OWL-DRAGON

WIREFLY NATIONAL MARATHON

Since that original email there have been some interesting developments.

A fellow member of the Dead Runners Society also ran the Half Marathon. She had a blog entry relating her experience with the race and here's an excerpt in which she captures her views of the positives and negatives (most of which I agree with) - my commentary is in italics:

Positives:

Challenging course without being a killer. Huge downhill by the Capitol at mile 2; rolling hills from miles 8 through 12 -- but all runnable, nothing too brutal.

I worried about paying back that downhill but there was no comparable uphill - whew!!


Excellent course layout through interesting neighborhoods and through the Mall

I thought it was a little boring after we left the Mall area

Several occasions to see front-runners on other side of road

I always like the chance to see the front runners but this did come early in the race.

Fantastic road closures, well-monitored
Plenty of room to run after the first mile
Frequent, well-stocked aid stations, including gel at Mile 9 of the half

Lots of parking close to the start

Best parking ever for a larger size race. I was literally steps from the finish.

Ample bathrooms (and shelter from rain!) at start

You can never have too many porta potties - for once there were plenty

Nice medals and finish area

I would add that the baggage check was handled pretty well. Checked in and out without any hassles.

One of few races requiring qualifying times - knowledgeable runners

Good support by DC Mayor Fenty, who ran the marathon
Fun atmosphere
Free beer! (But at 9 AM - not exactly breakfast food.)


Negatives:
Ugly white see-through t-shirt, although technical fabric

Another ugly tshirt - why can't they have better designs!

Few exhibitors at expo (and having to go there on a Friday)

We were really surprised by how small the expo was. With 4000 participants you would think some more vendors would be interested. Maybe the fees were too high. The expo was a big disappointment.


Somewhat disorganized corral-free, seeding-free start

I really hated the start. We were crowded in at an angle with no idea what pace those around you intended. The first mile as a result was really slow. The promised pI ace groups were completely disorganized and definitely didn't run at pace. Probably my biggest criticism of the race.


Some aid stations were light on volunteers
Some broken city pavement after the winter
Unpredictable weather (rainy at the start this year, then drizzle for most of the race)

Can't blame to race organizers for the weather but it was a shame to have the start marred by heavy rain. Also due to Daylight Time it was very dark.


Minimal food selection at finish area (bagels and bananas) although ample

I don't really care as long as they have plenty of water and bananas and they did.


Leading marathoners had to run through half-marathoners at finish - could have been prevented with better coning to split road in last mile

Half marathon course probably long

Turns out it was long - the race director sent me a nice apology but admitted it was long (didn't say how much). From Nancy's account and comments on Marathon Guide it looks like at least .4 mile.


Proprietary chips with ankle straps (although I'm used to those)

Few spectators, relatively little support from local residents

Wow was this a spectator free race. Even less then Philadelphia which can be sparse.
It is amazing how empty a big city can be (it's early on a rainy Saturday but still . . .)


Incorrect timing data on website after race, no email contact provided for corrections

_________________

So that was how two runners saw the race. Pretty much in agreement. It is a good effort for their second time out. Lots of area for improvement - but not a bad experience. I wonder if it will survive. The Washington Post on Sunday had some blistering comments from locals who were very unhappy with the road closures. When I was running I had a feeling there were some colossal traffic tie ups but I feel there was plenty of advanced warning in the media and we saw electronic signs coming in to Washington that warned of road closures for the marathon. The first time they tried a spring marathon in Washington there was a lot of criticism because it was on a Sunday and on Palm Sunday. The Saturday start at least prevents that and it is early enough that most roads should be open by 11 AM.

I liked the race enough that I hope it survives and prospers. Once was enough for me.