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Hartford Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Hartford Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 3.9
Number of comments: 306 [displaying comments 221 to 231]
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T. S. from Mt. Airy, Maryland
(11/15/2006)
"Great, small race!!" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Hartford Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I truly like the small marathons. Without that corrals to line up in based on finish time, doesn't take 10 minutes to get to the starting line and then another 10 minutes or so to get away from the pack. This marathon was great. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express which was literally cross the stree from the park and the start/finish line. The course was pretty flat with 10 miles out and then loop around for another 10 miles with a chip pads along the way (10 miler, 13 miles, 15k, 20k, etc...). The water stations were every few miles and the energy drink was refreshing and didn't taste too sugary like many gatorade drinks. There was GU handed out at mile 17, which I grabbed plain flavor and was happy because usually marathons hand out the one flavor that no body buys. The last 10k did have more rolling hills, but I didn't think it was that bad. On a normal 10k run it would be fine, but with legs getting tired and running for a few hours that hills seemed much bigger. The spectators where great and some had their own refreshment tables set up. There was a 'sweet' table and you could get 'organic' chocolate. The finish was nice with running under the arches to the park and because the race is small the annoucer is able to call our your State and name. Also, meeting family and friends were easy and you didn't have to walk far. The post race was good except because there was also 10k and 1/2 marathon some food I missed because the earlier finishers got it. And my time for a marathon wasn't bad at 3:42:00, so I bet the 4hour and more probably got less food. There was a beer tent which is always a plus at the post race and the metal was pretty cool as well. I definitely recommend this race especially for first time runners or runners trying to qualify for Boston. | |
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S. S. from North Haven Connecticut
(10/30/2006)
"This race was AWESOME!" (about: 2006)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Hartford Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I thought this race was incredible. First of all, the weather was perfect. The route was scenic and pretty flat, with the exception of the end. I never knew Hartford was so beautiful. The volunteers were incredible! Every water stop I was greeted with happy, encouraging faces. I was so impressed with this marathon. I can't believe more people didn't take advantage of a beautiful, local course (only approximately 1,300 runners for full marathon). I have run the New York City Marathon. This marathon was SO MUCH better! I have bragged about it to every runner I know who hasn't run it yet. I can't wait to do this marathon next year!! | |
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S. S. from Hartford, CT
(10/27/2006)
"Bad race for trying to run fast (half-marathon)" (about: 2006)
First Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 The race went well for 10 miles, then: They mis-routed the top runners, which disqualified three of the top 10. They poorly marshaled the last two miles, so that the top runners had to cross a crowd of oncoming runners twice approaching the capital. I was not too adversely affected by this, but very easily could have been if I was not paying close attention. If you're looking at running under 1:15, I'd advise not risking these variables. | |
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John Adams from Portland, Maine
(10/25/2006)
"A race that deserves more hype" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Hartford Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I'm a mid-pack runner who's done a mix of high- and low-profile marathons. Hartford is a great race, and I'm surprised so many contributors have given it only mediocre ratings. The course was varied and exciting, taking us through downtown Hartford (an appealing skyline), semi-rural South Windsor, parks, overpasses and suburbia. Out-and-back courses aren't my favourite, but this at least benefitted from being two distinct out-and-backs, so that we passed the finish-line crowds around Mile 20 and got recharged (no, it was not annoying to pass the finish line during the race). Elsewhere along the course, crowds were thinner, but they were no less vocal. And although I, too, did not see the 20 bands as advertised, there were nonetheless quite a few music acts, plus lots of DJs. The spectators and entertainment were more than ample to keep me motivated. Hartford's organization was first class. The course was saturated with bike support and every mile had its water station. The post-race food was exceptionally good. Bagels, fruit and a Dixie cup of chicken or vegetable broth are good enough, but orzo salad and fresh apple cobbler for thousands of runners is incredible. Complaints? Well, this was my first race with Ultima instead of Gatorade/Powerade, and Ultima is really an unlovely thing. In fact, I got immediately nauseous and spent the rest of the race with water and a couple of gels. And one walker was particularly heedless of the runners coming up from behind. Otherwise, this was a great event. The hills at the end are reasonable (I PR'ed, for example), the T-shirts are wearable, and the finish at Bushnell Park is one big lawn party. Hartford's is a good mid-sized race. | |
