Ocean State Marathon

I have run quite a few marathons in all parts of the country. If this was not the worst, it was right at the bottom. I do not recommend this marathon. It simply was not well done.

First, I thought the hills at 19.5 and 22 were much tougher than shown on the map. (The fact that you run up Hill Street and in a neighborhood called 'The Summit' tells you something). Race organization was fine, the course scenery was okay with some nice sections and some bad ones, but those hills completely knocked the starch out of me. Some of the experienced runners said the course was designed to have a Heartbreak Hill at 21 similar to Boston. True? It poured the entire race this year, and the race organizers can do little about that, but it kept the spectators to a mininum. Not bad, but oh those late race hills!!!

Our group traveled all the way from Tulsa, Oklahoma to run this marathon. Why? Because Southwest Airlines flies there! First the problem areas: 1. Traffic control was horrible. I had to yell at several cars that pulled out of unmanned intersections in front of me. I was almost run down by a speeding black Cadillac in Roger Williams Park. (I promise I had not previously yelled at this car!). Many drivers were not courteous or understanding--lots of honking, gesturing and scowling. 2.The course markings, especially through Williams Park, were abysmal. The road wasn't closed, but the cones were so far apart that neither drivers nor runners knew which side of the road was proper to travel on! 3. There was apparently very little publicity about the race. No one we spoke to in Providence knew anything about it! Positives: 1.The police officers and volunteers that showed up were quite friendly, albeit in a rather dour New England way. 2. Except for the traffic problems, the organization was fine. The start near the State House was fabulous--although more porta-johns would be nice. Great medal! Good finish line assistance--but a free beer would have been appreciated. 3.Scenery, schmenery! Providence is a very interesting city, and this race gave this first-time visitor a very good tour of it. 4.The hills WERE challenging, but also interesting. Hello--it's a MARATHON! It's supposed to be difficult. 5. The fans were fine considering the awful weather. Hell--I was crazy to be running it. I never would have stood out there and watched it. Yankees have more sense than I expected. In short, the OSM is a unique alternative. If it gets a few additional sponsors (esp. a newspaper or P.R. firm) and a few hundred more volunteers, it will qualify for five stars. Providence itself was a good time. Great restaurants! Our group especially enjoyed our stay at the Jacob Hill Inn in nearby Seekonk, MA. Thanks Bill and Eleanora Rezek!