Bermuda Marathon - Race Reviews

Hats off to the 2020 crew who put on this race. I ran the Challenge (1mile, 10k, full) and they were all well organized and a lot of fun! Fantastic post-race refreshments as well. Friendly race support people as well as the locals who came out to cheer us on. Hills were a challenge but the scenery more than made up for that! This is the smallest marathon I've ever run but it was really cool to see many of the same people at each event so by the time marathon Sunday rolled around, it felt like you were running with friends. This event had a great vibe and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

They changed the course in 2020 and it was amazing. You basically run most of the island. It's challenging, as it's hilly. But wow, it's worth running for the views. And the support from the locals was really fun (including the rum stops). I ran the challenge (mile/10k/full) over the weekend and was really impressed with the total organization...from the expo, to the finish line celebration, to the races themselves. Totally wasn't expecting all that from a smaller sized race.

Cons: 2018: Race director sent out an email at 7 p.m. the night before the race, saying that the marathon would have a 7 a.m. start. The scheduled start was 8 a.m. When I questioned this, he said he meant there was an optional 7 a.m. start for marathoners. At 9 p.m., when most runners would be asleep, he retracted the original email. That was just incredibly disrespectful, disorganized, and foolish. Bear in mind that in 2017 the race director ran out of medals. Further, we few marathoners ran unprotected on the side of curvy roads for the second of the two loops. It was downright dangerous. At the finish, for us marathoners, some bananas, a few breakfast bars, and that was it. There must have been water, but I didn't see any. Pros: Bermuda is a lovely island.The course was hilly, challenging, and beautiful. The volunteers and fans were so encouraging and friendly. There were adequate potties. Water and Gatorade were provided throughout the race. Shuttle busses were on time. Medal is nice. So, run the Bermuda Triangle of a mile, 10k, and half marathon. Skip the marathon. Enjoy this gorgeous destination.

Friends of mine had highly recommended that I try this marathon and I am so glad that I listened to them. This was my tenth marathon, as well as my 10th BQ. It was a race and a destination worthy of a 10th celebration for me. The course: yes, it is hilly. But surprisingly, I adapted quickly to the rolling hills and I finished almost as strong as I had started. The scenery was spectacular and I enjoyed very much going through the quaint villages. Everything is so beautiful over there... I had already decided that I would adjust my pace in function of the hills and I finished with the time I had set for myself, which was 6 minutes off of my PR set last November, on a downhill course. This might give you an idea of what to expect for your finish time. Since I am training for Boston, I enjoyed very much having the opportunity to experience hills before my big day next April. The organization: First class is really the perfect way to put it. We had no problem picking up our bags at the expo on Friday afternoon. Since we had signed up for the challenge, we received a tech shirt for each of the three races and one extra representing the Challenge itself. Nice touch. The expo, the gala for the award ceremony and the race party on Sunday night were all held at the Princess Hotel Fairmont and they did an excellent job. Really flawless. We were staying at a different hotel, but you will never have any problems traveling around, especially if you purchase a bus/ferry pass. We saw Mr Yasso almost everyday and he was such a gentleman! He shook my hand and congratulated me after I crossed the finish line. Little things like that make a big difference for me at the end of the day. It adds to the whole experience... The spectators: what can I say? I like to travel and have met many nice people in the past. But the people of Bermuda cannot be machted. They are so incredibly warm and friendly and always wanting to help you. For each of the races, they came out to cheer us with enthusiasm. It was especially remarkable on Sunday, when it was raining hard. Without the rain, it might have been a tad too warm (about 18-19C), so I didn't mind it so much. But the spectators were soaking wet and yet, they stayed for us to the very end. Thank you so much! I was honored to receive my first place AG award at a gala after the marathon. It was a very elegant affair, so dress nicely! I even won some money, which was a first (and probably will never happen again..haha) for me. My husband (who ran his first HM like a pro) and myself had a most wonderful 5 days in Bermuda. It was our first time to this gorgeous island and now we want to go back, but this time to relax. No running!:-)

