Gansett Marathon

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.