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Harrisburg Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Harrisburg Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.7
Number of comments: 180 [displaying comments 131 to 141]
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J. E. from Maryland
(11/14/2006)
"Which way do I go?" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Harrisburg Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 This race is 34 years old and I've been doing marathons less than 1 year; therefore, I have certain basic simple expectations. 1. Silly me, but I expect to see signs, arrows, lights, paint or whatever pointing the correct way to go at every possible turn. EVERYWHERE. (Not unusual for people to do marathons in an area they don't know.)Instead, I and others had to ASK volunteers standing there chatting or sitting in vehicles, "WHICH WAY DO I GO?? " Heck, I'm already naturally slow enough. Not acceptable for a mature race. Perhaps volunteers need training or they're ready for replacement. How about trying to get groups of exuberant teenagers? How about community service hours??? Might have to charge us more and HIRE workers. 2. A little bit of food - not much - would have been nice. Or did I miss it? There were candy bars that I devoured, as my tummy was growling. 3. It's probably a small thing, but listen up. After dealing with all these "which way do I go?" issues and the very tough cold and windy weather, which we cannot control, getting lost less than four miles from the finish, and then finally finding someone who helped and then seeing more mis-directing signs, I just said, "Oh, hell, just enjoy the river," as I jogged along for awhile. Then I felt like I was being saved. Mylar moving across a bridge and I realized the end was is in sight. I got there and... oops, I was facing the finishing line from behind! Here we go again... WHICH WAY DO I GO? Someone finally heard me and directed me to go around the island just as though I ought to know that already. So I crossed the finish line long after I expected to, but... it's done and there's a massage table available and one very nice helpful lady who, among other things, calls the hotel for me since I'm late and then she drives me back to it. Hold on, I'm getting there. Hours later, I get home and before hitting the sack, I check the results and find out I DO NOT EXIST! No, I was not there! Hey, wait, I'm not on drugs. I have a finisher's medal; pretty nice one at that and a nice long-sleeved tech shirt that one of the volunteers let me exchange for a smaller one. But I'm not listed as a finisher! Was that too much to expect? Is this real?? Didn't I just do a double, Richmond and Harrisburg? So you think, "I know I'm old, but I am ALIVE!" No, you just experienced your unlucky 13th marathon of the year, so you know it'll get better. No more marathons this year! Folks, this is just what could happen if you're slow like me. But some fast runners told me they noticed the lack of signs early on and felt lucky they had someone to follow. Other points: A. In this environment, do not expect to see crowds. This is a place for going inside yourself and enjoying the beauty of the forest, the river, the city and the occasional supporter. The variety keeps this course interesting; just don't be afraid of the traffic as you share the road in places. B. The host hotel, Crowne Plaza, was absolutely wonderful. Concerns about the heat and whatever else I needed were taken care of immediately. Because of the volume, my car was valet parked at self parking rate. A business center with two computers available. Late checkout was great to have, but because I got back later than planned, I was warmly and graciously invited to take my warm shower and take my time getting outof the room. That was a very good ending to my day in Harrrisburg. C. It is the state capital and there is lots of interesting history there. D. Director does a backup of finishers in case the photo company has to close before all are finished. Learned this from him. I would recommend doing this race because of the scenery and because I am certain that after our many e-mails and long telephone conversations, the director will implement necessary simple changes so that the race will be an enjoyable event. He eventually FOUND me, though I had to PROVE I actually entered this race! His results showed that I'll get an age group award since I was the first place 65 year-old female... (only one I think). Hope he corrects the information in the system. I don't want to have to go visit again anytime soon. | |
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Eliot W. Collins from Raritan Borough, NJ
(11/13/2006)
"Great Race - Amazing Volunteers" (about: 2006)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Harrisburg Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my 8th time running Harrisburg (so I obviously like this race very much) and my 75th marathon overall (plus 26 ultras). This year, the weather made the race especially challenging (and rewarding to finish). It rained, often heavily, for most of the race, and it was windy (15-25 mph) and cold (40's) as well. My hands got so numb that I could not even feel them. The most amazing thing about the race this year was the volunteers. Although my time was 5:49:53, every volunteer that I encountered still had a big smile on their face. They all remained cheerful even though they had been standing out in the cold rain all day waiting for slow runners like me. I give them all a lot of credit. As always, I look forward to returning to Harrisburg for the 9th time next year, and I will continue to strongly recommend this great race to others. | |
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B. K. from East Coast
(11/13/2006)
"So-so marathon." (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Harrisburg Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I really wanted to like this event, because I like to support small marathons. I really didn't enjoy this race very much, though. The spectators and volunteers were great, and the city of Harrisburg really seems to get behind this event. The awful weather in 2006 couldn't be helped, but what I didn't like about this event was the confusing, loopy course, and the fact that it's very hard to follow, due to a lack of signage. The mile markers were also very hard to read (or missing?) in a lot of places. I don't think I should have to ask, "Which way?" during a marathon even once, let alone several times. Positives about the event: Nice tech shirt, low entry fee, great volunteers. Unbelievably convenient for out-of-town visitors, as everything (train station, hotel, starting line) is within walking distance. Cytomax at the aid stations. Negatives: As mentioned, the course is not only very confusing, but very poorly marked. The mile markers are either hard to see or missing. If such things don't bother you (perhaps you don't mind slowing down or stopping at intersections to ask, "Which way?" and don't really care about mile splits,) this is an okay event. | |
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t. m. from Vienna, VA
(11/12/2006)
"Very well organized" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Harrisburg Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Let me be the first to add a comment for 2006. The weather was miserable - a heavy rain for much of the race and a strong headwind as well. Clearly that had an impact on the spectator turnout that was generally sparse (but enthusiastic). But the organization was very good - lots of volunteers, plenty of water stops, gels, energy bars, and port-a-potties. The after-race food was good and bountiful, and the chicken broth was perfect on a rainy, chilly day. The medal and racing shirt are quite nice too. I only gave the course 4 stars because part of it was through an industrial park with tractor trailers using the same road as the runners. | |
