Myrtle Beach Marathon (Read 1072 times)

I posted about this marathon earlier and heard from srlopez.... now I want to see if there are others out there I have 2 questions: 1. Who here has run this and what did you think of it? and 2. Who is running this in '09? I just ran Marine Corps on Sunday and I'm starting to set my sights on this one ( already registered). I think I will do a reverse taper for the next three weeks and then start a plan. My goal for this one is to BQ (3:45) I ran a 3:56 at Marine Corps- so maybe I can do it.

I ran Myrtle last year with a number of people from my running club. The course is a good one to try and qualify for Boston - it is very flat. However, the course is pretty boring. Basically, you run beside a bunch of hotels and past a bunch of putt-putt golf courses and bargain beach shops. The weather should be fine - wind could be an issue. The crowd support is minimal, except at the finish line. The spots where the crowds were the best were at the Marathon Relay hand-off points - but I think they did away with the relay after 2008. However, the volunteers at the water stops and monotoring the side streets were very friendly and supportive. The start is a little crowded because the 1/2 starts with the full on the same streets - expect a slower first mile (which probably worked to my benefit - kept me from going out too fast). Miles approx. 20-24 you run along a major street (Kings Hwy I think) which was not much fun - too much exhaust! The shirt they gave was with out a doubt, the absolute worst one I have ever received and the medal was pretty dull - especially considering the price they charge you to run the race. They did have free beer at the finish which is always nice. Also, you can find dirt cheap hotels and the parking for the race is really close to the start/finish and is ample. I would run The Shamrock in VA Beach again before I did Myrtle again. I typed this out while listening on a conference call, hopefully it is not too in-coherent due to my rambling.

I would run The Shamrock in VA Beach again before I did Myrtle again.

I am doing Shamrock in March. I was torn between MB and Shamrock and in the end, travel and family support landed me at Shamrock. Only because I already have family in VA Beach and my stepsister lives only a few blocks from the start finish. I am considering MB for my 2010 marathon so I will be interested to see how it goes...

ok, so I'm just going to be running this one for the BQ... so my best hope is no wind.

I've ran the full once and the half several times. The course is flat. I don't even think there are any speedbumps along the course. The aid stations have always been properly staffed with water/sports drink as indicated on the web site. The weather is always a factor although not difficult. Usually a little cool at the start but you warm up quickly once the race is underway. The hotels are very reasonable at the time of year when the race is ran. Good luck.

I ran this last year too. I thought it was well done. Myrtle Beach is touristy, but not in February. So this felt like a runner's marathon and not an "event" like other marathons can be. If you are a morning runner, this is a good race as the start time is 6:30am. So the first 3 or so miles are run before the sun fully comes up. Despite Myrtle being on the coast, the course itself is really not that scenic. You can see the sun rise over the Ocean at about miles 5-8, but that is about it for scenery. As was stated, the plan was to eliminate the relay this year, so if they don't increase the limits on the half or full, there should be more room at the start. But that really isn't much of an issue anyway. Miiles 21-24 can be tough as they run along highway 17. Nothing but traffic and T shirt/beach stores with no crowd support. Kind of the spot in the marathon where you need more to keep you going! All that said, it is a great course for a BQ. Flat and should be great weather for running (mid 50's is normal that time of year) Having the race on a Saturday is also a plus. The post race party at the House of Blues is fun! Good Luck!

I'll be doing it this year with hopes of qualifying for Boston. Toying with the idea of trying to hit a sub 3:00 but that may be pushing it. Like others have said, the whole area is flat and since it's winter. There won't be much going as the crazies will still be at home.

I'll be doing it this year with hopes of qualifying for Boston. Toying with the idea of trying to hit a sub 3:00 but that may be pushing it. Like others have said, the whole area is flat and since it's winter. There won't be much going as the crazies will still be at home.

Just try for the 3.10:59! Trust me. If Boston is your goal then just get that under your belt first. Once you get it you can go all out and get the sub 3.00. I have similar PR's as yours and I have been chasing the BQ for 3 years now. The difference between a 3.20 and a 3.10 is huge. The difference between the 3.00 pace and the 3.10 pace is a whole different ball game altogether.