Back to Marine Corps Marathon Information & Reviews
A Runner from Orlando, Florida
(10/29/2002)
"great race" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 this was my third marathon - i have to say that i had a wonderful time - the marines were awesome with their support - the weather for sunday was great - the only down side that I noticed were some people were overly pushy, by that I mean other runners - I had a slight limp at mile 19, and was slowing down at the water stand when a female runner from behind pushed me with both hands shouting, 'get out of my way' - I think that fellow runners should be more respectful to each other than that - besides than the large amount of people in this race, it was a wonderful time for me - large numbers makes for a challenge to beat your own best time - my next marathon will be much smaller | |
A Runner from Clifton, Virginia
(10/29/2002)
"Awesome -- my first Marathon!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was great! It was my first marathon. I finished just under my goal of a 10-minute mile. The spectators on this course are absolutely fabulous! They really keep you going through their encouragment. The weather was really great this year! I was so happy to finish! | |
A Runner from Jacksonville North Carolina
(10/28/2002)
"EXCELLENT" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Third time running it. The start was a bit screwy since they relied on runners integrity to get in the right start chutes. Passed many runners in the first few miles who had no business starting where they did. That and they have still not figured out where to put the porta johns so you are not lining up where everyone is trying to get through. Other than those things and I didn't do as good as I had hoped to it was a great race. | |
A Runner from Columbia, MD
(10/28/2002)
"What an incredible experience!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and it was definitely memorable! The spectator support was incredible, and they were very well-organized. Running through the sites of our Nation's Capitol is always exciting, even with living nearby. If you've never run a marathon before, write your name on your shirt, and the crowd support will definitely keep you going. Thanks to the 2,000+ Marines that were there helping out and supporting the runners. A truly amazing experience. | |
A Runner from Strasburg, VA
(10/28/2002)
"My first one! Outstanding all the way around!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I always thought that the Marines were the best, but how did they make the weather so perfect for this race? This was my first one and I couldn't be more pleased! The course was perfect and interesting. The water stops/with the Marines were well done, and inspirational. Being able to run hard for those who keep our country safe was an honor. Congrats goes to the organizers, I look forward to running next year! Thanks. | |
A Runner from Charlotte, N.C.
(10/28/2002)
"Wow! What an experience!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The crowds were simply awesome and I was thrilled to be part of such an event. The people of the Washington area should be very proud to have put on such a spectacular event. | |
A Runner from Maryland
(10/28/2002)
"A well run mega marathon" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a tough marathon to run if you are not used to large crowds. I felt like I was constantly running away from the horde of people behind me, whether it was registration, the start or the race. It is difficult to run your own race with so many other runners and the crowds. The crowds are enthusiastic, but it is too loud for me at least at some points. It you want solace, run another race. You have to be careful with the crowds--their enthusiasm may lead you to run for them. If you are not careful you can run too fast to 'impress' the crowds. For instance, at mile 3 everyone was cheering like it was the end of the race. And when some runners were walking, you heard fans say 'Don't give up' as if the runner was not already discouraged enough. You need to drown out the crowd and just run your own race. I saw more runners running too fast and crashing later. The aid stations were well run, as was the finish area. I wish they would get rid of Ultima--it tastes like chalk. The start went off on time and was well controlled. The parking lots at the Pentagon were pretty empty. The only catch is you have to walk over a mile to get to the Start. The finish area was well controlled. For a local, the course is not that interesting, considering all the hype it receives. You are basically in the Pentagon parking lot for 8 or so miles, including the end, and the 14th Street bridge is tiring. There is a lot of concrete too. The actual monument portion is maybe 5 or 6 miles. You run up and down Route 110 three times, which is a little tedious when you have walked up it to get to the race. | |
Mike Dunlap from Quantico, Va
(10/28/2002)
"This Marathons sets the bar for all others" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I enjoyed every minute from start to finish, including the cramps that set in at mile 16 until I finished. If I had to find one thing that I could change, it would be the Ultima drink used on the course, Gatorade just beats it hands down. Thanks for a great experience. | |
A Runner from Washington, DC
(10/28/2002)
"Gotta do it!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 1st marathon and I am glad I chose this one...the fans were great and the Marines helping out were awesome. It was very well organized and the course was nice too...the uphill at the end...well maybe not too nice but I am sure to return next year! | |
A Runner from Arlington, VA
(10/28/2002)
"Simply Superb - Great Organization" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Can't express enough gratitude towards the time and effort spent in making this 27th marathon a great sucess. Great dedication. Highly commended for the hard work well done. Very proud to be part of the such a memorable event. Many many thanks. |
Quick Links
Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools