I'll start by saying that yes, I would recommend this marathon, but only if you know what you're getting into. ODM used to be a point to point race run … MORE
I’ll start by saying that yes, I would recommend this marathon, but only if you know what you’re getting into. ODM used to be a point to point race run from Cape May to Sea Isle City. After a few years of runners complaining about the nonstop headwind, the race decided to make it an out and back course starting and ending in Sea Isle City. I can’t speak to the original course, but based on over half of this event, I can imagine it was even more of a meat grinder then! Elevation-wise, it’s a piece of cake, but as for *course* difficulty, the wind makes it tough. Pros and cons:
Pros: Well organized and well marked course; turns obviously marked with signs and cones.
Aid stations every 2.5 miles – decent given it’s generally cool this time of year.
Some nice scenery; you run the boardwalk towards the end and the bridges have nice views, but you’re also in a lot of neighborhoods.
Great shirt, decent medal, nice AG award.
Race day bib pick up if needed.
Warm tent for awards and food after the race, good options (pastries, sandwiches, broth, coffee, water, and other items).
Instant results.
Nice size event; there is no half, it’s a marathon and a 10 miler.
Cons: not a lot of communication – one email after registering, one after they decided to change the course, nothing leading up to the race.
Expo was hard to find, just need to narrow down its location within the conference center (venue personnel there were not helpful until someone showed up who knew where the race expo was).
Plastic cups instead of paper made it difficult to drink on the move without sloshing water or Gatorade all over yourself. Paper lets you pinch the top together to sip more easily while running.
WIND WIND WIND. Since they changed the course, there were a few isolated spots that had a nice tailwind so the first half felt pretty fast. As soon as you round the cone at the halfway point, it’s a vicious headwind the entire way back. I was somewhat mentally prepared based on previous years’ reviews but it’s still like running into a wall.
The location itself was pleasant; nice little restaurants, inns, and local flavor in Sea Isle city. I would have preferred a little bit more communication leading up to the race, but it worked out just fine. I don’t have plans to run this race again, it was to cross off New Jersey, but I’m glad I ran it. I felt like I accomplished something more than the usual sense of accomplishment after finishing a marathon. This was number 47 and it was one of the toughest but I was proud of my time and the struggle made it more meaningful. If you are looking for something similar, I’d recommend it. If you’re looking for big crowds, lots of on course support, and an easy day, probably not your cup of tea.
Meat grinder
I'll start by saying that yes, I would recommend this marathon, but only if you know what you're getting into. ODM used to be a point to point race run … MORE
I’ll start by saying that yes, I would recommend this marathon, but only if you know what you’re getting into. ODM used to be a point to point race run from Cape May to Sea Isle City. After a few years of runners complaining about the nonstop headwind, the race decided to make it an out and back course starting and ending in Sea Isle City. I can’t speak to the original course, but based on over half of this event, I can imagine it was even more of a meat grinder then! Elevation-wise, it’s a piece of cake, but as for *course* difficulty, the wind makes it tough. Pros and cons:
Pros: Well organized and well marked course; turns obviously marked with signs and cones.
Aid stations every 2.5 miles – decent given it’s generally cool this time of year.
Some nice scenery; you run the boardwalk towards the end and the bridges have nice views, but you’re also in a lot of neighborhoods.
Great shirt, decent medal, nice AG award.
Race day bib pick up if needed.
Warm tent for awards and food after the race, good options (pastries, sandwiches, broth, coffee, water, and other items).
Instant results.
Nice size event; there is no half, it’s a marathon and a 10 miler.
Cons: not a lot of communication – one email after registering, one after they decided to change the course, nothing leading up to the race.
Expo was hard to find, just need to narrow down its location within the conference center (venue personnel there were not helpful until someone showed up who knew where the race expo was).
Plastic cups instead of paper made it difficult to drink on the move without sloshing water or Gatorade all over yourself. Paper lets you pinch the top together to sip more easily while running.
WIND WIND WIND. Since they changed the course, there were a few isolated spots that had a nice tailwind so the first half felt pretty fast. As soon as you round the cone at the halfway point, it’s a vicious headwind the entire way back. I was somewhat mentally prepared based on previous years’ reviews but it’s still like running into a wall.
The location itself was pleasant; nice little restaurants, inns, and local flavor in Sea Isle city. I would have preferred a little bit more communication leading up to the race, but it worked out just fine. I don’t have plans to run this race again, it was to cross off New Jersey, but I’m glad I ran it. I felt like I accomplished something more than the usual sense of accomplishment after finishing a marathon. This was number 47 and it was one of the toughest but I was proud of my time and the struggle made it more meaningful. If you are looking for something similar, I’d recommend it. If you’re looking for big crowds, lots of on course support, and an easy day, probably not your cup of tea.
Scenic course, but weather can be trying
With fair weather, this marathon would be fast and scenic. We weren't so lucky in 2016 though. A stiff NE wind buffeted us all day on the course. Combined with … MORE
With fair weather, this marathon would be fast and scenic. We weren’t so lucky in 2016 though. A stiff NE wind buffeted us all day on the course. Combined with temperatures near 40 degrees F made for a tough race. The course was well marked up until we reached a residential area near the end. It may be that one of the 40 mph wind gusts blew the traffic cones away. Most of the turns were very well marked though. The t-shirts were well designed without the usual sponsor logos, but the medal was rather cheap looking. Food at the finish consisted of bagels, mini pastries, coffee, chicken broth, and water. Race officials did allow for an early start, but then closed the course early due to the weather and waves splashing over a bridge approach. You can’t blame them for the weather though.
The WINDS of the NJ shore!
This is one I won't soon forget! Had a great winter of training, and this was probably my best performance given the weather conditions. So the Ocean Drive Marathon is … MORE
This is one I won’t soon forget! Had a great winter of training, and this was probably my best performance given the weather conditions. So the Ocean Drive Marathon is completely flat but is a point to point course on the ocean, which means the winds can be brutal. Unfortunately for us, the temps were mid 20s with 20 mph head winds. On top of this, my GPS watch fell apart 10 minutes before the start, so i felt like i was running naked. Fortunately, this race puts Big LED signs out every 5 miles, so there is at least some semblance of your time. I had planned to run 8-minute miles and was shocked that I hit every LED sign at exactly an 8-minute pace. Easy math…..40/80/120/160 etc….. so somehow, even with the brutal headwind, I maintained this pace the entire marathon. My first age group award and 2nd BQ! I firmly believe the wind took at least 3 minutes from my time and took a PR performance from me. Update: after years of hearing input about the Wind, the Course Directors changed the course to an out n back. I haven’t run it since, but it must be much faster.