Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
This is a small, no frills marathon - about 350 runners - but extremely well organized and supported by the volunteers involved. I was hesitant about running 9 laps of the 2.95 course, mostly on a paved foot path, but I believe it ended up being an advantage. Given the small number of runners, I was concerned about not having many other runners targeting the same pace and running alone for long stretches. However, given the variation of paces on the relatively short course, After the second lap, there were always runners overtaking other runners so there was always other runners in the area. There was support throughout the race with adequate water stations and more offerings at the finish area on every lap. It was also possible to set up my own drinks/gels on a table next to the course which I passed on each lap - several other runners did the same. Course was extremely flat. We were lucky with weather for August, but it did begin to get fairly hot at the end. 2/3rds of the course were shaded. Course runs around a lake so there was some fairly good scenery. Appreciate the option to have race packet mailed prior to the race. I showed up to the start line shortly before the start with no check in needed which was nice.
Overall, if the weather is nice, it's a great race for a BQ.
My 13th marathon in 12 years, started marathons at age 50, (NYC, Phil, DC...) This year ran 3 marathons under 7 months and just completed Sri Chimnoy at Rockland. Very nice, special event for my running experience. The participants were from a variety of world locations and all very courteous, polite and inspiring for the experience of running. The hosts were especially nice and attentive to a somewhat holistic feeling about the completion. For me, somewhat special and different was running 9 laps with a mix of super fast and pleasure runners on the track continuously from laps 1 to 6 (2.7 mi per lap totaling 9 laps). Again, very cordial and courteous participants. But, socializing while running not typical probably due to language differences - not a lot of aimless gabbing and yakking it up was refreshing, imo. The track was ideal for my pleasure training, asphalt w/ some packed dirt on sidelines when needed. Scenery was very nice variety of lake and woods, some breezes and some August sun spots. The day was kind to runners this year (2018), not brutally hot, but definitely humid. For ~2.7 mi. laps you will always be running with others, no floating off or zoning out in a marathon of your own. I typically prefer the zoning out solo space. But, this event was so very nice in atmosphere and participants cordial politeness it was a rare nice shared event to experience. You can run fast if you are prepared. You can simply enjoy if open to this style of running ! Thanks for the experience Sri Chimnoy and fellow participants from all over the world. Kind Regards, Larry
Running laps (9) is reminiscent of racing 2 miles on a 1/4 mile track,... back in the days when a 1/4 mile race was a challenge. Flat, nice mix of asphalt and some packed dirt if release needed. You will constantly be running with others close by, but not overwhelming. Plenty of opportunity for water, bathroom and special food treats along the way. Caution or reminder is that this race is in August even though good mix of shade and open sun exposure.
double/triple check directions. some map applications lead to Clifton Heights NJ - bad wrong path. Only one entrance to park is open to start. Parking was fine, adequate 2018 but being accurately prepared on directions will help get there on time ( 6:00a. for 7:00 start )
Ha ha, I like that race profile "pancake flat" cause it is. I ran this last year and this year in hopes of qualifying for Boston. I did so this year, in 3:39:03- less than a minute to spare. It takes longer to run a hilly mile than a flat mile, so if your running time is on the cusp of BQ/ not BQ (like me), a flat marathon will definitely make a difference.
However!! The race is in August, so it's very possible that it might be a hot summer day, in which case you may run considerable slower. Lucked out with weather & overcast day this year in 2013.... It's pavement. I found myself gravitating towards, and running on, the just-past-the-pavement dirt as much as possible. (Dirt less jarring on the legs and knees than pavement). Which may have contributed to- according to my Garmin- me actually running a distance of 26.58 miles. An extra third of a mile for not "running the corners", that is, the 'inside lane' of the course where the course is measured from. (Extra 1/3 mile translates into bit over 2 minutes for 8:10/8:20 mile, makes a big difference if you're trying to meet a Boston Qualifying time!)
It's 9 loops around the lake, which may drive some runners batty (repetitive). Only about 400 runners, not crowded. Gun time, no chip. Race is put on by Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team. There is a spiritual vibe to it... some individuals and small groups of 2 & 3 play music (with a spiritual bent) along the course. A drum and guitar duo at one spot. A few hand held drum individuals, a man with a sitar, another man with a violin...
Not sure if race is always on a Friday/ weekday. But for the past two years it's been on a Friday.