I ran the Full Triangle Challenge, and lived to tell about it. Sure the 10K had some (OK, a lot) of hills, and the marathon was a double loop. None of this surprised me because the website made it clear this was what it was. What did surprise me was how organized this whole thing was. All of the mile races on the main drag kept the energy high on Friday nite. We hadn't planned to stay downtown for the entire event, but it was so compelling that we did. The 10K on Saturday was hilly, but had lots of spectators on the course, and the results were posted immediately. I finished, and the printed results were on the board within about 5 minutes, with constant updates. For the marathon/half marathon, again there were lots of spectators. For all races, I received an email within hours giving me my times and access to all results. The RD was everywhere all weekend; I don't know when the guy could have slept. The only surprise I had all weekend was how expensive food and drink were on the island, but if I had done due diligence and some research I would have known. My bad. If you want to do a really well run 1, 2 or 3 races, this is the place to be.

I ran the Triangle Half Challenge, with a 1-mile on Friday, 10K on Saturday and marathon or half-marathon on Sunday. The half-marathon course is beautiful, along both the north and south coast, through small villages and colorful neighborhoods; and the marathon course is essentially a second loop. The weather was about 60 and dry, just perfect. In contrast to comments about earlier years, I thought all races were well-organized and water stations plentiful and manned. Many spectators lined the route in small groups outside of houses or neighborhood areas. The 10K has a nasty hill at about mile 5 as you turn from the north coast toward the finishing area inside the national stadium. The half course is a little hilly in parts but nothing bad after a mild longer hill at around mile 3.5. The marketing ploy is you can get 4 t-shirts and 4 medals in 3 days; medals for all events were distributed at the finish line, with 2 medals for finishing the last, even if you wore a challenge t-shirt. The expo is tiny, so there's no chance to stock up on beans or GU. The mile is basically and up-and-back course along the main street downtown; the mile has more of a party atmosphere. For the half, roads were not closed per se but police were out at major intersections and traffic seemed to be detoured and light.

This is a very nice race for the holiday weekend in the United States. PLUSES: Lovely Weather: though a late state for a warm climate, most of the course has nice breezes Beautiful Course: rolling hills but nothing too challenging Bermuda Triangle Challenge: added a fun element run a one-mile, 10K and half or full in three consecutive days - and you receive a separate medal and t shirt Amenities: nice goody bag; great technical shirts; great medal Also: the 10K was fun; it ends in big athletic stadium and actually had more food for runners than the marathon! NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT: The full marathon is very small so you can be on the course by yourself in traffic, though there are lots of police who direct you at intersections. Not really a huge problem for me, but it is a bit lonely out there. I just viewed it as a long Sunday run by myself. Water: not enough stations, so bring your own bottle that you can refill GU: they should offer GU at least at one point during the course Go Green: do away with styrofoam and plastic cups Expo: nonexistent after Friday, and very little there; no marathon merchandise to buy and no last-minute items Finish line: because there are so many half runners, the finish was dead when I arrived at 4:30. They had tasty pumpkin soup and muffins cut in half. The tables where filled with litter and no one was around. Also: Cab drivers are honest and very polite; however, triple check with the hotel when you order one - I almost missed the 10K because there were so many people going to stadium, which was out of the way. If you need spectators, there are not many, but those who are out there are very fun and friendly. The Bermudians are wonderful.

I ran the full marathon, and while it is a bit dicey because they open the roads to two-way traffic, I never really felt in danger. It is a beautiful course, with lots of ocean views. The second loop is pretty quiet, like a private training run if you are a bit back from the leaders, but aid stations were well stocked and still staffed even for those of us in the back of the pack. I did not find the course hilly, but I am used to western Massachusetts, so it was not a problem. The day was a bit warm, so be prepared for that. I think this is a great race, and would recommend it if you don't mind running the second loop pretty much alone (there were 100 finishers of the full marathon this year). Folks were friendly and supportive, but you don't get a ton of spectator support on the second loop, so do it for yourself.