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J. C. from Ontario, Canada
(9/8/2006)
"excellent!" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Harrisburg Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Harrisburg and its running club should be proud of this event. It is well-organized and supported, from start to finish, from the smaller but enjoyable pre-race expo to the post-run nutrition and first-aid tent/facility. As I sit planning my fall schedule, I have decided to go back to Harrisburg, for my 3rd time now. Thanks all, see you there. | |
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R. P. from Lititz, PA
(12/11/2005)
"Great First Marathon Experience" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Harrisburg Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I felt the course and outstanding organization made it a great experience. The organizers had it working right from the very start. The van to collect the warm-ups was right by the starting line and the volunteers were making sure each bag was marked properly (and it was waiting at the finish). There were plenty of people working the water stands and showing the way at turns. The course was beautiful and we had a great fall day (about 42 degrees at the start). The views change frequently, which is nice. The hills were challenging for this first-timer, several up and downs in a couple of miles, but ultimately survivable. I found the two miles following the hills the most challenging, and then eventually recovered enough to pick-up the pace a bit for the final miles. I was motivated to leave a comment mostly to thank the team of people at the finish and working the recovery area. They not only provided massages for cramping legs, but were very attentive to the runners' overall health. In my case they were concerned that I was cold and immediatley had a blanket over my shoulders, and handed me hot soup. I recovered quickly and with no problems but if anyone did have the need for assistance it was available. | |
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JOHN CONNOR from NEWPORT KY. 41071
(11/25/2005)
"A perfect day...." (about: 2005)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Harrisburg Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I saved this for my 50th state.... Heard, among other things, that this race has a great course, and all I've heard is true. Well organized: They have everything you want at a marathon. The pre-race pasta dinner was good with a former world record marathon holder the speaker. I stayed at the Crown and got excellent service. Also, close to the start and finish line. Gave us a late checkout. You can't do these marathons without the volunteers and again they were excellent. Thank you so much. It took me 7 years to finish all 50 states and I was given race number 50 and treated very well. Again, thanks to Walt and eveyone involved.... Looking forward to coming back. | |
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Eliot Collins from Raritan, NJ
(11/16/2005)
"This is What Small Town Marathons are All About" (about: 2005)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Harrisburg Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 7th time running Harrisburg (so I obviously like this race very much) and my 70th marathon overall (plus 26 ultras). I was one of about 30 runners and walkers who took advantage of the 6:00 a.m. early start. This race is definitely 'walker friendly.' Although I am extremely fussy, I found everything to be perfect. Everyone that was involved with the race was very helpful and professional. The refreshments, T-shirt & medal were great, and I felt that I truly got my money's worth. Some of the scenery is quite beautiful, especially the bridges on the Susquehanna River at sunrise. I had run the NYC Marathon the previous weekend, and in its own way, the Harrisburg Marathon was equally enjoyable. I look forward to returning to Harrisburg next year, and I will continue to recommend this race to others. | |
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K. F. from NoVA
(11/15/2005)
"My new favorite race" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Harrisburg Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Info I would've found helpful: The hills in the nature park (from ~ mi 17.5 to 19) were very steep in places (but not lengthy). I was on tiptoes getting up 2 of them due to the grade. There were 4/5 total, I think. Fortunately it was an asphalt trail. And it was very winding. The Greenbelt trail was gravel. Since it was around miles 3-4 I wasn't tired yet, and the backsliding didn't bother me too much. I tried running where the gravel was less deep. Thanks for putting the race official there to point out the potholes - in the early morning sun, the angle of the light would've made it hard to see some of them, if I hadn't been looking out for them. There's also a short (< 1/4 mi) stretch of gravel before you get to the nature park, and a parking lot cut-through inside the nature park that's gravel. That one was on a bit of a downslope by the way. After you leave the island for the first time (~ mile 6.5), you run about a mile on the concrete pavers right next to the river... which means you're back on them again for mile 24! Pretty tough on the legs. Otherwise nearly the entire course is on asphalt. Also, at around mile 12 there's a RR overpass that's a bit of a pain. Other than that hill and the nature park I found the course to be very flat & fast. My only complaint is that there's no chip timing; I was very nervous because I figured I needed every second to BQ. Good news is that the race is small enough that I got over the start line in < 3 seconds, from a mid-pack position. I also thought the volunteers were fantastic. Many tried to give useful info as I passed - at mile 10 the official told me what place I was in (not many female runners, so easy for him to keep track I guess); at mile 15, another official shouted out gun time & average pace - very nice since I left my watch in the hotel room (doh). And the finish area officials were great, very concerned for my well-being, and helped me find everything I needed. And I doubt many of them will see this, but thanks to the police officers directing traffic - about half the course was on roads open to vehicles and they did a wonderful job (esp. whoever was blocking the side street for us near mile 21, and who nearly got run over himself). To echo an earlier comment: There aren't a lot of spectators, but I prefer the solitude. This was a little problematic between miles 20-22 - I couldn't see any runners ahead, and I started to worry I was off-course. (My fault, I should've studied the course map better). Nice race, nice people, nice town. See you in Boston! | |
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c. p. from chambersburg, pa
(11/15/2005)
"Great small race" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Harrisburg Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Harrisburg is a wonderful small marathon. This year a friend and I just ran it with no watches at all. What a blast just to run with the only goal being to finish. We talked for 26 miles. The course is varied and the city is wonderful. I ran this race as a youth in '80 and '81 and gave up running but when I started again a few years ago this was on the top of my list. Still has that same feeling. |
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