Back to Myrtle Beach Marathon Information & Reviews
A Runner from Annapolis, Maryland
(3/6/2002)
"Great Experience, particularly for a first time." (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon and the experience was fantastic. The organization was tremendous. The expo included many samples of supplements, last minute equipment deals, coaching, medical advice as well as local representatives of the tourism industry. I never experienced 'Southern Hospitality' quite like this. The flat course and water stops every two miles allowed me to finish despite succumbing to an injury in the final month of training. There was enough variety in scenery to prevent boredom and mental fatigue. The volunteers' (located at nearly every intersection) enthusiasm more than made up for the lack of fanfare along the route. The post race activities were also well organized and timely. I strongly recommend this race for a neophyte (like me) or a veteran. | |
A Runner from Columbia, South Carolina
(2/27/2002)
"Great First Marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I was very impressed. They had more than enough water/gatorade/food stops and they were well staffed. There were plenty of volunteers that were all very friendly. The course was very, very flat and fast. There are some scenic points by the ocean, but a good bit of the course is pretty plain. They have great traffic control. There were some spectators along the course, but nothing overwhelming. The weather was great - running conditions are usually pretty good in South Carolina in February. I don't think I'll go to the pasta party again - I wasn't impressed. I look forward to running this marathon again next year. I was very pleased with the race organization. Overall, it's a great race!! | |
Mike from Springfield, Ma.
(2/16/2002)
"Nice course, friendly people, well organized" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my third marathon and it was more than I expected. It was cold in the morning but soon got warm. The water and supplement stations were well spaced. The oranges at mile 16 were great and the free beer at the end was great.The 'Holy Water' at St. Andrews Church was great. Myrtle Beach was a great place to visit with plenty to do: shopping, entertainment, the beach, and restaurants galore. I would recommend the experience to anyone, be sure to allow extra days to see the sights. | |
A Runner from Maryland
(2/15/2002)
"A relaxing marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Myrtle Beach was about as relaxing as 26.2 miles can get. The organization was first rate. There were no last minute hassles to detract from the run. The water stops were well done and the check in was great. The start went off without a hitch. The flat course was a little boring at times, and it was tiring running at an angle on Route 17 and 17 business (due to the natural crown), with traffic flowing next to the runners. The volunteers were wonderful. All in all, a nice marathon at the beach. | |
A Runner from Charlotte, NC
(2/14/2002)
"Best race of the 5 I've run" (General Comments)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've done this every year, and this year's race was the best for weather (37-57 degrees), course management, tons of volunteers, and great fan support. Since my knees can't take heavy hills, this course was easy, although more turns would help the monotony on King's Highway. The beach view was gorgeous, but you don't see much ocean for long. It is a first-class place to rest after a marathon as well. | |
A Runner from Virginia
(2/12/2002)
"MB Marathon 2002 A Very Pleasant Experience" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I really enjoyed this race, which was my 5th. Very well organized. Many enthusiastic volunteers, excellent course support (e.g. water, gatorade, gels, aid stations). The calf massage at the Mile 20 Aid Station really made a difference. Perfect weather. Adequate traffic control. Course well marked. Nice T-shirts and medals. Pasta dinner was well organized and had interesting speakers. Post-race party had good food despite long lines. Minor quibbles: the course got a bit monotonous, would start a half hour later when lighter, show chip times in results on web site, upgrade web site. I would recommend this to a first-timer or veteran who wants a small, well-organized race in a very friendly community. Nice job! | |
A Runner from Fort Mill, SC
(2/11/2002)
"Wonderful first marathon experience" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My first marathon. What an experience! Organization was fantastic. Police, volunteers, staff... way to go! I finished in 5:06, and there was plenty of volunteer support the whole way. The aid station at mile 20 (also a relay exchange) was a little tricky. Lots of folks milling around there. Overall, the fans were great. The town really supports the race. Spectators were relatively sparse between miles 15-20. As advertised, the course is relatively flat. The loop layout is great. I loved the sections by the beach (miles 4-9 and 15-18). From miles 20-23 you have to deal with traffic (course has the right lane of the street) on a very busy thoroughfare. Miles 24-26 were a lot of fun (Broadway at the Beach). They call out your name over the loudspeaker at the finish and everyone cheers you to the finish line. Thanks to all the staff for helping to make my first marathon such a memorable experience. I plan to return. And thanks to Kay and Milanne for helping me break through the wall. | |
A Runner from New Jersey
(2/11/2002)
"Very Well Organized - Worth the Trip to SC" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my 52nd marathon or ultra and my 25th state. I enjoyed this race very much and I recommend it to anyone who wants to run a marathon in South Carolina. It was quite well organized and I really have no negative comments at all. The temperature was in the low 30's when I started, but climbed to the high 50's or low 60's at the finish. The course was flat, but not especially scenic. The aid stations had plenty of water, Gatorade, gel, bananas, etc., and the volunteers were all very helpful. There were not many spectators, but they were all quite supportive. I enjoyed the finish line food and got a nice T-shirt and finishers' medal. My flights to and from Myrtle Beach were terrible, but that was the airline's fault. The marathon itself was really enjoyable and one of the best organized that I have ever been to. | |
A Runner from Westchester County New York
(3/26/2001)
"a great winter destination marathon" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have run about 24 marathons. I look to travel to at least one different state every year for a marathon besides my local marathons. This marathon is a must for everyone. The course is pancake flat which under good weather conditiions is conducive to good times. The organizers are helpfull and enthusiastic. The preperation for the race is first class. The volunteers are friendly and helpful. If you don't do this race, you are missing a pleasant experience. You should plan at least one or two extra days to take in Myrtle Beach as it offers golf, the beach, shopping etc. If you are looking for a winter marathon, this is the one. Being used to New York and Boston the crowd support could be better but it compares well to Long Island, San Francisco, New Orleans, Disney, etc. for crowd support. | |
A Runner from Jonesborough, TN
(3/10/2001)
"WAY TO GO MYRTLE BEACH!" (about: 2001)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, but I have run many 'half-marathons'. I feel that I can compare the setup, coordination, and overall effort of the MB Marathon staff and volunteers. This was a great run with all the amenities that you could possibly imagine. The course is flat and scenic, and aside from the high wind near the airport.....it was a wonderful day to run. In mile 26, I promised everyone around me that I would never run another marathon, BUT, the next day, I was making plans for 2002. THANKS MYRTLE BEACH!!!!! |
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