I just returned from the Bermuda Half Marathon Challenge. Overall, it was a great race weekend (the "challenge" being the option to do a mile, 10K, and half or full marathon all in one weekend). However, there were some cons: The mile course has two strange, sharp turns and runs partly uphill, so don't expect a PR. The 10K is significantly hilly, especially the two big hills at miles 5 and 5.5. The half marathon was a great course. The marathon (from what participants said) is quite lonely on the second lap, as well as dangerous, because traffic is not shut off for the runners. The expo is quite small, yet not organized at all. They ran out of small t-shirts almost immediately. The mile finishers don't receive a medal until Sunday afternoon, after the marathon. Many Triangle Half Marathon participants didn't receive the Triangle finisher's medal because they ran out (apparently they will be mailed to those who didn't get any). The good news is that the scenery is gorgeous, the people are incredibly nice and the race is rather small (about 250 people). The spectators are very supportive and friendly, and they make sure to call out your name for encouragement (it's on the bib with your number).

This was my first marathon. The entire Bermuda International Race Weekend was a lot of fun, starting with the Invitational Mile on Friday night, including the International 10K on Saturday morning, and the Bermuda International Marathon (or half) on Sunday morning. I actually competed in an event called the Bermuda Triangle, which adds the totals of the mile, 10K, and marathon on the three consecutive days. I would highly recommend it, the combination is a lot of fun and a nice challenge. It was a difficult, but fun, although I'd like to run my second marathon without races the previous two days. The 10K loop shares half of the marathon course, which is two 13.1-mile laps around the center third of the island. Because Bermuda is relatively small, the course runs along multiple coasts on the south and north edges, with a variety of beautiful views. The 10K course ends by cutting off the marathon course up a wicked hill, but the marathon only has two or three moderately difficult hills per lap (~100-150 feet). For the most part, though, it's relatively flat overlooking the ocean. There are a nice number of people in the first lap, which runs along with the half marathon, but the second lap is pretty desolate. Local residents all turn out for all of the races, though, so throughout the marathon there are great roadside cheering sections at least every quarter mile. The crowds lining Front Street in Hamilton for the mile are great. Aid stations are every two miles or so, stocked with Gatorade, but they started to run out. Which wasn't great, since the temperature will almost definitely be around 65-75 degrees (there's not much temp variation). Also, I was one of the earlier-mid finishers, at 3:56:56, so although I got water/Gatorade when they were running low, anyone significantly over four hours may risk the aid stations running out completely if they don't plan for more supplies in future races. Also, the race course opened to cars the second lap, so anyone who doesn't hug the left wall along the road risks being clipped by (a little crazy) Bermuda drivers. That was my biggest problem with the race. But I didn't die, from the 3 races or the cars, and overall, the experience is as much the island as the running, and it's a great weekend. I don't have any other marathons to compare it to, but everyone I know really enjoyed running (in any or all of the races offered) and had a great time during the weekend, so I definitely recommend it if you're looking for an alternative to the mega-marathons in big cities!

I actually ran the half marathon, not the full marathon. The marathon was another loop of the same course. Bermuda is the most beautiful and well-kept island. Beautiful streets and gardens, quaint old villages, turquoise ocean.... The course is indeed hilly. However, despite the fact that I live somewhere that is pancake-flat, the hills really did not bother me too much, even though I had not trained on hills at all. The spectators were fantastic. The people of Bermuda are so friendly and supportive. I am in love with this place! This was the most fun race I have ever done anywhere. It will take a lot to beat. The only improvement I could suggest (and this applies to almost all races) would be to have women's t-shirts. Even a small unisex (men's) t-shirt is like a tent on many female runners. I, and many others, would happily pay a little more for a race shirt I could actually wear. Bermuda, however, cannot be improved upon....

