calendar icon Nov 18, 2024

Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival Runner Comments

Back to Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.1 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.1 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.6 
 
 
Number of comments: 25 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

 

B. W. from Pennsylvania (3/20/2024)
"Beautiful Route, World-Class Pacers, & Community" (about: 2024)

3 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I ran the half marathon on Saturday in 2024, and I found great joy in the experience of this event. I thoroughly enjoyed the environment and atmosphere. The event had the vibes of a small, intimate run combined with support and energy that felt absolutely electric. The race director's flexibility and the structure of the event were welcoming and allowed me to focus on my run that day. I always appreciate being able to get into the zone without any worry about logistics. There were zero logistical concerns with easy parking, easy bib pick up, easy bathroom access, and plenty of ways to make adjustments (starting time options, distance options) to make this run your own.

I was beyond impressed that the race included so many pace groups. I have run large marathons that had no pacers, but for such a small event, the pacing team was incredible. I ran with the 2:00 half-marathon pace group for half of the race, and our pacer, Keith, was absolutely incredible. I cannot say enough how much his positivity and engagement with our little group allowed me to run the first half of the race smoothly and without any mental struggle. He kept us entertained and inspired, and I am grateful for his leadership, his work, and his attentiveness to our little group. I later found out he is Keith Straw, one of nineteen people who have completed 100 100-milers. How cool to have this caliber of pacer at such an intimate event!

In any case, the bells and whistles of some larger events are not present here, but that was a plus for me. Even though spectating spots were limited on the course, there were groups that were driving ahead a few miles every so often and cheering their family and friends on the entire stretch. By the end of the run, I felt like I had made five new friends just from recognizing supporters from the course.

If you are looking for an event with maximum flexibility without the fluff, this is a great run. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. I do wish they could close the road, but I understand why they cannot (it is pretty much the only road in the area...). They did a nice job managing traffic as well as runners.

Thanks for a wonderful event! I will run it again!

 

B. W. from Pennsylvania (3/19/2024)
"Beautiful Route, World-Class Pacers, & Community" (about: 2024)

3 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I ran the half marathon on Saturday in 2024, and I found great joy in the experience of this event. I thoroughly enjoyed the environment and atmosphere. The event had the vibes of a small, intimate run combined with support and energy that felt absolutely electric. The race director's flexibility and the structure of the event were welcoming and allowed me to focus on my run that day. I always appreciate being able to get into the zone without any worry about logistics. There were zero logistical concerns with easy parking, easy bib pick up, easy bathroom access, and plenty of ways to make adjustments (starting time options, distance options) to make this run your own.

I was beyond impressed that the race included so many pace groups. I have run large marathons that had no pacers, but for such a small event, the pacing team was incredible. I ran with the 2:00 half-marathon pace group for half of the race, and our pacer, Keith, was absolutely incredible. I cannot say enough how much his positivity and engagement with our little group allowed me to run the first half of the race smoothly and without any mental struggle. He kept us entertained and inspired, and I am grateful for his leadership, his work, and his attentiveness to our little group. I later found out he is Keith Straw, one of nineteen people who have completed 100 100-milers. How cool to have this caliber of pacer at such an intimate event!

In any case, the bells and whistles of some larger events are not present here, but that was a plus for me. Even though spectating spots were limited on the course, there were groups that were driving ahead a few miles every so often and cheering their family and friends on the entire stretch. By the end of the run, I felt like I had made five new friends just from recognizing supporters from the course.

If you are looking for an event with maximum flexibility without the fluff, this is a great run. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. I do wish they could close the road, but I understand why they cannot (it is pretty much the only road in the area...). They did a nice job managing traffic as well as runners.

Thanks for a wonderful event! I will run it again!

 

C. S. from New York (7/21/2023)
"Two day race festival in Poconos" (about: 2023)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


There is a marathon both Saturday and Sunday in late March in northeaster PA.

The weather this time of year in that region can be very marathon friendly. The race director is extremely flexible with allowing runners to transfer days (no fees, etc). This is a bonus if something comes up or the weather forecast is particularly bad one of the two days and you're looking to PR/BQ, etc.

This is a small, well organized and laid back marathon. Parking was extremely easy, and there was abundant access to restroom facilities prior to the race.

The course is 6.55 mile two loop out-and-back. There is a slight elevation gain on the way out, and resultingly a slight elevation loss on the way back. Pace accordingly!

Certain sections of the road have a noticeable camber. Also, while the vast majority of drivers were very respectful, some were not and intentionally gave runners virtually no space. Stay alert!

 

C. G. from Easton (4/20/2018)
"Great Job Mark" (about: 2018)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Mark does a nice job putting this together at a REASONABLE! price. Great views, scenic run. Well done Mark, Ill be back next year!

