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Myrtle Beach Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Myrtle Beach Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 3.6
Number of comments: 318 [displaying comments 281 to 291]
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J. M. from New York
(3/6/2003)
"Sorry I must disagree" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 I must disagree with the majority of people here. Although the marathon had a good packet pick-up, the next day was a disaster for me and I in part blame the organizers for the race. I stayed at the host hotel and waited for an hour for our shuttle. We had over a hundred people waiting and the shuttles only held about a dozen people. The bus drivers were rude and it turned the runners into animals. After a long wait, runners started cutting in front of each other to get on the bus. The bus drivers would not let people stand and actually kicked people off the bus. I drove all the way down from New York with a goal of breaking three hours and had to hear some bus driver tell me that he wasn't moving unless people got off the bus. I got to the start five minutes before the gun - no stretch no bathroom, just go run 26.2 miles. As for the course - if by scenic they mean a shopping mall and the streets of Myrtle BEach - then it is scenic. The ocean was pretty much a rumor as far as runners seeing it. The fans were good when there were fans and the aid stations were fine. It is just not the gem people are making it out to be. I have run 20 marathons now in many states - done the big ones and the small ones - Myrtle Beach does not even come close to measuring up to a Boston, New York or even a Charlotte. I must say I was disappointed. | |
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D. M. from Gastonia, North Carolina
(2/27/2003)
"Excellent Race" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I only had three weeks to train for the half-marathon once I decided to run it. My nephew Fred McBee was running the marathon and I decided to surprise him by training for the half-marathon. I had ran from 1981 until 1994. I had ran 14 marathons, 20 half marathons and many other smaller races in those 13 years. I hadn't ran any races since that time. I had anticipated running about three hours or possibly a little longer to complete the distance of 13.1 miles. My longest training run in the three week period was 10 miles. I was not looking forward to the last three miles of the race as I anticipated they would be very tough miles for me. I got caught up in the excitement of the race. There was TONS of excitement race morning. I went out a lot faster than I anticipated. I had put about 10 to 15 minutes in the bank when I hit the 10 mile marker. I kept moving and felt very good. I finished in 2 hours 33 minutes and 22 seconds. I was extremely proud. I was thankful that I was given the opportunity to run. I am going to be well trained next year and run about the course in 1 hour and 45 minutes or better. I loved the race. It was an EXCELLENT race. Danny A. McBee, Gastonia, North Carolina. | |
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R. T. from Kokomo, IN.
(2/27/2003)
"Bringing my friends next year" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The race is run over the main streets of Myrtle Beach. The ocean views, the excellent care the city provides to each runner is outstanding. Those responsible for the race should publish the book on how to hold a marathon. The post race at the House of Blues was the best I have ever seen. The video and being in a room full of runners was exhilarating. Thanks again Myrtle Beach! | |
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C. M. from Pensacola, FL
(2/26/2003)
"Worth It!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 30th marathon, so have a few to compare this marathon to...no complaints here. Although the course is advertised as flat, you could sure tell when you hit an incline no matter how small. The course also loops over itself but is not boring. (The only way I could tell we did one part three times was because of a trash pile which included a dirty sofa cushion that looked better and better each time I passed). We ran close to the water in several places, but never saw it because of the fog. I'm sure it was beautiful. The weather was OK, but humid, and there was a bit of a headwind the last few miles which made things tuff. The volunteers, most who I think were 'snowbirds' were very encouraging and looked to be enjoying themselves as they cheered. This is a marathon worth doing. My suggestion is look for a hotel near the start/ finish as traffic in Myrtle Beach is heavy. Good thing it was off season! | |
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R. P. from Indiana
(2/25/2003)
"FIRST CLASS ALL THE WAY" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 They might be bigger but they don't get any better. Great event all the way from top to bottom. From expo to post race party. Great organization, sponsors and GREAT volunteers. I definately will go back to this one next year and I drove 13 1/2 hours to get there. | |
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M. Y. from Gainesville, Georgia
(2/25/2003)
"Great Organization, Flat Course, Friendly People" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, after hundreds of other races. I would highly recommend this race. The organization for packet pickup was very smooth. The free local microbrew at the expo was a plus for my wife, and would be for me after the race the next day!! Very tasty! The official race hotel was a bit dated, and the pre-race pasta party was not anything special. I'd recommend staying/eating elsewhere. If you do stay there, join their Priority Club and you can get a later checkout. That gave me some added time to shower after the race the next day. The morning of the race went smoothly, but like most races they could have a few more porto-lets right at the start line...many runners had to take to the woods, with curious onlookers from nearby apartments. The course was flat, with only a few gentle rises/falls along the way (and my old bones felt them all, believe