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☰
North Olympic Discovery Marathon Runner Comments
Back to North Olympic Discovery Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.4 
Organization 4.9 
Spectators 4.2
Number of comments: 76 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
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A. M. from Canada
(1/11/2009)
"Beautiful course - amazing views and nice trails" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I couldn't have chosen a better race to start with. It was a great size - large enough to feel competitive but small enough to not feel intimidating or crowded. I can't say enough about the course either; it's got a little of everything: scenic rural roads, some nice wooded trails, and a beautiful ocean view finish. The people of Port Angeles were also amazing - so welcoming of the runners. Now if only they could make the weather cooperate!! The year I ran it (2007), it started off hot but by the time I got to the finish, it was pouring and with the wind coming off the ocean, and I was freezing. Oh well, it was definitely a motivator to finish!! | |
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Mark Hollingsworth from Port Angeles, Washington
(8/9/2008)
"Walker perspective - fantastic!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 North Olympic Discovery Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 4th NODM and 10th marathon. I had a hernia and couldn't run, but I could still walk pretty quickly, so I decided to see what that was like. There is an early start for walkers and slow runners (7 a.m.). PLEASE, if you do this, make sure you are going to take 5.5+ hours (or around there). The first water stop was 6 miles in for the early start, so makes sure to stash some or bring some if you need it before then. It was cool out, so I didn't need any. Fewer spectators out on the first part of the course since it was early, but those who were out were very enthusiastic. It was overcast and cool, with perfect weather. You couldn't see the mountains, but the day before was gorgeous, so hopefully those new to the area got there early. Course is great - the best I've been on - and the organization is by far the best of the 11 marathons I've done. The "helpers" at the end are a great touch. It was very nice doing the early start and coming in when the bulk of the runners were coming in also, rather than when most were done. I think this is a great idea. For those who don't think they can run one, walking is pretty easy and great fun. I recommend it. (I'll be back to running soon though.) I did the Alaska Marathon two weeks later, and while it was great fun, it was nowhere near as well done as the NODM. I can now recommend it for all runners and walkers. You will enjoy it. Oh yeah, I walked it in 6:06, the same speed at the end as at the start (but slower in the middle). | |
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ken whitener from chicago, il
(7/3/2008)
"great race - great weather" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the 2005 half marathon and 2008 full marathon. I'm glad I was in decent running shape to do the full marathon this year. This is a nice race where it is not overly crowded, yet there are enough runners to make it feel "competitive." The course is beautiful and this year was almost perfect weather. I had run the Steamboat Springs Marathon the week before and got torched by the sun. I wasn't expecting that in the mountains of Colorado, but the Port Angeles race was ideal in that there were overcast skies to keep the sun away from you and there was nice, cool air the whole race. Running through the forest and finishing the last 3 miles along the waterfront is quite an experience too! Not many spectators due to nature of the course, but the ones that were there were really "into it." Thanks to all who organized this race! There are only a few gradual hills, but due to the sea level and (surprisingly) relatively flat course for this geographical area, and the cool weather, one could easily set a PR here. I'm surprised at the small number of runners in this race - this race could easily hit 2,000 runners in a few years if word spread how nice this race is!! | |
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B. M. from Bethesda, Maryland
(6/18/2008)
"A great small-town race!" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first NODM. My performance was dreadful, but it had nothing to do with the course, the organization, or the spectators, which were all great! What a friendly and helpful bunch of people. The enthusiasm at the aid stations was inspiring. Who knew that xylophones in the forest could sound so beautiful. I wanted to just stop and listen. Anyway, I stayed with relatives in Sequim (at the start) so I didn't use the shuttle, since they also met me at the finish. Only 4 stars for spectators because there weren't many of them, but the ones that were there were great. By the way, this is a place where you need to take a few days after the race to explore the area. Don't rush off; there are natural wonders in abundance. As a transplanted (Maryland) native Washingtonian, I say "congratulations to Larry Little, staff, and volunteers." | |
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R. W. from Left Coast
(6/15/2008)
