calendar icon Nov 14, 2024

Long Beach Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Long Beach Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.0 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 242 [displaying comments 231 to 241]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 > ]

 

A Runner from Beverly Hills, Calif. (11/12/2001)
"2000-one" (about: 2001)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


Since this is the first LBM run under new directors I think some slack should be given. But, there were several issues in the organization of the event. First, getting stuck in traffic at Lakwood and the freeway -405- for about 30-35 minutes was a real bummer. Watching runners bail out of their cars and hoofing it in was an option, one I did not take. Upon getting to the race start area by 7:50, I was told that the race was delayed 30 min- what a bummer for those who used there own power to get their just to wait. The biggest issue for me was the inconsistency and poorly marked mile markers especially in the early miles. That is a basic to planning a professional race and I couldn't get why mile 15 (I think) appeared on the back of a NO PARKING SIGN. Again I know this is a first for this new group. There is lots of potential in the LBM. I hope this group can help reach it. PS- There was plenty of water and the fans were super. And the course is cool and very interesting.

 

A Runner from Tuscon, AZ (7/27/2001)
"Good Event" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


This is a beautiful flat course, definitely a must if you are into a 'PR'. It has a good field as well, especially if you are not interested in getting involved in those races where it takes 1 hour just to get to the start line after the gun goes off.

 

A Runner from Los Gatos, Ca (7/10/2001)
"Loved it" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


It was a beautiful day, and the course was fantastic. The race did start late, yet, from what I understand a car broke onto the course and the delay was caused for safety reasons. At least the race director was concerned about safety. I dont understand the runners who are saying the course was not fast, everyone I talked to ran one of their best races. Has that runner that stated the course was not as fast as you would think consider the possibility that they are not as fast as they think? This was a great race and I will definitely be there this year.

 

A Runner from Oklahoma City (7/10/2001)
"Great Day Great Race" (General Comments)


COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


I have done over 40 marathons and this is one of the best. The course is fast and right by the Ocean and perfect for a PR effort, which by the way I did by over 7 minutes!

 

A Runner from San Antonio, Texas (6/10/2001)
"bad, bad, and bad" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 1  FANS: 1


This is the worst race ever. I've completed 14 marathons and numerous Half-Marathons. The race started late, the course was non-descript, the finishline non-existent, and the medal was an insult.
This race offers too many events and executes poorly. I won't be back. This one is a big disappointment.

 

A Runner from Irvine, California (2/1/2001)
"Another Course change is needed" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


I ran LB in 99 & 00. I preferred the 99 course, much more scenic and nice downhill finish. This year the race started 25 min late, a huge no-no. Mile markers were off by .1 to .2 of a mile, a huge no-no. Pretty boring course, though flat, it doesn't run as fast as you would think. I recommend it if you are a local and are not running one of the 'big' fall marathons, or just use it as a training run. I hope they change the course...again!

 

A Runner from Los Angeles (11/27/2000)
"Not the 'Ulitma'-ate Time" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


I loved last year's (1999) marathon. Don't see the need for a point-to-point. What's up with the mile markers? Too bad the Hilton didn't get a thank you. Most importantly - get rid of Ultima. Made me sick to my stomach. For LA Marathon Bring-Your-Own-Gatorade. Ultima is there too. At least we'll have mile markers...

 

A Runner from LA County (11/20/2000)
"Great Race" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I'm wondering if I ran the same race as the person writing the previous comment [ed. 2 comments ago]...

Both the web site and the flyers given at the life expo had perfectly clear maps showing where the finish was. Plus the following verbal description: 'At Cal State University Long Beach, in parking lot 14 section A, on the recycling center road at the 3rd tree south of Atherton west side and 43'2' south of street lighting cover.' What else do you need ?... I would respectfully suggest the loved ones who could not locate the finish line-not the organizers-are the ones who have a problem...

As for parking fees... $3... Is that a problem?... Let's see, most people drove at least 60 miles round-trip (a driving cost of about $20) and paid $55 to register. But couldn't afford the $3?

I found the food plentiful at the finish line, and I was not an early finisher.

That being said, not everything was perfect. The race started 20/25 minutes late, not good when you're trying to schedule your last restroom visit as late as possible. At least a couple of mile markers were WAY OFF. (How do you explain a 9 minute mile followed by a 7 minute one?) Most people don't like that sorry excuse for a sports drink called Ultima.

Regarding the course: great, flat, sometimes scenic, other times 'normal' reidential neighborhoods. The exception being what seemed like three or four semi-industrial miles.

Spectators: not a big crowd, but decent enough in the last 10K.

Weather: perfect!!!

Plus: not much need to elbow one's way through the crowd at the start, the participation level being just right.

Overall, very nice, probably much fewer hassles than in the bigger marathons.

 

A Runner from USA (11/20/2000)
"Disorganized and NO FOOD on the course" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 3


I don't recommend this race. It started about 15 mins. late, psyching people out. There was no food at all on the course and by the end I was passing out with hunger only to find there was hardly any at the finish either. First half of the course was great. Last 6 miles were ugly. For us slower runners, crowds had thinned out considerably towards the end so not too much support there. I guess I was spoiled by Marine Corps. This was a big disappointment.

 

A Runner from USA (11/13/2000)
"beautiful scenery, poor organization" (about: 2000)


COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 5


This year was changed to point-to-point, which was a dilemma for family - what to see start or finish. This was due to the parking fees. Workers were uninformed to where finish lines were located, causing loved ones to miss seeing finishes. The food at the end was almost non-existent. Fortunately, I had packed some provisions for emergency. Long Beach is beautiful, the spectators were AWESOME! Disorganization abounded. Next year I will wait and do L.A.

 

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