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Salisbury Marathon Reviews
Salisbury Marathon
4.5 Stars from
6 Runners
Nice small-town race
By MR about 2024
Review
This was my 18th marathon, and one of the smaller ones I've done. That has advantages and disadvantages. I'll list both below. The Race Director sent out lots of emails with great communication about everything leading up to race day, which was terrific.
Let's start with the pluses:
- Easy to get around town
- Quick and easy packet pickup
- No huge crowds of people
- Great volunteers
- Free beer, pizza, and live music at the finish
- Course was pancake flat
However, there are downsides to smaller races too:
- Very few spectators. The course got downright lonely out there, especially once the half marathoners turned off at 10.8.
- Most roads were not closed, and we runners had to contend with traffic (luckily, there weren't a lot of vehicles out on those back country roads).
- Course was pancake flat. I train on a lot of hills, and found myself yearning for an uphill just to use some different muscles.
- Packet pickup was underwhelming. Now, the people there were terrific, and I loved that we got to choose a mug, bag, or belt with our bib, but besides the table with bibs and those goodies, there were only a few racks of discounted apparel. I wasn't expecting a huge expo, but would have liked the ability to buy some gels or get some free samples. Or even have more than one sign telling us where to go (and luckily, I new that "RUNSBY" meant the marathon).
- The post-race experience was also humble. Again, all the people and volunteers were amazing, and it was nice to get two free beers, but again, you could tell this was a small-town race.
I know that looks like a longer list of downsides, but I just wanted to make sure people know what they are getting into. I personally prefer smaller races, so I liked this one better than most of the big-city races I've done. Again, the RD did a great job communicating, and you can tell the committee and volunteers put their heart and soul into this event. Just don't expect the entire city to shut down and cater to the runners, or tons of vendors and spectators, and you will realize that this is a well-organized, fairly low-key event.
Race Tips
There are no indoor facilities at the start (or really, the finish either), so dress warmly and take advantage of the bag drop! There are three total "inclines," each of which barely qualify as a hill, and can be ascended in mere seconds. Don't worry about doing tons of elevation in your training. Get used to running on your own, as spectators are in short supply.
Parking was a breeze in the garage, with a half-mile walk to the start. You finish right by the garage so that is nice. Be aware that you will be sharing most of the roads with vehicles.
4 /
5 Stars
Solid Spring Choice for Maryland!
By AMT about 2023
Review
It rained something nasty, and that's no fault of anyone. Maryland weather is unpredictable by its very nature, so just roll with it.
I stopped at packet pickup, and it was easier than falling off a log. They DO offer to send your packet to you, which is nice. They're on point with organization and prep. They have timing mats at multiple locations throughout the course. Keep your eyes open.
Watch your step early; there is a small bridge to cross, and the posts are held in place by raised concrete.
As happens with races where the half-marathon splits off, the second half was pretty lonely, and very few people were out cheering for us in the rain. Rural Eastern Maryland is nice, but it's a test of mental toughness!
The only thing that I'd suggest is that some better directions (walking) from the parking garage to the start area be provided. It's dark, and it's easy to get turned around!
Post-race beer and food was just divine, thanks.
Race Tips
The course is mainly flat. If you're not used to that, train for it.
Hotels in Salisbury are a mixed bag, so check reviews. Arrive early at the parking garage (which is free for the racers, or perhaps because it's a weekend).
Road closures can make getting out of Salisbury very difficult. If you have the time to spare, just find a nice place to eat and wait it out. Otherwise, it's gonna get gridlock-y.
5 /
5 Stars
Beautiful, Friendly Maryland Marathon
By DD about 2023
Review
The weather was terrible--rain, strong winds, but other than that it was all good. In fact, it's never as bad as you think it's going to be with that weather! The volunteers were cheerful and helpful all around. The race director was so stressed out before the race, due to the weather! When we were cleared to race he sure got happy!
Race Tips
The course is pretty even as far as the hills. It is not flat, as advertised, but it goes up and down on small hills pretty regularly, which I actually prefer to pancake flat. Plan on even pacing. Plenty of porta potties and drop bags were handled efficiently.
I Ubered around and it was fine except pretty expensive race morning when I scheduled ahead. The parking idea was great for people who drove. I stayed at the Hampton which was nice but it would have been better had I rented a car. It would be better to get a hotel closer to the start if you don't have a car.
