Latest reviews by Sarah Décarpentrie

(2018)
"So-so"
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I signed up for this race because of the price ($50-55) and the proximity to NYC. Unfortunately, the race has a late start (8:30am), and race temps were already in the 80s by the time we started. There was very little shade throughout the course. There were no pacers, and I ran 13.6 miles when I crossed the finish line. Medals were nothing special. The post-race party didn't even start until 11am, so I didn't even hang around that long to get a post-race beer.

Refreshments were good, and the shirts are a nice long sleeve. The course itself is very flat, and there's a lot of potential for a PR with better course measurement. Plus there are some great views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Likely won't run again given that September's weather can be iffy.

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(2018)
"Good small-town race "
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I ran the marathon at the Coffee Milk Running Festival this past weekend. The course was advertised as flat and but for the marathon, there were two big hills and a bunch of rolling hills. There’s little to no spectators, so if that’s what you need to power through, this isn’t your race. It’s a small race - less than 100 marathoners, but the course is well marked and there were plenty of water stops. The wind was tough this year but overall, I enjoyed the race. It’s no frills but it’s inexpensive. The race director even had his phone number written on every mile marker and turn sign in case anything went wrong.

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(2017)
"Great race to run once "
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I thought this race was really well done, but I don't know if I'd run it again. The first half is through Propsect Park which is a bit hilly, but not as bad a second Central Park. Once you exit the park, you run 6 miles straight down Ocean Parkway. This was tough mentally and I thought it was never going to end. You're rewarded once you finally get to the boardwalk, but I wish they could've had us at least switch halfway to another road or stretch.

We had phenomenal weather this year -- low 60s -- after a 90-degree day the day before.

The race has great crowd support, and I imagine it's even better when the weather isn't warmer.

I liked the race in general, but thought the course was a bit boring, especially the second half. NYRR manages the race very well, however. Great aid stations and a great post-race party.

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(2017)
"Great race but so many walkers "
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Ran this race for the first time this year and loved it. The uphill on the bridge is really tough but once your clear the top, it's all downhill and then flat to the finish line. My biggest complaint was all of the walkers. I was in the second corral and was still dodging tons of walkers the whole race. Very frustrating. Besides that, the race was very well organized and the scenery and crowd support were wonderful. I definitely want to run this one again!

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(2016)
"Great race! Loved running with the marines "
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This was a great race, but there were some flaws. First of all, the expo was held at National Harbor which is not accessible via public transportation and there was very little parking. Plus, you had to pay for parking. I was a bit annoyed by that, but the expo was run very well. Security at the race went off without a hitch, but the hike from security to the start line was long.

The weather this year was great, although it got a bit hot towards the end. The race itself was wonderful. So fun to be able to get high fives from marines along the course. Memory mile was very moving and 100% silent. Finally, what everyone says about the last hill is true! It's tough, but you're rewarded at the top with a long row of marines handing out high fives and then medals.

Great race. Great scenery. Thanks, Marines.

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