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North Central Trail Marathon Runner Comments
Back to North Central Trail Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.4 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 3.3
Number of comments: 128 [displaying comments 101 to 111]
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Bob Ring from Harrisonburg, VA
(11/30/2003)
"Not as great as expected" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 2003 was my first time at this race. Friends had convinced me that it was a race I would definitely love. Well, although I had my fastest time in 8 years, there are aspects of this race that are sub-optimal. First, the surface was thick with gravels, and small rocks. It was not the smooth dirt surface I was expecting. Second, there were lots of non-runners, especially bicyclists on the course, constantly yelling at you to get out of their way. On this day, the wind was a major factor, blowing in your face both out and back, which I had thought was impossible. There were plenty of aid stations. I wasn't crazy about having to be shuttled to the start and back to the parking lot. This is the type of course that the 'hardcore' runners should enjoy, but it is not 'easy' by any means. | |
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Dr. D. Flemmer from Parkton, Maryland
(11/23/2003)
"Fast course; great people; great weather" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is the marathon for those of us experienced runners looking to keep our P.R. times. Fast, fast course, great weather, with wonderful people. The pre-race talk is qualifying for Boston. The best marathon for experienced runners who don't need crowds or spectators, but just want to run with great people. | |
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Tim O'Gwin from Damascus, Maryland
(10/17/2003)
"Fast, not too crowded, and easy on the legs" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I like the fairly flat and fast course. And my legs like not running on asphalt or concrete. The weather is usually perfect (except for the 22-degree start in 2001). The small number of runners allows me plenty of room to run my own race. 2003 will be the fourth time I have run this race. | |
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J. M. from pa.
(10/10/2003)
"Great marathon, but not a responsive organization!" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 4 The course is a good course unless you get a lot of rain, then it is very slippery and muddy in sections. Been there, done that! All of the volunteers are great people and very helpful and make your experience a good one. Now when it comes to responses to emails sent to this organization, you might as well forget it. No one responds to emails sent them. It is like you don't matter to them. Otherwise they will take your money for the marathon, but forget them holding up on their end concerning awards. Been there, done that! However, I will run it anyway, just to be with others whom like to run marathons. Definitely not because of those whom neglect their responsibily!!! I will close on a more positive note by saying this is an easy course for the first-timers who don't mind running alone. Some need the crowds and others don't. If you need the crowds, this is not the marathon for you. | |
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M. F. from Bethesda, MD
(9/20/2003)
"Great break from the mob scene at MCM" (about: 1998)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I agree with 98% of the comments above, but would like to see more fluid available on the course... I tend to leak profusely. Great time of year, as the weather is usually perfect for us over-heaters! Plus, I dig the low-key atmosphere... I'm comin' back!!! | |
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p. k. from catonsville, md
(2/11/2003)
"wonderful!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my favorite marathon ever! the organizers, other runners, and volunteers were all wonderful. I was a bit nervous about getting left behind in the small field of runners, but it was great - very laid back, and I didn't feel the pressure or claustrophobia of a big race. the crowd support is thin, but those who were out gave it their all...I felt like I got 5-star personal attention at every water stop. put it on your 'to-do' list. | |
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G. G. from Gaithersburg, MD
(1/6/2003)
"PR race" (General Comments)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first 'rural' marathon. The flat course, cool temperatures, volunteers and organization were great. The scenery was beautiful but a bit monotonous. The relatively small crowd (which I like) helps you concentrate on running as well as facilitates unofficial roadside potty breaks. My time was 16 minutes faster than my run at the MCM 4 weeks before. This race will provide you a PR. | |
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A Runner from Western NY
(12/18/2002)
"My favorite marathon" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a great race, easy on the legs and very fast. It was my 10th marathon and a PR. If you can handle the solitude and enjoy running alone at times, it can be very pleasant. I was able to concentrate easily in the later stages of the race because of the peaceful, wooded surroundings. Great volunteers and my family was able to see me 4 times along the course.Another plus was the thanksgiving holiday that added a few more rest days before the race. | |
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A Runner from Wilmington, Delaware
(12/12/2002)
"A slight caveat on this course" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this coming off a three-week sinus infection that keep my training to a minimum and was not completely recovered on race day. With that in mind, the crushed gravel surface looked and felt like concrete. I found my calves in pain by 18 miles. I noticed the effect of the slight uphill in my breathing and, on the way back, my hamstrings tightened considerably. Again, much of this may have been a lingering effect of my illness, but I was surprised at how badly I faded when I thought I had taken a conservative approach to this race. | |
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Mark from Baltimore
(12/7/2002)
"A definite must do, low-keyed race!" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 As mentioned previously, very flat course along a crush & run surfaced bike path. No hills, just a slight percent grade on the way out & slight downgrade on the way back. Easy on the legs! Not easily accessible for spectators to line the course, but the very enthusiastic volunteers made up for that. At a few of the water stops, they would look your number up as you came by & shout encouragement by your name. Very personal touch. Other stops were manned by costumed volunteers. Nice small town atmosphere nestled in the scenic North Md. countryside. If you're looking to avoid the mass of humanity of the huge marathons & run a PR on a flat course, this is your race! |
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