes. Off the main road were some charming stone-fenced properties, green farm fields, and a lovely stream at the turn-around. Markings were clear and spot on for distance, which is not always the case in small races. The qualifying standards make this a special race, and its location and timing make visiting Boston on Marathon weekend a pleasant diversion. Running Exeter and Boston would certainly be possible for those with the legs and heart. Bravo to the director for this innovative idea.

I have run Boston numerous times and it is an incredible experience - although I found it hard to PR if you are not an elite runner. I was excited and somewhat nervous to run Exeter. In fact, when I arrived on race morning in the rain and realized how small it was going to be, I questioned my decision. However, once the gun went off, my mind was at ease - half-mile markers and mile markers were clearly marked, volunteers with water, Gatorade and GU were everywhere they were needed, and the support and cheering of the volunteers and spectators was tremendous! I felt like I was out on a long run and ended up with a huge PR, running 2:56! I had been chasing the 3-hour mark for several years. Kudos the the race director!

I enjoy running the premier of new races and the Exeter Marathon was no exception. Yes, there were only 54 runners but, because of having to meet a qualifying standard, it seemed like all of the runners were really pushing themselves to do their best! I normally finish in the top 5% of races and I was right at 50%! No, this was not and is not a substitute for the Boston Marathon but it was fun and competitive. For a small-town race it was very well organized, well supported, and personal. I ran this as part of a 50 states quest and I'm sure glad I did! I think Mike and the other race organizers did a great job! Keep up the good work.

I decided to do the race on the spur of the moment. I don't care what people say about it being elitist. There are plenty of other races out there; to have one for those that worked hard to qualify is something special. It certainly is worth the work!

Small turnout, but friendly runners and outstanding volunteers. Though a first-time marathon, these people knew their stuff in directing, nourishing and encouraging runners. I loved the rolling hills and lots of bends of the course; Route 2 was busy but had a wide shoulder. Highly recommended for runners looking for something different, and for 50-staters.

I learned of this race through the Runner's World Online Forums after the Boston Marathon closed in mid-November. It appealed to me instantly for its grassroots nature, its location, and the whole philosophy behind having a qualifiers-only event that ISN'T the Boston Marathon. I've run Boston four times, and I was looking for something different: something non-commercial, something small, something like the races I used to watch my dad run back in the early 80s. I found it in Exeter. Mike, the race director, made it a special experience for everyone there. When have you ever run a race with runners from all over the country where the RD knows every single person by name? It was like being part of a select club, but without any airs of elitism. Truly a unique experience. The post-race party was fun, too. We could all fit inside a small ski lodge. The course will change next year, so there's not much point in discussing it. But the roads around Exeter are quite similar, and I can imagine it will always be fairly rolling, which makes it hard to PR in but also pretty easy on the legs. All in all, a wonderful place to run.