me!). The weather in MB this time of year can vary a lot, and for 2003 it was a bit too warm, foggy, and very windy. If weather is a big issue for you, you might want to track it online and register at the last minute, since they allow marathon entrants up to the night before, so that is a possibility. One thing that I did that seems to help in staying hydrated was to carry a squeeze bottle with me and fill it with fluids at every water station, it was possible to get a cup of Powerade and one of water into in and then drink it in a controlled way over the next half-mile or so. People trying to drink from cups ended up with red Powerade spilled all over their clothing, looked like they were bleeding. There were LOTS of good volunteers at the fluids stations, so I managed to run through them and fill my bottle on the run, this seemed better than those runners that were completely stopping. Once I emptied the bottle I could put it in the waistband of my shorts so my hands stayed free, until the next fluid station. Several other runners thought this was a good idea, and on a day with temps in the 60's staying hydrated was important. They had fluids every two miles plus gels and fruit at a couple of the later stations. There were not a lot of spectators, but those that were out helped/cheered a bunch. After the race, instantly received my medal, and the fluids/food was all well stocked and convenient. Took some looking to find the massage tables, the sign was obvious but the direction to go wasn't...but did get a very good 20+ minute massage (thanks Susan!). And the free beer was very good! There was a complaint in an earlier post about the lack of an awards ceremony for age groups...but looking at the results, the last age group winners finished in over 6 hours. I can see that it is a tough problem for the race director, to figure out when to give out age group awards. They did have results posted within a few minutes of one's finish, so it was possible to look at the results and pick up your award, if you earned one. All in all, a well-run, flat, friendly race. | |
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A. Y. from Mid Atlantic
(2/25/2003)
"Course needs work" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I have run this marathon twice. One year it was 35 degrees at the start. This year it was 60+ with 100% humidity, a fog bank and 15 mph winds out of the south. Bring clothes for all conditions. The fans were sporadic but excited. The water stops were well run. The packet pickup was textbook. The medal and shirt were fine. There are some changes that can (and should) be done: 1) Water stops and mile markers must be separated by at least 500 feet; 2) The course should be reworked to stay off of Route 17 as much as possible. The ruts are terrible, the scenary is boring (it is business after business), the car exhaust is ever present and some of the intersections and all of the business entrances were uncontrolled. I assure you no one would run on 17 for training purposes. Maybe there is a park or other non-congested highway to run through; 3) The marathoners should start alone, relayers an hour after the marathoners. Too many relayers and half marathoners were crowding the start. Myrtle Beach has a good winter marathon. I hope it doesn't get too big by adding more non-marathon events, like the half marathon. | |
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D. G. from Charleston, SC
(2/25/2003)
"Great Marathon, Thanks Myrtle Beach" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have to echo what everyone else has already said. Great Marathon! From the pre-race expo and all the way to the finish line the organization was awesome. The city did a great job with the traffic control situation. All of the volunteers along the route were fantastic handing out ample supplies of water, sports drink, and food. I did miss the ?Holy Water? the Catholic Church has provided in the past at mile 24. If you are a potential first timer trolling for good marathon, look no further. The size and organization of the M.B. marathon will make a great first experience. If you are an experienced marathoner bring the whole family. There is a lot to do in Myrtle Beach and everyone will have a great time. | |
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Dave Suddarth from Winston-Salem, NC
(2/24/2003)
"Good First Marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I made MB my first marathon this past weekend (2003). The course is nice and flat and covers enough of Myrtle Beach to be interesting for the most part. The volunteers and police, etc., were great -- plentiful, helpful, and very encouraging! Toward the latter stages of the race, the course goes through some areas with high traffic, but the police handled it perfectly. Fan support, though not high in quantity, was high in quality as the spectators were very encouraging, even to us slower participants. The start and finish at the minor league baseball stadium were both organized and done very well. I'd definitely return! | |
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Sean Miller from Mt. Vernon, OH
(2/23/2003)
"Great Organization! Great Volunteers!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race was my first marathon, and it was perfect. The organization was top notch as far as I know, with no glitches. The course was flat, which I liked, and It goes past the beach and through the beautiful city of Myrtle Beach, SC. The weather was perfect, and the wind calmer than expected, and no rain! The volunteers were incredible! They handed out water, gatorade, poweraid, gel packs, and encouragement the whole way, and the food at the end (Well, it is sponsored by BI-LO) was great (Cookies, Bananas, Oranges, Chips, drinks) and they didnt run out at any point as far as I know. Free massages were even available! Times were posted immediatly as they came in with little delay, and shuttles were provided free to and from hotels. The fans were great, and enthusiastic and the community seems to really support the marathon. (except for those motorists caught at closed intersections) Oh well! |
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