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Marine Corps Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Marine Corps Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.5 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.9 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 4.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 937 [displaying comments 631 to 641]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 62 63 64 65 66 .. 94 > ]

 

M. W. from Upper Marlboro, Maryland (10/31/2005)
"It was my first and the spectators made it great!" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


As a first-time marathoner, I was nervous and at times thought I wouldn't make it. The crowd always pulled me through! They were loud, enthusiastic and fun. The marines and those who provided music were great as well. I may actually run another. :)

 

A. M. from Arlington, VA (10/31/2005)
"Overall awesome but need more porta-potties!" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


Extremely well organized considering the race had 28,700+ runners to celebrate the 30th Anniversary. Crowd support was awesome and present everywhere except Haines Point (thanks to the 7-10 people out at Haines Point!) and it really made a difference.

For future reference, I would like more porta-potties on the course during the first 6-8 miles. It was quite a sight to see more than 40+ people pee in the woods behind the bushes, etc. Amusing at first, but gross later due to the sheer number. There were about 5-8 people in line for each porta-potty, and I myself had to pass 3 places because the line was too long. After I spotted one with only four people in line, it still took 5 minutes in line to get my turn.

The gels, water and Powerade were very much appreciated, but the Subway cookies around mile 21 didn't digest properly and were oversized. At that point when your body is not functioning as well as the earlier miles, I would think liquid gels would work better.

All in all, it was an unforgettable experience!

 

L. S. from Reston, Virginia USA (10/31/2005)
"Twas a Beautiful day to take a cruise through DC! " (about: 2005)

2 previous marathons | 2 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Excellent organization, support and enthusiasm. The Marines and volunteers could not have done a finer job of managing the entire operation. The exuberance and energy propelled the runners!
Water stations were plentiful and adequate. More food would have been helpful.....

 

D. J. from Sterling, VA (10/30/2005)
"way too congested at the start" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 4


This was my first marathon and in general, I really enjoyed it. The fans were great - VERY SUPPORTIVE. Also, I echo many of the previous comments about the involvement of marines being outstanding and how great seeing the monuments was.

However, not having corrals really hurt. I was stuck behind some very slow people. For what my heart-rate was for the first 3 miles, I should've been running 2.5 minutes per mile less than what I actually did because I had to fight my way through the course and exert way too much energy. Partially could be my fault for not getting close enough to the front of the gates, but I didn't realize how slow the field would be.

Also, the wheelchair race didn't start far enough ahead of the runners. Several wheelchairs fell behind, and when they caught up caused a major inconvenience. I really enjoy having the wheelchairs in the race, but when several are plowing through a crowd of runners, it creates major chaos.

 

B. L. from San Diego (10/30/2005)
"Incredible" (about: 2005)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


This race was incredible this year. It was a little crowded in places, especially around the first water stops. The spectators were incredible. There were so many people at mile 20 you could not help but push on through. The weather was great for a run and the course is beautiful.

The only downside is at the finish it took almost 15-20 minutes to get to the water and Powerade because there were so many family and friends in the way.
The marines were awesome!

Great job guys.

 

J. W. from RALEIGH, USA (9/6/2005)
"Marine Corps Rocks!" (about: 2004)

3 previous marathons | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


To beat the lines at the expo, be sure to get there about an hour before the expo closes. Pick up your packet, do a brief stint, then come back the next day to take your time and enjoy.

The MCM is truly the best I have ever run - A MUST-DO EVENT!

 

J. W. from RALEIGH, USA (9/6/2005)
"Marine Corps Rocks!" (about: 2004)

3 previous marathons | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


To beat the lines at the expo, be sure to get there about an hour before the expo closes. Pick up your packet do a brief stint, then come back the next day to take your time and enjoy.
The MCM is truly the best I have every run A MUST DO EVENT!

 

M. K. from Philly, PA. (7/25/2005)
"Class Act - What else would you expect?" (about: 2003)

1 previous marathon | 1 Marine Corps Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This has been the only marathon I have raced in, and it was a pleasure. Many would think after having run 26 miles, the last .2 would be grueling; such is not the case when you are running up the hill with Iwo Jima in site.

 

j. l. from usa (7/14/2005)
"always great" (about: 2005)

6-10 previous marathons | 3 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my sixth marathon. 3 Marine Corp, Chicago, Richman, Walt Disney. Although Chicago was still my favorite, Marine Corp will still hold a special place in my heart.(It was my first!) There is NO other feeling when a marine puts that medal around your neck. Reading some of the critics on this site, I still feel that running in D.C. and seeing its sights is the best. I ran the Marine Corp right after Sept. 11, and the sight of the Pentagon was a sight I will never forget. The Pentagon was near the beginning of the race, so everyone was happy and laughing, having a good time. Then we turned and saw the Pentagon, the whole crowd went silent. We all had tears in our eyes. That is a moment I will never forget. WOW!!!Sure, running the race last year was hot, but oh well, that's the unknown in any race. The marines are the best!! Be thankful for what freedoms we have!!

JL

 

STSCS(SS) Sid Busch USN(RET) from Goose Creek,SC (4/24/2005)
"5th Marine Corps and still gets better." (about: 2005)

50+ previous marathons | 4-5 Marine Corps Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This was my 5th Marine corps Marathon and 128th overall, and I still get emotional running this one. To run through the capital of the greatest country in the world is amazing. The support the marines offer is fantastic, and the finish going uphill to the Iwo Jima Memorial is one not to be forgotten. As stated by many runners, when the marine puts that medal around your neck and looks you in the eye and says, "well done sir," well, being retired navy, it makes me so proud of all these young men and women. The lines at the expo were long, but all were warned about this, and if it;s a problem, it's not the marines' fault, blame the people who gave us 9-11. The course is one that, if you call yourself a marathon runner, you have to do. I can't say enough good things about this one, and as a new member of the MCM club, I plan on running it till I can't run anymore.

 

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