 

Cole Alpaugh from Lake Ariel, PA (3/25/2018)
"Excellent first marathon experience" (about: 2018)

1 previous marathon | 1 Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


This was my first marathon as a competitor, but as a professional photographer I've covered more than 100, including the NYC Marathon for Gannett.

I arrived at the fire department lot at 6am for the 6:45 (free) shuttle to the start. Buses were on time. The theatre at Woodloch was comfortable, clean, and spacious, and the restroom was convenient.

The start line was a quick walk from the theatre, and the start went off on time. Water/Gatorade stations were every two miles and manned.

The first 11 mile section is basically a downhill roller coaster ride that parallels the Delaware River and comes within a stones throw of the Ski Big Bear slopes. The 7.5 miles out and back is a flat, scenic trip along the Lackawaxen River.

The RD, Mark, is friendly and as accommodating as could be. He's certainly ironed out any bugs from earlier events. And even the great RDs such as Jamil Coury warn people to expect issues when races are first getting their footing.

This marathon has me hooked, and it raises my expectations for future events. The medal is beautiful, it's nice that the shirt is a tech shirt, and the Hawaiian lei, well, why not?

I was too trashed to stay for food, but there was a ticket for an included lasagna buffet, with a vegetarian option.

Because of the rural setting, it's not a great spectator race. The narrow winding roads mean you're mostly on your own, although there's easy access at 11.7, 15/22, 26, and the finish area.

In summary, I had a blast and would recommend this race.

 

Paul Isaac from Folcroft, PA (Suburban Philadelphia) (5/19/2017)
"Very scenic, small, and friendly Marathon." (about: 2017)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Their is no question how pretty the course and general setting is for the Two Rivers Marathon! Its also so small that you can easily get to know the friendly race director and co-participants. The only complaint was there was actually no shuttle as advertised to the start because you could walk from the Lodge to the starting line. It was a very nice and cozy setting for the race day registration and late packet pick-up in the lodge. Also the course was pretty challenging, with a nice finish near the 2 junction store/restaurant, where a small post race meal was offered, but I would recommend running as fast as possible, because the food doesn't last forever. The small restaurant provides a very nice, over the river view! Overall, this is definitely a unique, and friendly marathon experience.

 

k. w. from NYC (4/6/2015)
"Super nice race director, extremely small race" (about: 2015)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


Course - downhill, cars are on the road; due to a tough winter and a 25 degree day, lots of pot holes and ice
Volunteers - gatorade or water every 2 miles
Overall - a well-organized, extremely small marathon

 

s. s. from usa (3/31/2015)
"run this with caution" (about: 2015)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


It was $80 and I got an alright unisex t-shirt, so-so medal, meal at end &socks...nice touch but too big. The shuttle is an extra $8. There was no finish line when I finished, so no finisher photo as promised. The course is a net downhill, but there are many uphills, though short. This was a challenging course that killed my legs. The roads are in very poor shape and cambered, so your hip will pay the price. It is a gorgeous course so I'll give it that. I just felt it was expensive so what you got quality wise. Bring your own aid because many stations were unmanned, with gels gone. The website was good, organized shuttle to start, great to wait indoors at start because it was 18 degrees, but other than that, wouldn't do it. I agree with previous reviews with the exception that this year it was measured correctly. The RD is nice and readily responds to emsils, but there's a reason only 50 people run this.

 

J. M. from NJ (3/30/2015)
"Great marathon" (about: 2015)

1 previous marathon | 1 Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


This was my first marathon and I wasn't disappointed. Because my Mapquest directions weren't accurate, I arrived to the race only 15 minutes before it started but was able to pick up my number and get ready on time. I loved the first part of the course. The second part of the course was a little lonely since the half-marathoners had made the turn around but I always run alone anyway. The course was well marked and there were aid stations every two miles. I loved the shirt, socks and medal. The meal ticket for after the race was great and you couldn't get much more convenient.

 

L. M. from CT (1/19/2015)
"Great course...but it's short" (about: 2014)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Two Rivers Marathon Race Festivals
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 4


Have run this 2x. Beautiful course.. Cheap fees.. Get what you pay for. The Sunday race was a mile short - didn't lose satellites either! RD said in response to my comment that it was short 'well it was longer than yesterday'. Not very comforting. My son was waiting for me at the finish & there wasn't enough support staff to help with recording the finishers, so my son (never having done this before) helped to keep track of the order! No food at the finish - I was an early finisher, but at least in 2014 they didn't run out of finisher medals. The trophy is pretty cool - great local artisan..
I would love to run it again, but the short distance frustrates me

 

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