As I live in Bermuda, I knew what to expect from the course, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the organization. Many comments about previous races have mentioned that this has been a bit suspect and, having run quite a few other local races, there can certainly be lapses. However, this race was well organized - comprehensive information pack, plenty of water stations, marshals or police at key points. It was also clear that the race officials had read previous comments - the marathon medal was different from that for other races. Also, the support on the second loop - especially on North Shore (which trends up between about 20 and 24.5 miles) - was good. Previous comments have said that people go inside for the second loop; that was not true this year. Also, I was running with an injury that was causing me increasing trouble as the race wore on. It was obvious that the race officials around the course knew this and that bicycle riders were keeping an eye on me - and it was very much appreciated. From my own experience, though, I would advise people not to try to run this course with an injury. It is hilly!

I did the Bermuda Half-Marathon this past weekend. The course was hilly, with a bit of a wind, and temps around 73 degrees. This may not be ideal conditions for a PR, but the beauty of Bermuda is intoxicating. The spectators that were there were sincere and enthusiastic, and the host hotel was amazing. Pretty mellow at the start with no visible start or finish line set up. And no mat to register your official chip start!! The medal was unspectacular, with all runners getting the same one. But, again, the race is gorgeous and the people are fantastic. I see this event growing and growing!

I ran the Bermuda Marathon this year (2008). The positives far outweigh the negatives. As far as the negatives worth mentioning... I would highlight the well-intentioned, but suspect organization. The most obvious example of this was nobody manning a water/Gatorade station on mile 7/14 (ish). Rather, there were a few cases of beverages staked on the side of the road for runners to pillage through. Those who didn't basically had to go about 4-5 miles without fluids. Not safe and not cool. The other negative was that the medal for the marathon runners appears to be the same awarded to the other racers (10K, 13.1 miles, etc.). That's lame. Lastly, with under 100 runners doing the marathon, it can get very lonely during the second loop. I passed one runner and was passed by two during the whole second half. If you are a runner that needs a "rabbit" to pace yourself against, this course is not for you. As far as the positives, there are many. First and foremost, the people of Bermuda are beautiful. The cheering sections along the road were wonderful, kind and supportive. Moreover, the island's landscape is gorgeous. I didn't mind doing two loops during this race, because there is so much natural beauty to see on this island. Another positive, for more experienced runners, is that this is a very challenging and "hilly" course. Not one for PR's, but definitely one to challenge yourself physically and mentally. You have to fight challenging hills and a rough wind. Lastly, if you make a 3-4 day vacation out of it, you can check out the beauty of Bermuda, from the Chrystal Caves, to the Southampton Beaches, etc. Very relaxing and smooth. I can't believe I just ran a marathon, I'm so relaxed from this trip. This was my fifth, hardest, and perhaps favorite marathon so far.... - AD

WOW! My first time in Bermuda and I sure hope I get to go back again. The race was amazing partly because of the course and partly because of the support (surprising since it was such a small race). My only disappointment was at the end of the first loop when the course went from really loud at the 1/2 finish to virtually quiet further down the road on the 2nd loop in Hamilton. But an overall great island, really friendly people (see if 'Cheeks' is still driving his cab) and an awesome race!

As one of only 81 marathon finishers for 2006, I was thrilled have achieved the formerly impossible - an age-group triumph. I won third in my class, met the Premier and fought the elements to cap off a memorable long weekend in Bermuda. The course had some hills (nothing like Big Sur) and it opens to traffic for the 2nd loop, but with the great organization, support of the locals and scooters to rent - who wouldn't go! Great place to explore and visit... and run a marathon!

The small but incredible island of Bermuda.... My first marathon of the year, and it couldn't have been in a better place. The weather was perfect, the people where friendly, and the ocean views on the course were terrific. The marathon was the last race of a weekend of running. Friday night was the Front Street Mile (what fun, esp. the 8-10 year-olds); and Saturday was the 10K race, which fields the majority of the local runners and a fast elite field. Then finally Sunday was the marathon and 1/2 marathon. I hope the race will grow in numbers. The marathon is a great race for first-timers, and about the island and its people you just can't say enough. Next year, I hope to see ya in BERMUDA. :)

It was a great marathon - at least on its first loop. It is like running through the tropical paradise - the jungle, palm trees, ocean waves, cute, small and large cottages in pastel colors. Beautiful! Well, the course consists of two loops and the second loop of the same course was quite different. Due to an unusually hot weather, suddenly the hills grew higher and the tropical paradise got a bit smaller. Still, the race was great, and the spectators sitting on the verandas of their houses were cheerful and funny. The only negatives were the cars passing us from behind on small winding roads with absolutely no shoulder. Their exhaust fumes didn't help either. I hope the organizers will find a way to redirect the traffic somehow, though I realize that on such a small island it would be unfair to the residents to block the main road for 6 hours. Before the race, we were given an instruction sheet that said that "shirts or tops must be worn during the race - it is a criminal offense to run or walk with a bare chest." In a hot weather like this?!? I ran half-naked all my previous 38 marathons, even in Tromso (Norway) 250 miles above the Arctic Circle. And what is typical for hospitable and friendly Bermudians, not a single police officer complained. I only heard from them the good luck wishes, and saw only their friendly smiles while people on the street reacted in a funny way, cheered, laughed, called me the "naked runner." And two miles before the finish, one woman even asked me a question I will never forget - "Are you married?" I guess I was still in good shape if someone was interested after I ran 24 miles. Overall, an excellent marathon and a terrific excuse to escape the winter and to spend a long weekend in such a terrific place like Bermuda!

I ran this marathon - my first - in January 2005. My only expectation was to finish. I certainly didn't expect the wonderful people who passed out oranges, had their children cheering for me, and had read the paper the evening before and knew me and cheered me on BY NAME as I ran through the streets of their cities/towns. Yes, there were LOTS of hills; yes, traffic was allowed on the course; and yes, it was a warm 76 degrees. But it was an amazing experience and all the hard things just made me more proud of my accomplishment.

This was my first marathon and my first visit to Bermuda. I was initially intimidated when I arrived by the hills and winding roads, especially when I was taken on tour and was presented 2 HUGE hills that I was informed were on the course (gulp!); but they were not. The temperature was as expected, around 73-75 degrees and it was sunny for the first part of the marathon. The course has a lot of rolling hills, some a little challenging if you are not used to hills. The roads in Bermuda are very narrow and they had us running WITH traffic... and they only closed the lane for the first 2 hours. A teammate of mine got clipped by a car and recived a nasty bruise on her elbow. The scenics are amazing and the local residents come to their drive and support the runners, which is nice. They had water and Gatorade every 2 miles (a good distance, considering the heat). A nice race, this will always be in my memory and I may run it again. Anyone who wants to experience Bermuda and try its marathon, do not plan to make record time. Add about 15 minutes on to your expected finish time with the heat and hills, just slow your pace and enjoy it. :)

This was my first marathon and definitely a learning experience. I learned that my next marathon will be a totally flat course. When I signed up to run this marathon (with a charity), I thought that I would be running along beaches with pink sand, next to the turquoise water. (I thought I could deal with the hills if that were the case). Was I ever so wrong!! I guess the scenery was pretty for the first 13.1 miles, but for the 2nd loop I just avoided getting hit by a car. During this dreaded 2nd loop, I found myself running a single file race with two lane traffic on very small, winding, hilly roads. Cars and busses were whizzing by the entire 2nd loop. I am amazed that nobody has gotten killed yet. Anyway, at least I finished under 5 hours and I know that the next time I am in Bermuda (it is a beautiful island), I will NOT be running the marathon. I will, however, be lying on some of the world's most beautiful beaches. (They should move the course to the south shore where these beaches are). The spectators get the 5 stars. They were most friendly... they even knew me by name. Imagine that. The water stops were always a welcome relief, pretty much every two miles. Only I guess I didn't drink enough because I experienced major leg cramps at mile 20-26. Like I said, it was my first full marathon and I finished. What more can I ask for?