"A Perfect Day" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Absolutely perfect! I wish all races were this well organized. This small race puts the last (larger) race I did to shame. The course was beautiful. The volunteers were outstanding. I will do this one again. | |
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D. S. from Seattle, WA
(6/10/2008)
"Beautiful course and well organized" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
| 1 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was a great run! I ran the half with several novices who started talking about next year. Unlike the comments from 2007, we had perfect running weather. It was about 65 and overcast - cool enough, but we were happy it didn't rain. The course was beautiful. There were only about two miles that did not have breathtaking views. The escort at the end was a great touch. I really enjoyed the size of the race - big enough to have lots of energy and lots of support, but not so big that it was overwhelming. Also, the organization was great. Good food for runners at the end and the shuttles were easy to use. The only thing I'll change next year is that we'll stay in Port Angeles so we can sleep in a bit more before catching the shuttle to the start. | |
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J. B. from Seattle, WA
(6/9/2008)
"Perfect weather, scenic course, and a good run" (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I had such a good time running the half in 2007 that I decided to run the full this year as a training run. The weather was perfect -- in the low 50s and overcast. The course had a lot of variation, so I was never bored. Spectators were spread out, but very encouraging. At times, I was running by myself with only the birds to listen to. It was a pleasant run. This race is very well organized, has fantastic volunteers, and caters to the runners in every way. The finisher buddy is one of my favorites. Highly recommended. | |
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Dave Millet from Spokane, Wa
(6/9/2008)
"Beautiful course, great support" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 First-time NODM finisher - wanted to run a smaller early summer marathon and glad I picked this one. Scenic point-to-point route, well supported aid stations, smaller field (so easy logistics), and great finish line support and after-race food and music. Route is a mix of small-town roads and paved and unpaved paths, so you will never get bored if you want a race away for the big-city streets and traffic. Fairly fast course, although off-shore wind can be an issue and several quick up and downs going over creeks and ravines wear on the legs a little. | |
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D. B. from San Francisco, CA
(6/9/2008)
"Great Race" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 North Olympic Discovery Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I just returned from running the NODM. All that I read about this race before I went to Washington ended up being true: the course was scenic and somewhat challenging, the organization was first-rate with a runner's eye to details, and the volunteers were awesome!! The weather, if it hadn't been for the headwind in the second half, would have been perfect - overcast and cool, with no rain. As I sat on the plane coming home last night, I thought about what I wanted to write here. There are so many good things about this race that it is hard to think of anything that I suggest as change/improvement. Bottom line: run this race - you will love it. Plan some extra time to see the area, especially the mountains and rain forests. They are inspiring!!! | |
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Mark Hollingsworth from Port Angeles, WA
(6/30/2007)
"Great course, organization and food!" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 North Olympic Discovery Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is my third NODM and 8th marathon. I didn't know it was advertised as flat and fast; much of it is flat but the section from around 16.5 to 20.5 certainly has some hills! Most are rolling, but a few short steep ones. I took almost half an hour off my best time here, so I guess the rain and wind didn't slow me down any. The rain was on and off again, but I was prepared with a shirt and hat and was just fine. Some were pretty cold. It is the Northwest, it can change anytime. The organization was fantastic as usual. Lots of aid stations and the best food at any marathon I've been to at the end. WAY better. Not huge crowds, but those that are there are enthusiastic. I felt bad that people not from the area couldn't see the views because of clouds; its route has some great ones when you can see. Plan on being ready for those hills (I walk the two steepest ones, they are very short) and any sort of weather. I run this course all the time and it you can never tell what it will do. For much of the route you can run in the gravel alongside the pavement; a few short sections are gravel only (maybe a mile and a bit total). I don't have problems running on it, but perhaps some people's feet are a bit sore by then. There are pretty smooth routes along those parts, but you have to look where you are going. Overall, very highly recommended; my favorite marathon by far. |
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