Latest reviews by Jessica Murphy

(2016)
"An epic patriotic experience"
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Course Scenery
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Parking/Access
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MCM lived up to its reputation. There's a reason this sells out every year, and I'd definitely recommend it to others!

I was able to get into the race via the Runner's World VIP program (disclaimer: I work at Runner's World). I not only got me entry into the race, but a pre-race VIP tent in the runner village (heat and porta-potties) and post-race hospitality (massages, food, etc) which all elevated the experience.

What to Love about MCM:
_Beautiful course, loved seeing different parts of the city from Georgetown, Rock Creek Parkway, the Mall, and more.
_Support from the marines! Need I say more?! So inspiring. Every aid station, every mile marker. Aid stations were super well organized and well run. Lots of inspiring cheers from all the volunteers!
_Blue Mile - speaking of inspiration...everyone warned me of it. It's important, and very moving.
_Start and finish was seamless
_The finish - you read about this a lot and it didn't disappoint. Epic finish up to the Iwo Jima memorial. Marines lining both sides, all super friendly!

Other Details:
_Post race Goodes - water, gatorade, banana. PLUS they give you a bag for everything (win!) and then one of those pre-packaged boxes with tons of goodies
_Swag - Not sure how i feel about the mock neck but it may be nice as an inner layer during the winter :) The medal is also pretty awesome too! You also get a very cool patch. Will be finding a good place to put that.
_Pasta Dinner - I've never attended an official race pasta dinner but I hear this one is one of the best. There was fun programming from the marines - so a lot to be proud of :)
_Beat the Bridge - I should've read more about this to be prepared. I know there would be no aid, but I didn't realize it would be for 3 miles!! I was dragging at this point (18-21, which I know is later than it normally happens) so I had to take some of my fuel, but then with no water it created quite the predicament.
_Late aid - This is maybe more indicative of how much I was struggling after mile 21 :oP But I wanted/needed water every mile and it was around every other mile. I should've looked at the map in advance to mentally prepare...but I was super struggling those last few miles.

If you aren't able to join MCM via the Runner's World VIP I would note that pre-race you are literally in a parking lot. You are recommended to get there early because transport to the start is not easy so be prepared to bring things to stay warm, and something to sit on.

Hope to have a chance to do this again!

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(2016)
"Always one of the best"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was my 5th year running Chicago and it never fails to disappoint. I've raced 3 times and paced 2 times. this year I paced the 3:50 group in Corral D.

Access to the race is always easy. The past 2 years I've stayed at a hotel downtown and been able to walk to the start. I arrived early so breezed through security without a problem (they had wand detectors and also checked bags).

The race is impeccably run. Organized start, great organized aid stations (always gatorade first, water second, good signage). TONS of aid stations and porta-potties on course. Finish line is seamless.

SWAG - t-shirt always fits great, and great design this year. Goodie bag had a good variety of food/samples (I'm excited to try out the odor removing laundry detergent!). Post race the typical spread of water/gatorade/recovery drink. The rest of the food they give you in a bag (thank goodness!! sooo helpful!) with lots of other salty and sweet snacks. They had the beer to you right at the finish (you don't have to walk all the way to the post-race party). Plus the heatsheets have a sticker to keep it wrapped around you hands-free. Every detail has been thought through.

Expo this year was still at McCormick but in a slightly diff space. The aisles were SOOOOO wide. It was an expo attendees dream. Also good sampling/giveaways.

New addition this year - I got access to the Columbus/Balbo Hospitality Tent. It was outstanding. I wasn't able to go pre-race due to my pacer duties. They had wet towels to wipe down and also dry towels to then dry off. The typical massage and stretching area. And then the food spread was outstanding. One of the best I've seen in any post-race VIP experience (I've been to a few).

Hope to be back next year as a runner or pacer. This race never disappoints!

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(2016)
"A rough Hayward finish"
Overall
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This race was bittersweet for me. It was my 2nd attempt at a significant PR and I had a great race up to mile 22...I kept pushing probably too hard to 24.5 where I ended up on the side of the road! I walked it in for a finish thanks to the help of 2 amazing friends...but I definitely need revenge for a faster finish on Hayward.

Overall the race was well run. Start went off without a hitch and the aid stations and volunteers were all great. The race as advertised is fairly flat. What made it challenging was the last 6 miles through park path. While still mostly flight the small weaving undulations were more draining than I prepared for. Additionally it was a hot day which also affected my performance.

What I will remember is all the amazing support from runners, spectators, and volunteers as I did a very slow trudge towards the finish. The volunteers were checking in with my 2 walking aids (aka I could not stand up on my own) to make sure I was ok and that they would be able to escort me to the finish.

The post-race party was beautiful on the turf behind hayward. Pancakes for all, and great energy/atmosphere.

The expo was there the day prior. Somewhat small, but it's also a small race so it met expectations. I hope to be back next year to run the half!

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(2016)
"Training Run Turned PR!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This is my 3rd year running Boston and it is always a delight. The town makes the marathoners feel like heroes. They celebrate the support and really make it an event!

This year I used Boston as a training run for a goal race in a few weeks, and I ended up running a course PR, vs the other 2 years when I tried to race and bonked!

My only one small beef with this year's race is that there was a massive bottleneck post-race trying to leave the Family Meeting area. A huge crowd formed since there were masses trying to enter but being held up by security. At the same time a mob of marathoners trying to leave and hobbling quite slowly! This is the first time I've seen this issue, so understand the need for increased security but wondering how they could allow for more entrypoints and different entrances vs exits.

The race did a great job treating the heat with misters and LOTS of water! Also the finisher area switched up and moved the water/food closer to the finish which was a great update!

Always honored to run this race and love everything about the weekend and the event!

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(2015)
"Always a Fav"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This race never disappoints!! This was my fourth time running it and this year I paced the 4:00 group.

This is one of the best managed races in the WORLD. Start and finish are all well organized. Aid stations are LOOOONG so offer plenty of opportunity to weave in and out and i LOVE it's always Gatorade first then water.

Swag was great. Shirt fits great, fun design, lots of good food options post-race and they give it to you in a BAG so you don't struggle with carrying everything. Plus they hand you a beer right at the finish!! And that's not even your finisher beer at the post-race party!! The volunteers are all amazing and the crowds in all the neighborhoods are truly unique.

I can't recommend it enough

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