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Latest reviews by East Coast
East Coast recommends this race
(2014)
"Great atmosphere, but some details need ironing out"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
This was the 20th edition of MBTS and they threw a three-day party to celebrate. The festivities kicked off on Friday with a nighttime fun run and fireworks. On Saturday they had live music throughout the day during race kit pickup. Altogether it was a fun, festive atmosphere.
The race itself was good but there was not enough support along the way. There were several spots where there were just arrows and no race marshals. At the Harbour Bridge off-ramp there was no signage whatsoever. I knew which way to go but if you didn't, you might have gone the wrong way. At the halfway turnaround the marshals weren't sure where to turn (two people told me conflicting information). As a result, a few people ran a short course. There were more issues in the 12K event where most people took a wrong turn and ran close to 13K.
The organizers have acknowledged the issues and I expect they will be dealt with in the future. I've run the event in the past without any problems.
As for the course itself: it's tough. You start downhill and finish with some really hard uphills so you need to bank time at the start and expect to slow down. The course is very scenic, particularly when crossing the Harbour Bridge.
The race medal was really nice, as always, as were the shirts. There was plenty of food after the race, ranging from fruit and bagels to pizza. They also had free post-race massages.
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(2014)
"Major directional mistakes"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Let's start with the good stuff. The Fredericton Marathon is a nice flat course, much of which runs along crushed gravel trails that are very easy on the legs. It's also closed off to car traffic, which is rare around here. It's a great course on which to run a personal best.
Unfortunately, there was a major problem this year. The course runs out and back twice. But a course change this year meant that you didn't run to the exact same spot each time (on the second loop you had to run a mile or so further). But not everyone realized this and the course marshals didn't have any way of knowing which loop a runner was on. Consequently, some runners turned around early on the second loop. As a result they ran a short course. This was never acknowledged by the organizers and the results still stand. Some people ran BQs and finished in prize positions due to the short course.
The race kit only consisted of a shirt. It was a nice quality technical shirt however. The medal was nothing special. I don't care much for medals but even I found it a bit underwhelming.
(2014)
"Major directional mistakes"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Let's start with the good stuff. The Fredericton Marathon is a nice flat course, much of which runs along crushed gravel trails that are very easy on the legs. It's also closed off to car traffic, which is rare around here. It's a great course on which to run a personal best.
Unfortunately, there was a major problem this year. The course runs out and back twice. But a course change this year meant that you didn't run to the exact same spot each time (on the second loop you had to run a mile or so further). But not everyone realized this and the course marshals didn't have any way of knowing which loop a runner was on. Consequently, some runners turned around early on the second loop. As a result they ran a short course. This was never acknowledged by the organizers and the results still stand. Some people ran BQs and finished in prize positions due to the short course.
The race kit only consisted of a shirt. It was a nice quality technical shirt however. The medal was nothing special. I don't care much for medals but even I found it a bit underwhelming.
East Coast recommends this race
(2014)
"A true bucket list race!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Someone once asked me, "if you could only do one race, over and over, which would it be?" I didn't hesitate before exclaiming "THE CABOT TRAIL RELAY!"
Seriously, if you ever have a chance, do this race. It's a 17-stage relay that lasts just over 24 hours, covering some of the most beautiful terrain in the world.
The event attracts elite runners from the Maritimes and New England, but plenty of recreational runners who are there for a good time. Costumes are the norm and the camaraderie is amazing.
The relay legs range in difficulty. Some are flat or even run downhill. Others literally climb over mountains. It's got something or everyone.
East Coast recommends this race
(2013)
"Tough but fun"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
This is a tough race. Saint John has a fairly cool, ocean climate, but in August it can still get pretty hot. This particular year it did get pretty warm. Add lots of hills to the mix and it makes for a really difficult race.
I like most of the course except the section stretching out into Lorneville. That area's just plain boring and without any shade it can get extremely hot.
The course was well supported but the on-course musical entertainment didn't do much for me (you might run faster to get away from some of it).
The t-shirts and medals were great and there was plenty of food afterward.
Overall I had a great experience.