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M. K. from NYC
(10/24/2006)
"Beautiful day for a Marathon" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Hartford Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The 2006 Hartford Marathon was a pure delight. Course: The course was mainly fat for the first 20 miles except for a bridge overpass around mile 18. The last 10 k was much more hilly (tough way to end a race) but very scenic (great leaf coloring). The last mile is mainly downhill with a slight uphill as you made the last right hand turn to the finish line. I found the finish line spectacular, running through the Arch at Bushnell Park made me feel like I was running the Paris Marathon and finishing through the Arc de Triumph (ok maybe that is too much of a comparison but I have never been to Paris), I loved having my name called out as I crossed the finish line (I made sure I turned off my I pod to hear it). I actually ran personnel best and I am no great runner, thanks Lisa Volunteers: All the volunteers (in their red shirts) were great from the teenagers cheering for us in the course to the volunteers at the expo who informed me of the free parking lots just one block south of the starting line on Capital Ave and Clinton Street. The GU volunteers on bikes were a great idea, but the best were the junk food tables at mile 22. I never had organic chocolate before. The T-shirt for the marathon was a very ugly brown that needs improvement. Post Race: The post race party was one of the best I have encountered. Food was plentiful including grilled cheese sandwiches, apple crisp with whipped cream, hot soups, plenty of bagels, fruits, water, drinks and a free BEER (Sam Adams) to the runners. Yes, the lines can get long and annoying but usually that is not the fault of the volunteers but as you know runners dont like to wait for anything especially after 26.2 miles. If you stay at a hotel I recommend the Holiday Inn Express right outside the finish line area (you actually run by it twice at mile 20 and 26) where else can you wake at 7 am, dress and walk to an 8am start. Great job to the city of Hartford!!!! | |
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R. B. from Leonia, New Jersey
(10/23/2006)
"great pre and post marathon food and information" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I have run 10 plus marathons and find that this run is very well organized. The volunteers are very helpful. The number pick up and baggage claim is well run and the pick up area is within walking distance to the race start and finish line. I have yet to find a better pre and post marathon food court as I experienced here in Hartford. The hills at mile 21 through 25 are a bit of a chalenge when they are so late in the run but there is a great down hill finish at the end with a super crowd to cheer you on to the finish line. The only draw back to this race is the mixing of the full marathon runners with the relay groups. It is a little tough on the mind when you are running up against someone with fresh legs at mile 20. Thanks for all the help and I look forward to doing this one again in the future | |
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P. V. from NYC
(10/20/2006)
"They ran out of MEDALS!" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Hartford Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 My wife and I ran/walked the 1/2 marathon as part of Team Prevention. It was her first walk greater than four miles, and her experience was a good one... UNTIL we finished! We finished in 3:30, with a few 26.2-milers, and the crew at the finished did not even acknowledge us! The person ran past us, and drape a blanket over the marathoner. We were stunned! And they ran out of medals. RAN OUT OF MEDALS! I am still stunned! | |
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DAVID HURLEY from ROANOKE, VA
(10/19/2006)