5 /
5 Stars
2022 Salisbury Marathon
By wjm about 2022
Review
What a great Marathon, definitely a great choice for Mid Atlantic area early spring marathon. This course is very flat fast, and organized very well. I was looking for a race to use for my BQ and looked all over the PA, NY, NJ, DE, MD, and VA area. My goal was to find a fast course in the first week or two of April to lessen the chances of getting to hot and humid of a race day. I will take cold over heat after training all winter in the cold. The course was absolutely beautiful. Plenty of local hotels. The downtown goes all out with a free parking garage right near the start. You could not ask for a better venue and organization. The race went perfect with going -8:24 under my BQ need. Can't say enough good things. Highly recommend it. I think this race is a hidden gem that will boom in the years to come.
Race Tips
The course is very flat, pancake flat. You run with the half marathoners till the 11 mile mark or so and then you turn left and they go right. Make sure not to miss the turn but the volunteers are very helpful. From about mile 14 to 18 it the aid stations seemed sparse their was one station in this area that was unmanned but well equipped. The race director warned all the marathoners of this before the race. Evidently a volunteer team backed out. Was not an issue for me. All the other stations had water Gatorade gels and plenty of great volunteers. The only thing I noticed about the whole race was everyone I spoke to and gps tracking I saw of other runners had the first 3 miles being long. This caused the marathon to be between .15 and .20 long. May not seem like a big deal but it pushed my finish time from a 3:15:10 to a 3:16:36. This should not be any issue since I have a -8:24 buffer but for some that are on the bubble this could be a huge factor. I am going to reach out to the RD to see if he has any thoughts on this or I am sure if it was long it will be adjusted for 2023. For me it was the perfect course I sat on a 7:25 pace from the start and the course was so consistent and enjoyable I was able to push through at that the whole way.
I stayed at the Sleep Inn in Salisbury about 4 miles from the race start. I wish I would have registered earlier and booked the hotel earlier because the race hotel is a La Quinta Inn and it is like a 1/3 of a mile from the finish maybe 1/2 mile from the start. Some great restaurants right downtown and since it is a Saturday morning race. Stay the weekend and you have have all Sunday to enjoy or head to the beach which is not far away.
5 /
5 Stars
Very flat, well organized race
By WP about 2021
Review
This race offered mailing my bib number to me. The bib did not come in on time, a lot of runners had to go near the starting line and get a new bib before the race started. This minor issue seemed to be fixed for everyone. The race was well organized for opening up after covid protocols became more relaxed. I believe there was not much they could have changed given the circumstances. I plan on running it again next year.
Race Tips
Course is very flat, there were pacers available. Around miles 15-17 I remember running through an open road that had a consistent amount of wind. This was the only thing I did not expect on race day.
There was a parking garage near the finish line that was free to park in. It was less than a mile walk to the starting line from this garage.
5 /
5 Stars
Warm, humid, flat, very well-supported
By VP about 2018
Review
This was the first year this marathon was held and the organizers did a fantastic job. There was water and gatorade around every 1.5 miles. There were Clif shots and chew Bloks around every 3 miles, sometimes more often. The course was very well marked and there were plenty of officials and volunteers checking in on and looking out for the runners. The course is flat, aside from a few slight inclines to go over overpasses. And the majority of the course is very beautiful: through a pretty park with creeks, along many beautiful stretches of farm fields, through a college campus, and then through more residential areas when heading back into the town center. The t-shirt, pint glass, pin, live tracking app, and awesome huge medal were all great.
However, it was brutally hot. Also, relentlessly humid. Not much shade for long stretches, especially along the fields. It was so alarmingly humid and hot (up to 73FF and varying from 55-90% humidity) that they started handing out ice along with water and gatorade. The organizers clearly stepped up to help and give out even more water. A lot of runners seemed to be crapping out and walking more than they normally would have. There's nothing that anyone can do about the weather and I think the average for that time of year is normally lower. But from now on I'll only be looking for races earlier in the spring or late in the fall, just in case.
Race Tips
Be prepared for humidity and wear all the sunscreen possible. Wear a hat or visor, if you tolerate them well. The course is pretty flat, but pace yourself, especially so you can get through the long, unshaded stretches around miles 15-19.
Nice small-town race