Back to Cape Cod Marathon Information & Reviews
F. N. from Weymouth, MA
(10/31/2006)
"Rolling hills and whipping winds for '06" (about: 2006)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon, and I was well aware of all of the talk about rolling hills. But after all, if you live and run in the Northeast, you can't avoid hills. But who could have predicted Mother Nature would also throw in whipping winds, blasting sands and ocean overflow for 2006? We certainly got hit with it all on Monday. All you could do was just look ahead and plod through. My personal salvation was that the course allowed my family the opportunity to catch me at 5-6 places on the route, which turned out to be a tremendous morale boost. Despite the inclement scene, I thought the race organizers did a great job, as did the Falmouth DPW pumping out water/removing boulders/sand washed up the shore-front roads. The trees by the cranberry bogs, although blasted of their leaves by the winds, still made for picture-perfect scenery. Local spectator support was also fantastic and made for a great first-time experience. | |
Sarah Hinds from Frederick MD
(10/31/2006)
"They didn't tell me it would be this windy!" (about: 2006)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 CCM was my very first marathon. My running partner and I found this course to be absolutely beautiful. We had trained in the mid-Atlantic on a much hillier route, so the rolling Kettle-Moraine landscape was a break from that. We knew the day would be a long one for us and our goal was just to finish upright, which we did. We were nearly blown off the course from the 38-45 mph winds! The volunteers were outstanding and I was so pleased as a near-the-end finisher that they hadn't cleaned everything up and gone home! I would recommend this event to anyone - from the novice to the expert runner. Everyone made us feel welcome and it made our accomplishment that much more meaningful. | |
D. P. from Broomfield, CO
(4/22/2006)
"Well worth it" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Cape Cod Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon -- I was looking for a cool-weather spot with good scenery. This was it (although there were snow flurries the day before, race-day was sunny, high 40s/low 50s, with a slight breeze). The course is hillier than it looks on the map, especially the second half, so had some pretty nasty quad pain last 7-8 miles, but still finished under 4 hours (which was my goal). People were great, the scenery was fabulous, and the race well organized. Wish the school (food and shower afterwards) was a bit closer to the finish line, but all in all, well worth it. | |
M. S. from Springfield, MA.
(11/8/2005)
"Great Scenic Marathon" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Cape Cod Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My 20th marathon and what a day; the weather was beautiful. The day before it snowed. The organization was surperb and having the availability of a hot shower at the end was a plus. The first half of the course was relatively easy but the second half was a challenge. Finished in just over 5 hours - not my best but who cares? By the way the clam chowder at the end was the best! | |
S. B. from Belmont, MA
(11/7/2005)
"Beautiful but do not use as Boston Qualifier" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Cape Cod Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon. First one was 6 years earlier, NYC. This time I wanted to qualify for Boston, which I did. However I do not recommend as a qualifier because it is a hilly course on the second half. It was a struggle at the end. It is definitely worth it for the views and quietness of the run. Small and quaint. Very well organized. | |
K. V. from New England
(11/5/2005)
"Beautiful, but challenging course" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Cape Cod Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon, and I ran it in very nearly the time I ran my first marathon. Coming from a hilly region of New England I didn't think the hills were all that bad, but there are quite a few of them and they do eventually wear you down. There was quite a bit of traffic in spots and no real shoulder to run on (the roads are not closed to vehicles), so that took a little extra concentration. At the end there was plenty of water and Cytomax, but no food in the immediate finish area (you had to walk or drive to a nearby school for that). But otherwise, the spectators were great, water stops were well staffed, and the scenery was breathtaking. | |
A. D. from Philadelphia
(11/5/2005)
"More highs and lows than any I have run" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Cape Cod Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 What a spectacular course, beautiful town and great race. The course beat me, as my plan of taking it out strong on the flat first 10 miles was a big mistake. I was about a minute ahead of my usual pace for the first 10 miles - planning to get some cushion for what I knew was coming in the hills at the end - but I just ran out of gas in the 17-mile range and had a battle for the balance. This is my 7th race and I loved it - and will probably go back with a different training intent. People were great, views outstanding - and enough places for my family to come and spectate along the way without getting lost. | |
Pete Banuelos from Los Angeles California USA
(11/4/2005)
"Love to do it again" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Cape Cod Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 10th marathon. First time here in Cape Cod. I found that I did about the same as the others I did this year (sub 4). Even though there were lots of hills, I was not that tired when I finished. I think the fact that the hills were not too long, and you got to go downhill a lot, made it easier on the legs. The weather, organizers, and people in the Falmouth area, made it a fun marathon to run. Having lots of nice views made it easy to take my mind off the hills. I would love to do it again if I get a chance, but it is kind of far for me, as I am from Los Angeles, California. Now I can see how some runners were able to PR. | |
B. S. from Brunswick, ME
(11/3/2005)
"A great first-time marathon experience" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Cape Cod Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 First marathon, so not much to compare it to. They are not joking about the hills; they are out there, and they are waiting for you at miles 19 to 25. Never believe anyone when they tell you that was the last hill, or that an aid station is just around the corner. Very well organized and the town supports it well. Loved it and will be back next year. | |
D. Z. from Glastonbury, CT
(11/2/2005)
"Spectacular course, perfect size race." (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Cape Cod Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Ocean views or quiet, shady roads most all of the way. Rolling hills from 13 to 20 something miles weren't bad enough to really hurt. Volunteers did a great job with traffic and drinks. There were enough runners to provide company when I wanted some and enough space to run freely when I wanted that. Prettiest course I can remember running. |
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