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☰
New Jersey Marathon Runner Comments
Back to New Jersey Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.3 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 464 [displaying comments 351 to 361]
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S. H. from Brooklyn Park, MN
(4/18/2005)
"Well Organized; Fast Course" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was one of the better marathons I've run (my 9th so far this year, 28th overall). Here's a breakdown. Course: Flat and fast. This course runs along the coast of New Jersey along some of the more scenic coast line. If you're looking for a PR it's a possibility if you get a calm wind. Fluids: Excellent and plenty of them. Most fluid handlers/volunteers were skilled at handing off the glasses. They also used paper cups, which made for easy drinking. They had both water and Orange Gatorade. Runner Goodies: Finisher's medal is in the shape of the state. You also get a pin, which is a smaller version of the finisher's medal. They also provide a long sleeve t-shirt. Overall, I would say these are pretty good. However, if you're fortunate enough to place in your age group, they give one of the best age group awards at any race I've been at. Fans: Many more then I expected to see for a smaller race. We had great weather, so I think that likely enticed many to come out. Organization: Great. They covered all the bases. Plenty of Expo volunteers to direct you around, answer questions, etc. Pre-race transportation worked very well. Post-race baggage pickup was amazing. Misc.: I gave this race a 5 star for organziation for the one thing that I think all marathons should provide -- FREE post-race massages. What better way to cool down, then with a work-all-the-kinks-out massage. EXCELLENT! 50 Staters, use this for your Jersey Marathon. | |
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Eric Johnson from North Carolina
(4/18/2005)
"A Great Race" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 What a great race! The support was terrific on the course and the food station at mile 21 was well placed. Not only was the support great but I was surprised to find more than just bagels and water after the race. There was different types of pasta, water and juice (FREE) for the runners. I found all of the volunteers of the race and the staff at the Ocean Place Resort to be very helpful. Several of the volunteers sat down and chatted about previous marathons with me as I ate my free pasta. This was my 28th marathon and I would put it up against any of the 'big' marathons. Thanks for a Great Race! | |
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G. L. from NY, NY
(4/18/2005)
"A Real Positive Surprise" (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I wasn't expecting much; after all it's New Jersey! However I must say this was a real surprise. The course was excellent; fast, flat and for the most part interesting. Only one short, Mickey Mouse, stretch where runners are forced on to the road shoulder, sandwiched between slobs in their SUVs and the gutter. But that was more than made up by the first nine miles around Sandy Hook. Organization was excellent w/ ample water, fruit, gatorade, etc. And the volunteers are extremely friendly and helpful. | |
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S. P. from New Jersey
(2/12/2005)
"Fast and Flat" (about: 2004)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have stayed clear of running this marathon in the past. Many of the reasons are highlighted in the other comments: too small, no crowd support, weather iffy, not enough hype, etc. All true. Since I live nearby, I have been involved with this race from the beginning. Volunteering, cheering, runner support crew, etc. I can honestly say that the race organizers for this marathon have listened to the runners. Each year I have seen marked improvement. Course changes, finish line changes, host hotel changes - all excellent decisions. Some logistical problems like drop off points, walks to the start, and ESPECIALLY the redevelopment project creating a horrible gravel situation at 17 and 25, when no one needed it - all are out of the control of the organizers. I cannot comment about the bus problem since I get a ride to the start. If you are looking for a small-ish fast and flat marathon with some nice sights and good restaurants close by, this is for you. It's not perfect - but I think as time goes by it will get even better. Best of luck in 2005, runners! | |
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H. C. from NYC
(2/7/2005)
"It's all in the weather" (about: 2004)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Weather can make or break a race like this. Headwinds were a bit challenging last year (2004), but otherwise we lucked out and had a nice cool day. The race was well stocked, the fuel station at mile 21 really helped bail me out of a funk. Also, you loop back in a few miles (mile 23?) and get another crack at the carb fuel station. That aspect alone is going to cement my decision to run this race again in '05, and not switch to Ocean City, which is being run on a more convenient Saturday. The course is fine. I don't really run marathons to look at scenery. Nor do I give a rat's butt about spectators, or T-shirts, but in all fairness I had to give 3 stars since some people might be very disappointed with the low crowd turnout. The course is flat and fast, so I'm giving it 5 stars. I took a star away from organization because of a confusing (anxiety provoking!) start area, and an excessively long walk to the bag check and the start, from the drop-off point. At the beginning of a marathon, I myself am pretty antsy and neurotic; I kept thinking, 'Am I walking too much? Shouldn't I be saving my energy?' But in any case I made my goal time. Maybe I'm just over-anxious on race day; it didn't seem to bother most of the others. (FYI, New Yorkers... I took a taxi there on race day from Manhattan, and it cost about $90.) So, folks, see you all there in 10 weeks, and let's pray for a tailwind! | |
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David Leech from Brooklyn, New York
(1/24/2005)
"not friendly to walkers" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 This marathon has a very strict time limit of 6.5 hours. Many marathons that have to close down at a certain time allow walkers and run-walkers to start out early. Can we please allow this marathon to either do this, or have the walkers come in later? Just a 30 minute extension to 7 hours would make a huge difference. As of now, I am aware of several potential first-time marathoners who are choosing not to do this race, and instead go elsewhere. | |
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J. D. from Connecticut
(11/3/2004)
"Great scenic course - post-race could be better" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was a great SMALL marathon both scenic and fast. Maybe I was just too exhausted and missed the free stuff but I had to pay for a hamburger and fries - which is not my post-race meal of choice. Overall, I enjoyed the race and the bright sunshine. | |
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Z. Z. from Bel Air, MD
(9/30/2004)
"Great course, improvements still possible" (about: 2004)
1 previous marathon
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 I had a great time! It was only my second marathon, but I PR'd by over 40 minutes! I was shooting for 3 hours but fell a bit short. I felt that the organization of fuel/water stops was lacking for the 'front' runners. I wasn't able to get any of the promised Gu packets, and when I got to the 'High Energy Food Station' the only thing the unenthusiastic volunteers had was slices of orange. My wife (3:55) said that all the stations gave her plenty of food and morale support. The weather, fitness expo, and feel of the marathon where excellent. I'll probably give it a second try in a few years. | |
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A. S. from New York
(9/27/2004)
"Great small time marathon" (about: 2004)
3 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Ran this marathon for the first time and the organization was great. Good supply of food and Gatorade throughout. And large carbo station at mile 21. (Could have been earlier for my tastes). Great small marathon with a flat course; good for a PR if the weather is good. | |
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D. M. from Philadelphia, PA
(5/21/2004)
"Great small-town marathon!" (about: 2004)
2 previous marathons
| 1 New Jersey Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The course is flat and beautiful, and the volunteers are extremely friendly. Because the race is relatively small, there are relatively few spectators along the course. There is hardly any crowding, however, making it a great course for a PR! |
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