This is the flattest marathon in this part of the country; my watch showed 39 feet of elevation in 26.2 miles. I have run it twice and will do it … MORE
This is the flattest marathon in this part of the country; my watch showed 39 feet of elevation in 26.2 miles. I have run it twice and will do it again just for that reason. Run this race when you want a PR or BQ.
The race shirt is not great – heat applied decal on a cheap technical shirt. I didn’t save mine. However, they also give you a finisher tank at the end of the race and that was pretty nice. I still run in mine from 2019. The medals are nice. The expo is dreadful. In 2019 it was in a hotel and it was tiny but fine. In 2020, it was at a Dave & Busters which was super loud. There were no booths or anything. It was clearly an attempt to get runners to buy food and spend money on video games. I hope they go back to a hotel packet pick-up.
The course is not scenic, but it is interesting. You run right down the main drag for a long time so you can look at all the hotels and cheesy boardwalk shops. Myrtle Beach has more pancake houses than anywhere in the country, so much of the route smells like pancakes. The loop through the upscale shopping area usually has crowds with funny signs. There is just one part around mile 19 or 20 that is along a freeway bypass road that is really unattractive. There was plenty of water on the course.
There are many sports where the road slopes down on the sides. Try and stay in the middle or you’ll get some nasty blisters! There is tons are free parking at the race start, so you can stay anywhere in MB and get there just fine. Rates are usually very low this time of year, so it is not an expensive trip to go to this race.
I’ll keep doing this one mostly because the course is just so darn fast!
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Flat as it gets
This is the flattest marathon in this part of the country; my watch showed 39 feet of elevation in 26.2 miles. I have run it twice and will do it … MORE
This is the flattest marathon in this part of the country; my watch showed 39 feet of elevation in 26.2 miles. I have run it twice and will do it again just for that reason. Run this race when you want a PR or BQ.
The race shirt is not great – heat applied decal on a cheap technical shirt. I didn’t save mine. However, they also give you a finisher tank at the end of the race and that was pretty nice. I still run in mine from 2019. The medals are nice. The expo is dreadful. In 2019 it was in a hotel and it was tiny but fine. In 2020, it was at a Dave & Busters which was super loud. There were no booths or anything. It was clearly an attempt to get runners to buy food and spend money on video games. I hope they go back to a hotel packet pick-up.
The course is not scenic, but it is interesting. You run right down the main drag for a long time so you can look at all the hotels and cheesy boardwalk shops. Myrtle Beach has more pancake houses than anywhere in the country, so much of the route smells like pancakes. The loop through the upscale shopping area usually has crowds with funny signs. There is just one part around mile 19 or 20 that is along a freeway bypass road that is really unattractive. There was plenty of water on the course.
There are many sports where the road slopes down on the sides. Try and stay in the middle or you’ll get some nasty blisters! There is tons are free parking at the race start, so you can stay anywhere in MB and get there just fine. Rates are usually very low this time of year, so it is not an expensive trip to go to this race.
I’ll keep doing this one mostly because the course is just so darn fast!
Great choice for first marathon
Over a year ago, I decided I would wait until I turned 50 to run my first marathon. I had planned on making a trip out of it, going someplace … MORE
Over a year ago, I decided I would wait until I turned 50 to run my first marathon. I had planned on making a trip out of it, going someplace that I hadn’t been before. Then COVID hit and races began getting cancelled. I ended up choosing the Myrtle Beach Marathon, so that even if the race got cancelled, we could still go and enjoy the weekend. The race happened and I did it! I ran my first full marathon!
The original scheduled date was March, which is definitely a better choice than May, as the temperature got to the upper 60’s by the end of the race. The course was quite flat and a great part of it was along Ocean Boulevard, which allowed for views of the ocean and a great breeze. Many runners complained about the headwind, but I found it refreshing.
The communications leading up to the race were great. There was tons of parking close to the race start/finish line. The race was also well executed for COVID restrictions, with wave starts every 2 minutes. With the number of runners (close to 1000 for the marathon alone), this allowed for ample spacing of runners. I was not crowded during the race, yet I was never alone either.
This stagger also meant that there was not a huge gathering at the finish line. While normally I would enjoy a cheering crowd, it was also nice to NOT have a crowd to (literally) run into at the finish. There was plenty of post-race, prepackaged food and water, though no beer.
The medal was a good size and very heavy. Every finisher also got a long-sleeved tech shirt and a tank top.
Overall, I consider it a great choice for my first marathon and look forward to running it again, when it’s in the cooler month of March.
What a great race!
I really enjoyed this course and if it hadn't been for wearing the wrong shorts, I probably would have PR'ed. Every runner has an excuse, right? I highly recommend the … MORE
I really enjoyed this course and if it hadn’t been for wearing the wrong shorts, I probably would have PR’ed. Every runner has an excuse, right? I highly recommend the MBM!
Wonderful Race!!
