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Gettysburg North-South Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Gettysburg North-South Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 4.0
Number of comments: 53 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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D. L. from Buffalo, NY
(4/28/2015)
"Small, hilly, rural" (about: 2015)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Gettysburg North-South Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The weather was about 60 and sunny, perfect for a marathon. The official results listed 700+ participants, which I assume was everyone who registered, not just everyone who started. There were only 336 finishers though, so you can picture the stretches where you're running alone. I was ok with that, but to each his own. The water stops every 2 miles were great, the volunteers were encouraging, but there wasn't much crowd support between them. Most of this race is up and down hills, through farmland on an open course. It was challenging. The finish area was nice. Everyone was cheering pretty loudly for every runner and there was ample food and drink. If the side you chose to represent (North or South) won, you were awarded a commemorative pint glass as well. If you're looking for a small marathon, this could be it for you, but if you need lots of people cheering you on, are looking for a flat course, like lots of great race photos, or have allergies to things like cut grass, pick another marathon. | |
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H. M. from Chicago
(4/27/2015)
"Intimate, Scenic, Challenging" (about: 2015)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Gettysburg North-South Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 After having run a series of larger marathons e.g. Marine Corps, Chicago, I was looking for a change of pace and stumbled upon this one, which happily coincided with a weekend my significant other could come along for the ride. In hindsight, it was the perfect fit! The course itself is quite hilly, particularly in the early goings although you can pick up some steam on the downslopes, if you're specifically looking for a BQ, this might not be the right for you. What it lacks in ease, it more than makes up for with beautiful scenery. The course mostly went north of the battlefield monuments themselves, but the terrain is awe-inspiring. The field is small - roughly 700 entrants, around 350 finishers but the organizers have a very organized website detailing the logistics, and are quickly responsive to individual inquiries. Water/Gatorade stations every 2 miles, GU at mile 20. For me, the real highlight was how involved my girlfriend could be in the experience. Unlike larger races, at which the track is basically on secure lockdown, spectators can really be involved here. In addition to being able to stand right beside me at the starting line, there are continuously looping shuttles that take interested spectators to a viewing point at mile 4/14, no barriers, no guards. At the end, I was able to bring her onto the course for the last ~50 feet to cross the finish line with me. Best moment of my (amateur) running career, and, indeed, a highlight of my life. That being said, nothing is perfect. If you rely on the energy of large crowds to fuel your run, this might not be for you. Aside from water stations, well wishers are few and far between. And, as I've said, the course is not easy would emphasize weights and hills during training. Also, the open nature of the course does mean that some stretches allow vehicular traffic; not too much on a Sunday morning in this town, but something to know ahead of time. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for break from the larger, higher-level racing circuit and to anyone wanting to make friends and loved ones active participants in your day. Happy running! | |
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D. L. from Virignia
(5/30/2014)
"Great race, well organized, easy logistics" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Gettysburg North-South Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Really enjoyed this race. The packet pickup and pre-race logistics were easy. Course was beautiful with rolling hills and nice rural scenery throughout the entire race. The aid stations were well stocked with water, gatorade and porta-potties. The volunteers and communications from the race director were great. Enjoyed the town and the Civil War theme added an element of fun to the weekend. Also, was inspired by the number of wounded veterans who competed in the event. Would definitely do this race again and recommend to others. | |
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T. D. from Baltimore, MD
(5/10/2014)
"Beautiful Course!" (about: 2014)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 As a Gettysburg College Alum, I was incredibly excited to run this race. Until this marathon, I had only run marathons in urban areas. After running this race I could never run a city marathon again. The scenery is breathtaking. I knew that the areas was beautiful but was unprepared for the gorgeous stretches through the orchards and farms. It was pretty hilly, and future runners should be advised that it is NOT flat after mile 11. Aside from that it was an incredible race. There were frequent aid stations run by enthusiastic volunteers. I would highly recommend it. | |
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E. D. from Philadelphia, PA
(5/2/2014)
"Beautiful and Challenging Course" (about: 2014)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Gettysburg North-South Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The marathon was very organized and the bib pick up/bib pick up was a breeze. The start line was organized and had plenty of port-o-potties. The course was very pretty and runners went by many small farming communities. Tons of rolling hills, a conservative start is recommended. I drove the course the day before and got a handle on where I would need to concentrate. Lastly, the volunteers were awesome!!! I would defiantly do this race again. | |
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A. B. from Montclair, NJ
(4/29/2014)
"Well-organized, beautiful marathon, nice amenities" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Gettysburg North-South Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Organized start, great volunteers, well-stocked aid stations, beautiful rural course, nice post-race amenities and shuttles between the host hotels and both the start and finish. I ran this race six days after running the Boston Marathon, and the hills at Gettysburg make Boston look like a pancake this is not a sure PR course. But it is challenging and beautiful. The weather was perfect this year, around 40 at the start and 61 at the finish, and the 7:30am start takes advantage of the cool air. I finished the race in 4:31, but there was still plenty of food and drink at the finish line. The ice bath (kiddie pool filled with ice) available at the med tent was heavenly. The host hotel (Courtyard Marriott) offered runners breakfast from 5:30 am. This is probably the first marathon, out of the 32 I've run, where I have no real complaints! A great little race! | |