Challenging, but beautiful course. Great size (right around 1,000 runners for full and half marathons combined). Course includes lots of views, outstanding fan support from the locals and a couple of tough hills. Only drawback for marathon: double-loop on 13.1-mile course. Overall, very satisfying race in beautiful, scenic environment. Would do it again.

The rolling hills were more than my muscles could handle. Having trained in Chicago where it is 'drafting board' flat, the endless rolling hills caused me horrific muscle spasms on the second loop. Still, it was a fun run. The auto traffic was not much of a bother to me, though some complained. Closing the road to traffic did not appear practical on the small island. The organizers need to coordinate the close of registration with arrival of the final flight the day before the race. We arrived on the last flight of that day and had to search for someone in order to register. There were a small, but sufficient, number of marathoners. The pasta dinner was nice, especially the dance presentation. The course was well marked and there was ample water and sports drink. Gels would be nice. Great post-race food.

The race is a double loop on a very narrow two lane road that is not closed to traffic. There are knee high to shoulder high walls along the course and only a few spots with side walks. Only 200 people ran the marathon but there were a bunch of half marathoners doing the first loop too. There was wind and rain for the first 10 miles. Although the organizers can't control the weather, the course really needs to be closed off. One runner was hit by a car and taken to the hospital, she was released latter with minor injuries. Bermuda is beautiful the people friendly and the course is very scenic. In the pouring down rain the fans were out there cheering us on. The water and gatorade supplies were great. The organizers did a great job with everything. If they could close the road it would be perfect. The cost of the trip is expensive. Food is about double the price there (although it was delicious). The rooms are $200 or more a night. Airfare is high. It was a good race and a good experience but it will be awhile before I consider doing it again.

Welcome to a challenge! This course does everyting it can to try and beat you....endless hills, soft limestone pavement, head winds, tail winds, cross winds, solitude, rain, wind, sun and of coarse, the complete satisfaction when I did a PR on this beauty!!! My pink racing number will be hung with a smile. I earned it.

I ran Bermuda in 1999. It's a beautiful two lap course. The fan support was the best I've ever seen in over 20 marathons. They printed out a program guide in the paper with all the race numbers and registrants names. All the residents come out to the side of the road and cheer for you by name! My only surprise was the prevalence of first time charity runners. This is not a good course for first time marathoners. It's quite hilly and is warm and humid. It seemed like about 2/3 of the race was charity groups, so without them, it wouldn't be much of an event. Lovely island, fantastic people!!

This was my first marathon in January, 2002. Bermuda was a lovely place to spend a few days of vacation in January though the weather was humid and only occasionally sunny. The Bermudans were incredibly friendly and very supportive. I was part of a Team In Training contingent that made up about 400 of the 600 participants so the comaraderie was very high. I had a hard time on the second lap because of the humidity, hills, and moped exhaust. Also, I could have done with a little more food on the course. I would recommend doing this marathon if you are looking for a nice place to get away to in January and you don't mind some challenges to your race.

Quite a challenging course, lots of hills, but very scenic views and beautiful vistas around this 2 lap course for the marathon. Very good value- 25$ entry fee.Very good runners, but not a very elite field. Ran a sub-par 3:28, and most of the second lap I ran with no other runners in site. Overall, a great place to visit, people are extremely warm & freindly, and the most scenic course I`ve done in 20 marathons.

On most days I 'don't do hills' but to run a 1/2 marathon, I did the Bermuda hills. Wow! Tough Course! Breathtaking scenery though. At the end of the toughest hill was the most unforgetable view. The local Bermudians were great. So hospitable and cheering the entire course. I could not find check in however which made for a rough beginning. The weather is not that sunny either so don't expect to tan. Just expect to see a great island, run a great race and enjoy a quick winter getaway with a great personal reward at the end.