Back to Chesapeake Bay Bridge Marathon Information & Reviews
R. N. from Chesapeake, VA
(10/19/2003)
"Great first-time race on the bridge!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 There aren't too many opportunities one has to view the sunrise from such a vantage point! There wasn't opportunity for spectators to be on the bridge, but the volunteers did a great job encouraging the runners. The seagulls really weren't vultures hovering overhead waiting for another runner to fall prey, and I didn't see anyone scaling the guardrails to leap into the water. I gave the '0' mile marker a 'high five' as I finished that portion of the course. (That move could have been costly, as I only had six seconds to spare in making my Boston qualifying time). The toughest part of the course mentally seemed to be along Shore Drive. Portions of that were more lonely than on the bridge. I echo the positive comments about finishing on the boardwalk. To the race organizers: thanks for the opportunity to run in such a unique setting. | |
Mike Parker from Goose Creek, SC
(9/7/2003)
"Nice to run the bay bridge tunnel" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I always love running in Virginia Beach. I wanted to exeperience the bridge-tunnel on foot, and this was one of the very few ways to do it. The monumental planning required to get everyone to the start is commendable. Early start was tough & I pity anyone who has a long walk back to their hotel from the finish. | |
K. W. from Plainsboro, NJ
(5/19/2003)
"The Headwind was a War but Concept is Cool" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Got up really early - I mean really early - and took a bus to the start. The headwind upon exiting the bus was ominous. If you are a slower runner, the miles with no real spectators on the bridge - especially with the headwind - can take a toll on your psyche. Once off the bridge, there are not many fans but the ones who are there are friendly and enthusiastic. The boardwalk makes for an exciting finish. A tip: arrange for late check-out with hotel so you can hit the hot tub. The logistics of a run like this give you tons of respect for the organizers. I probably won't do this one again but I'm glad I did it once because it's a neat story to be able to tell. | |
A Runner from Norwich, Connecticut
(11/20/2002)
"Fantastic Course!!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Overall, the race was well organized and well supported throughout. I don't think I have ever seen that many cones lined up before in my life. I truly enjoyed this race. Despite the headwind, I ran a personal best and really thought the course, support, and fans (once we reached land) were great. The VA Beach boardwalk finish was dramatic and the post-race festivities (the disco band and BBQ) were nice. I thought the awards ceremony was a little long and painful though. | |
Greg Ruthig from Charlottesville, VA
(11/7/2002)
"The bridge was fantasic but the wind was brutal" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The race was very well organized and really fun. Running on the bridge and through the tunnels was fantastic. The headwind on the bridge was tough, though, so don't expect to PR there even though the course is flat. Finishing on the boardwalk is difficult but fun. | |
A Runner from Charlotte, NC
(11/1/2002)
"Nice early morning race" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 There are not too many turns on this course so it is hard to get lost. Flat course, great water stops and fantastic logistics. If you like getting up early in the morning this race could be for you. | |
A Runner from Memphis, Tennessee
(10/25/2002)
"Very Enjoyable Run" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The preorganization sucked as I had to call less than a week before the marathon to get them to mail me my confirmation. Also, 3-4 months earlier, they had problems understanding the concept of returning phone calls. However, the run itself was very enjoyable. Didn't like being on the bus by 5 am, but got to the start line on the very scenic Chesapeake Bay Bridge by 6:40. The 1st 14.6 miles was into a headwind and there were not enough port-a-johns on the bridge. Once we hit the mainland, the crowds and the volunteers were the best. The course is basically flat with 2 tunnels on the bridge itself and 1 bridge to go over on Shore Drive. Wind was a factor only on the bridge. The last mile finished on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. Not only lots of people cheering from the race volunteers, but people from their hotel balconies were rooting for all. Overall, I enjoyed the run, but the organizers need to let the hotels know that an 11 am checkout for runners is not practical if you are not a sub 3 hr. finisher. | |
A Runner from georgia
(10/21/2002)
"unique venue, lonely 1st half, nasty headwind" (General Comments)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 Good 1st time event. Unique running on the bay bridge. Arriving to board a bus at 4AM the only option to get to the start. Doubt it will generate much interest for future growth, | |
N.W. Florida Runner from Pensacola, FL
(10/21/2002)
"Gotta Do It" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 With all the marathons on the calendar for October it was hard to make a decission on which marathon to run. (I am shooting for 50 states and have done one a month this year), but I think I made a wise choice when registering for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Marathon. It was a great experience to run across the bridge?one of the 7 man-made wonders of the world?and through the two one-mile long tunnels. The weather, although a bit windy, was perfect. The organization, traffic control, transportation to the start, volunteers, aid stations, numerous port-a-potties were all fist class. A very enjoyable marathon that I would recommend to all. The bridge limited the number of 'fans', but everyone along the way cheered and there were more as we got closer to civilization. There were several scenic and wooded places along the route which not only were shady, but peaceful. Thanks to all the race organizers, bus drivers, volunteers, City of Virginia Beach and of course the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel for allowing us such a wonderful opportunity. |
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