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j. e. from wrightsville, pa
(4/27/2014)
"challenging, hilly, organized" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Gettysburg North-South Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Pros Very organized, with easy race day pick Perfect weather on a gorgeous course Race director kept us informed Plenty of aid stations and volunteers 2 gel stations ... I missed the first one Beautiful medal...ribbon is awesome Inscription on back of medal nice touch Decent shirt. I liked the logo Plenty of facilities Easy logistics Cons Minimal battle field exposure I felt it was expensive Hilly course, causing major cramps for me, so train accordingly. ..I didn't | |
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Nicholas Kanaracus from Worcester, Massachusetts
(7/7/2013)
"Everyone made me feel special." (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
| 2 Gettysburg North-South Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Superb organization and support. There were so many beautiful vistas along the course I started to gag. Lush and green countryside around Gettysburg at that time of year is absolutely beautiful. The 'North-South' competition was fun and added some competitive interest and for the winners the beer glass is superb. Plenty of water, Gatorade and gels during the race and generous post-race refreshments. It is very reasonably priced and since the race is not done during the peak tourist season, there are plenty of inexpensive hotels in the area. If you are interested in civil war history like I am, I recommend you download podcasts from this site and listen to them while touring the different parts of the battlefield. http://www.civilwartraveler.com/audio/ | |
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J. E. from Delaware
(5/5/2013)
"Challenging, but rewarding run!" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Gettysburg North-South Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I had wanted to do this race for a few years now (as a Gettysburg College Alum), and finally got my chance this year. I was glad I did. First off the race director Lowell truely cares about this race and that is evident in his accesiblity. He responded to questions regarding the race via facebook, email and again in person. He also was open to some suggestions regarding the race and these are the races that end up being the best experiences!! PROS: -Challenging scenic course(passes creeks,apple orchards,farms etc.)(only reason I gave it a 4 star was the lack of battlefield, but i understand the race director's hands are tied on that one). -Passionate race director open to suggestions(asked runners what they would like at the finish and when an overwhelmingly large group said chocolate milk...wellthere was chocolate milk) -North vs. South competition adds some excitement. winning side got a nice pilsner glass -super support staff at the water stations etc -locals come out and sit in their front yards to cheer you on!(reason the fans get a 4 is that there just aren't that many around and people are really limited as to where they can get on the course). -small marathon(other then at the first 1/4 mile, you are comfortable) -shuttles from the host hotels to the starting area were simple and low stress -expo was easy(small, but no reason for it to be big) and staffed with friendly people). -bibs and race shirts were color coordinated(north had blue and grey for the southern runners). -top notch finishers medal -course skirts parts of the battle field and the peace light in the beginning -weather(i know this is variable, but a late April race date allows for a cooler start temp, but not freezing). -all intersections were perfectly staff with people directing traffic. no issues for the runners. Cons(small cons at that) - had a very nice tribute to the fallen soldiers at Gettysburg as well as the boston marathon victims, but the speakers were hard to hear(i could barely hear it and i was in the front area, so the people in the back probably couldn't hear at all). - Shuttles for the fans were an issue. Ran late(parents missed me at the first 'fan zone') One driver got lost! -Host hotel was not very helpful. They didn't know details of the expo, shuttles etc. Were not accomodating for the runners and gave mixed responses(courtyad marriott's issue not the races). - Course had a few points, where you were running on a narrow shoulder with cars going both directions. was a little nerve racking). All in all, an amazing day! Challenging, and met some really great people along on the course. I would recommend this race highly for anyone who just wants a marathon, without the extra craziness that comes with the larger ones. This is a peaceful course and out of my 15 marathons, one of my favorite! It's ashame that the park service won't let it run more through the actual military park, but what can you do? Make sure to train hills as the course is pretty rolling. One longer hill through the beginning 3rd of the race. I felt as though I was getting a little burned out on races, and this one rejuvenated me! It was refreshing to do a race that was just a race and not filled with huge cooperate sponsors! As the tiny glitches get worked out, I would expect this race will only get better. Well done Gettysburg North/South crew! I hope to be back next year! | |
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C. W. from Cleveland, Ohio
(5/4/2013)
"Beautiful Country Views, Not a fast course" (about: 2013)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Gettysburg North-South Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This being my first marathon, I feel like I am pretty prepared for anything flat Ohio can muster-up. This course is really hilly, but I didn't find myself really noticing the ups-and-downs until mile 20 when I was getting tired. The hills are pretty lengthy and gradual. The course is beautiful, especially with the apple orchards in bloom. Well-run water stations, but I would add an earlier Gu station (had just 2 at 15 and 20). Race packet pick-up needs to be held in a much larger space, but otherwise the organization was simple and easy to navigate. I appreciated the race director's emails prior to the race datemy family had no trouble figuring out spectator areas/buses. I would highly encourage anyone with Civil War interests to make a long weekend out of this race; enjoy the discounts to museums and shops. |
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