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Rated By : |
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tim |
| Spectators : |
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1 |
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| Organization Support : |
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1 |
| Course Aesthetics : |
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5 |
| Weather : |
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5 |
| Overall Rating : |
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| Recommend : |
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no |
| Course Difficulty : |
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Flat and Fast |
| Comments : |
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THE ONLY THINGS THAT WERE ACCURATE ABOUT THE SALES PITCH FOR THIS EXTREMELY OVER PRICED EVENT WAS THE medal and the course. They didn’t mention the HORRIFIC TRAFFIC SITUATION and the pay as you go parking nightmare. This trip was so hectic that the run was a breeze compared to the frenzy surrounding the arrival and departure to the race. There were litteraly piles of bums and homeless people begging on the streets, so much so that we thought they had a garbage problem; when actually they were homeless huts that were piled along the sidewalks. Very third world.
They were also very stingy with their cheep frozen bagels and cookies at the so called post race party. Where’s the FOOD! MOST ING events really put on the spread. This was more like we had to “spread’em” ourselves. Unless you were of course a VIP! They had massages, hot food, beer, etc and of course security keeping everyone else out of the tent! Hey I thought we were all supposed to finish “HERO’S” According to their magazine ads in Runner’s World.”
The Timing chips didn’t work and no one was willing to help out, so they made up a finishing time based on the 10 k split and the finish line photos–wow, how do you do that! If racing was that exact of a science we would all run 10 k’s and save the effort. Also, corral start was done poorly. Normally, they start corrals in waves with a 1-2 minute gap between corrals to prevent road blocks. This was one slow moving line of over 15,000 runners, and if you didn’t lile about your time and get in the front of the pack, you had to maneuver around thousands of walkers, wide bodies and really slow people–you will not make a PR on this course.
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Rated By : |
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bhalojon |
| Spectators : |
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3 |
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| Organization Support : |
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5 |
| Course Aesthetics : |
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4 |
| Weather : |
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3 |
| Overall Rating : |
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| Recommend : |
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maybe |
| Course Difficulty : |
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Flat and Fast |
| Comments : |
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The 2007 ING Miami marathon was my first since I live in Miami. of course, I loved it since it was my first. After completing 4 marathons in 2007, I can at least compare it and give you an unbiased opinion.
The organization is execellent. Good flow at the expo, the corrals are well-managed and enough water/gatorade/food durign the course, and nice medals. In terms of getting to the starting area, it's pretty much easy for me since I live a few blocks from a metromover station.
The first half of the course is beautiful as you go from downtown Miami to Miami beach then return to downtown. If you do not live close to water and expected to see a lot of water you may be disappointed because you won't see much of the sea at the beginning since it's dark (The marathon starts at 6:15am). In the second half when it's daylight you are not running close to the water.
The second half of the marathon goes through residential areas so it definitely gets quieter.
As for spectators, forget about it, Miami is well behind other US major cities. You have very few spectator support for the size of a metropolitan like Miami (I believe it's mainly because of the lack of public transportation in Miami and how dense the city is).
As for the weather it all depends on how much humidity you can handle. I live here so I am used to it. It wasn't that much a factor. However, it's only after completing another marathon with 50-60 degrees that i realized how much humidity affects you. The marathon is fast and flat. If you factor the humidity then the course may not be as easy as it seems.
I will be doing this marathon again since I live here. I enjoyed it. If I didn't live in Miami, would I do it again? maybe but not YES because I do feel there are other marathons worth trying during that time of the year. Miami is a fun marathon and nice to do if you want to visit the city but I wouldn't say I would come every year to Miami to run the marathon. |
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Rated By : |
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Char |
| Spectators : |
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3 |
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| Organization Support : |
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4 |
| Course Aesthetics : |
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5 |
| Weather : |
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3 |
| Overall Rating : |
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| Recommend : |
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absolutely |
| Course Difficulty : |
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Flat and Fast |
| Comments : |
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The start is amazing---running over the causeway at dawn with all of the cruise ships out there, lit up and the people watching you. Course shows off the city, and it was great to run thru South Beach early in the morning. Only downside is the weather--it gets hot fast once that sun comes out! |
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