"NEAR TOP OF MY LIST OF MARATHONS" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Hartford Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Although I had recently run a marathon in Idaho, I still enjoyed this one very much. I know if it had been my first marathon this year, I would have qualified for Boston. A special thanks to the volunteers along the way--especially the ones who were sweeping up all the discarded cups. The junk food table was heaven sent. A couple sips of Coke never tasted so good and I do not even like Coke. The gummy bears gave me the extra surge of energy that was needed to complete the marathon. Maybe next year the gummy bears can be placed in baggies in place of paper cups. My bears kept jumping out of the cup. The bottle of water at the end of the marathon was very much appreciated. The grilled cheese sandwiches looked good but I did not see any in the tent. Thanks to the good neighbor that brought my cap to the finish line. I was running so fast due to the gummy bears that my cap flew off and I could not stop. I have never run a marathon that handed out GU so plentifully. Thanks!!!!!!!! My only disappointment was the pasta dinner. I would like to run the marathon again; however, I would not attend the dinner. Of all the pasta dinners that I have eaten at many of 47 marathons, this one would be near the bottom of the list. On the positive side, this marathon would definitely be near the top of my list. | |
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M. C. from Arlington, MA
(10/19/2006)
"Well-organized but over-praised" (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Hartford Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have many mixed feelings about the Hartford Marathon. Why Hartford rocks: 1) I had a PR by about 15 minutes as the first part of the course was beautiful and inspiring. The weather was perfect and the leaves were incredible, especially in scenic South Windsor. 2) AWESOME, absolutely awesome volunteers. You never felt alone on the course, there was always a volunteer encouraging you on. 3) The volunteers on bikes. WOW! In my six marathons, this was a first. There were dozens of volunteers on bikes. In later miles they were practically forcing Gu on you. Though I didn't take advantage of it, it was a great idea, because if you needed it it was there. 4) Great organization. Lines were not too long for port-a-potties, as there were lots of them on course. The expo was quick and easy. 5) The finish. A good thing at any marathon. I enjoyed coming through the archway to the screaming crowds. The post-race activities in the park were fun. Reasons to be wary: 1) I did not receive ANY water at the finish and I am not a back-of-the-packer. I came in at 3:42. At most marathons, that is the first thing you get. About 20 minutes later, in line for a massage, I realized I had not had any fluids. Fortunately, they did have supplies at the massage tent. Though fluids were ample on the course, they were sparse at the finish. 2) Food did NOT meet expectations. Runners like to eat... and the food was not as great as it was touted to be. No baked potatos, the apple crisp was just a bunch of warm apples in syrup, there was some rice, but it was cold and dry, and the grilled cheese I got was no more than a slice of cold cheese on bread. It was not melted, or even warm. Again, back to the fluids - there were none offered in the food line. At least give me a bag of potato chips. Two hours later, when I still hadn't had anything with salt in it, I began feeling nauseous and had to stop for some french fries. 3) The course. Ok, so I didn't drive it the night before... and that's my mistake. The part near the river was pretty, but I didn't like the mile or so afterwards through industrial parks and highway ramps. This was uninspiring for a portion of the race that is so hard (mile 18). The last six miles were eternal. I know those miles are supposed to be long, but the winding curves and rolling hills (I found Heartbreak Hill easier then this) were torturous. I didn't like not knowing what was ahead. I think the course would have been more fun if the last six miles were first. On the flip side, the last mile downhill was awesome! 4) The t-shirts are incredibly ugly! I agree with the person who said the blue half-marathon shirts were nicer. I like to actually wear my t-shirts. I don't know I will wear this one other than around the house. Overall, I would recommend this race. It was fun, and as I said, it was relatively fast. Thanks again to the awesome volunteers! | |
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H. R. from Vermont
(10/19/2006)
"3rd time running Hartford - may be my last time." (about: 2006)
6-10 previous marathons
| 3 Hartford Marathons
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This year was my third time running Hartford. The weather was perfect compared to the previous years. Heck, I even PR'd this year. Course is pretty basic, out and back. Fans are friendly, albeit spotty until you get to the 18-26.2 mark. Organization this year was not as good as my previous Hartford. Maybe it is because the race has grown over the years - hard to pinpoint. The most annoying aspect for me this year about Hartford was the inclusion of the walkers along the course (most notably around the 18-20 mile mark). These walkers overtook the main running path and tended to walk side-by-side on their way to Bushnell Park. They were oblivious to the fact that runners were coming at a faster pace from behind and would often get in the way. I'm sure there were collisions during the course of the day with these folks. So, good race... though the course felt tired and organization was suspect. Not coming back in the future.... They need to do something about the slow walkers since they are an annoyance. |
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