There were plenty of hydration stops and the volunteers were so helpful! I loved that everything was well organized and super smooth. They had great precautions for Covid. This was … MORE
There were plenty of hydration stops and the volunteers were so helpful! I loved that everything was well organized and super smooth. They had great precautions for Covid. This was my first time running this race and it was the best experience. No hills but it was very windy at one point which can increase the difficulty.
Beautiful, flat,scenic course!
They presented a great race race! Awesome metals ( opportunity to earn 3 metals!) 2 very cool shirts! I love this beach town race! The salt water air and beautiful … MORE
They presented a great race race! Awesome metals ( opportunity to earn 3 metals!) 2 very cool shirts! I love this beach town race! The salt water air and beautiful sunshine accompanied me through out this race!
First Timer...and will be returning!
This race was a PR for me, shaving nearly 25 minutes off my 'flat course' PR (I keep a separate record for downhill races, and I even bested that time … MORE
This race was a PR for me, shaving nearly 25 minutes off my ‘flat course’ PR (I keep a separate record for downhill races, and I even bested that time as well). The course was nearly flat and the weather (for me at least) was perfect. There was some headwind along Oceanfront Blvd, but I’ll take the wind over rain any day. Course support was top-notch. I was a little worried about the plastic bottle disposal considering we were so close to the ocean, but volunteer clean-up mitigated the situation well on race day. I actually enjoyed carrying leftover water in a bottle which was useful when the sun came out later on in the morning. Perhaps smaller bottles (8 oz instead of 16 oz) could be considered in the future. The crowds, though limited, were very supportive and I was pleased to see people come out to cheer us on.
The race swag was nice as well: the finisher medal is one of the largest in my collection, and I appreciated getting *two* quality finisher shirts which will be worn again (often times, I donate my finisher shirts if they are not to my liking; this is not the case for this race).
Aforementioned, the course was flat. I would have liked to see more ocean views but understand that may not be feasible. There is also limited shade on this course, so dressing appropriately is key to a good race.
This may be an unpopular opinion: This race was postponed from early March, and if it was my call, I think the May date should be the permanent race date. I am sure the March date brings cooler conditions, but I personally like the warmer races as long as I stay properly hydrated.
I would like to see race photos included. That is always a welcomed addition to any race.
Building up to the race, customer service was attentive and answered my questions in a timely manner. This is always appreciated especially for those runners traveling long distances to run a race. Also, registration fees were very reasonable and worth every dollar for admission.
I will be returning to this race and will try to recruit my fellow runners from Colorado to check it out in the years ahead. I am saying nothing but good things about the Myrtle Beach Marathon, and I look forward to seeing this race under no COVID restrictions.
Amazing event!!! Loved it!
Course was primarily flat, very well set up, easy to find start and finish. Excellent placement of water stations, awesome volunteers, great job at finish line with organization. Loved the … MORE
Course was primarily flat, very well set up, easy to find start and finish. Excellent placement of water stations, awesome volunteers, great job at finish line with organization. Loved the medal and shirts I got. Will definitely run this again!!!
Horrible Headwind!
We running straight into the wind almost the entire way! Other than that, it was an ok race, nothing too special. It was difficult to find the shuttle to get … MORE
We running straight into the wind almost the entire way! Other than that, it was an ok race, nothing too special. It was difficult to find the shuttle to get to the start and again to find the shuttle after the finish. Terrible expo inside a Dave and Busters and the after-party wasn’t great either.
Flat course, fun after party, good swag!
Course is entirely flat and if the wind is low, this is a great race to PR. Parking is easy and plentiful at Broadway at the Beach, but the lines … MORE
Course is entirely flat and if the wind is low, this is a great race to PR. Parking is easy and plentiful at Broadway at the Beach, but the lines for the shuttle that take you downtown to race start are long and it was very windy and chilly this last year! Post race party here is great, but was congested in several places and it always has very limited seating for sooo many runners and their guests. Two years in a row now they’ve run out of beer post-race, but there’s always lots of pizza, bananas, and Sun Chips. They used to give free Krispy Kreme donuts, but no longer. Medals are pretty cool and the house band is great every year. Sometimes the folks at the help table after the race are clueless and they’ll tell you the wrong info like the wrong time that awards will be handed out or that they’re only giving out medals to 1st place age group finishers when they actually give them out first through third place.
Ran my first full marathon
Being at the beach, wind can definitely be a big issue. This year the wind was definitely a factor with 25-30mph headwinds. The course is relatively flat in comparison to … MORE
Being at the beach, wind can definitely be a big issue. This year the wind was definitely a factor with 25-30mph headwinds. The course is relatively flat in comparison to other road races I have ran.
If you are a slower runner, don’t expect a big crowd at the finish line as most folks have already crossed the finish line and departed from the finish festival.
Great area, mediocre race
The expo was quick and easy at Dave & Busters even got some free play with skeeball! The course itself had two long straight road intermingled with few turns thru … MORE
The expo was quick and easy at Dave & Busters even got some free play with skeeball! The course itself had two long straight road intermingled with few turns thru Market Common and then at the end. Because of the wind this particular race that long stretch of road with headwind was torturous. Basically, miles six to 18 in your face!
This marathon served amino vitals (instead of Gatorade) not a big deal BUT not serving it often IS a big deal. First at ten miles and not every station:( Definitely disappointed in the race and in myself for not checking and being prepared.
The scenery was ok… ran parallel to the ocean a long stretch of time but couldn’t see it… just lots of business the first stretch and lots of hotels the second long stretch. Not many spectators or fun along the course.
The medals are nice and the added finishers tank was great! Good music and food/beer and the end.
Windy but great course
The race course was very flat but the wind was insane and made it a tough course. The race swag was great, we received a nice long sleeve shirt and … MORE
The race course was very flat but the wind was insane and made it a tough course. The race swag was great, we received a nice long sleeve shirt and a tank top at the finish. The food and beer garden was good and so was the live entertainment. This is a race that I will be doing again next year.
Running with the wind!
Wow, the wind was ridiculous, but otherwise a very nice race. Enjoyed the course and the swag that was provided... including a long sleeve tech shirt, a tank top finishers … MORE
Wow, the wind was ridiculous, but otherwise a very nice race. Enjoyed the course and the swag that was provided… including a long sleeve tech shirt, a tank top finishers shirt and finishers medal. By running both Charleston and Myrtle Beach, also received a nice “Challenge” medal. Well organized packet pickup and nice post race party. For “out of towners” the start/finish line was in walking distance to the beachfront hotels. This was my 150th half and gets a thumbs up!
Windy, but worth it
The race was awesome the after party was so fun I can’t believe how much was offered post race!! The water stations were perfectly spaced out, plenty of volunteers. Awesome … MORE
The race was awesome the after party was so fun I can’t believe how much was offered post race!! The water stations were perfectly spaced out, plenty of volunteers. Awesome race I am so impressed!
Best Place for a Run-cation and PR
I loved that we got to spend some time exploring Myrtle Beach and having something to do days before the race. My fiance and I ran the race and both … MORE
I loved that we got to spend some time exploring Myrtle Beach and having something to do days before the race. My fiance and I ran the race and both PR’d in the half marathon. The course is very flat, which is a bonus, but they also take you through different areas of north/south Myrtle so we could see the ocean and enjoy some other scenery, too. The weather was perfect: chilly in the morning but the sun and cool breeze made for a great race. I would love to run this race again.
Had a blast!
It was a great day! I am a first time marathoner. I was thankful for the number of engaged volunteers. The course was fun. The medal and shirt are beautiful. … MORE
It was a great day! I am a first time marathoner. I was thankful for the number of engaged volunteers. The course was fun. The medal and shirt are beautiful. Literally the only thing I would have changed is I would have liked more real food at the food/water stations because most of what they had was GU and I just personally don’t like that. Overall it was a great rave from top to bottom!
Easy Course for First time Marathoner
Such an easy and beautiful course for a first time marathoner, like me, and for the seasoned marathon runner. Literally flat the entire way. (Just be warned of the head … MORE
Such an easy and beautiful course for a first time marathoner, like me, and for the seasoned marathon runner. Literally flat the entire way. (Just be warned of the head wind at every turn) I loved the front half of the course, not so much the back half. I think it was because more spectators were on the first part of the course cheering on more so than on the back side of the course. Fueling stations & volunteers every 2 miles was perfect. Adding pickle juice to the stations would send this over the top. This was the best ever experience for my first and my last marathon. However, not my last for half marathon, I will be doing this one in the future.
Great first marathon!
The course was amazing. It was an excellent first marathon. I loved the people and the scenery. I would have liked for the temperature to have been a little warmer, … MORE
The course was amazing. It was an excellent first marathon. I loved the people and the scenery. I would have liked for the temperature to have been a little warmer, but overall it was wonderful.
MB Half Marathon: one of the best!
Everything is great about this race: flat course, nice scenery, great volunteers, plenty of parking, great swag! I have run this race 5 times and will continue to come back. … MORE
Everything is great about this race: flat course, nice scenery, great volunteers, plenty of parking, great swag! I have run this race 5 times and will continue to come back. My daughter and I run it each year and have a great time.
Flat and sunny
I ran Myrtle Beach on my 50 states journey. The expo was located within a Dave and Busters, which was very loud, and very confusing. The volunteers at the expo … MORE
I ran Myrtle Beach on my 50 states journey. The expo was located within a Dave and Busters, which was very loud, and very confusing. The volunteers at the expo (which was billed as a Health and Wellness Expo) were a bit grumpy, perhaps because of the noise level. The race start was chaotic, the half and full start together and the pace groups were mixed up. All that being said, the course was quite flat and designed for a PR. Nasty headwind/crosswind almost the entire race, but otherwise lovely. The race app worked beautifully for tracking and results.