Long Island Marathon Reviews

  Great Race

By JD about 2024

Review

I loved this race. The course was a half marathon loop run twice. It was mostly flat and I enjoyed the variation that it offered - we started and ended in a park. We ran a lap of a track and stretches on bike/walking paths, as well as roads. I ran just over half of the race with a pacer, who did his job well. The volunteers were friendly and proactive in asking whether runners wanted Gatorade or water. The people working at the expo were similarly friendly and helpful. I don't have any suggestions for race organizers in relation to my experience as a marathoner; however, I would suggest re-designing the half marathoners' starting arrangements. This year, the marathoners started in the first corral, followed by the half marathoners. This meant that many half marathoners had to pass several slower marathoners to run their preferred paces. This didn't impact me as a marathoner, but I think half marathoners would have a better experience if they were mixed with the marathoners and sorted by speed as opposed to race distance.

  FANTASTIC!!

By NL about 2024

Review

I'm a seasoned marathoner and have been to Boston, Houston, Indianapolis and this marathon is a hidden gem!! I will definitely be coming back. It was so well organized. There was lead bike support for female and male top runners for both the half and full marathons, excellent hydration stops and plenty of them. The crowds were great and so encouraging. It is 2 loops, they are a bit circuitous, but it didn't impact my race pace much. There were so many porta pots and I never had to wait, weather is usually good this time of year in NY. It was a great flat course. It felt like big race energy with a small town feel and there is also a food truck fair attached to the race, so there is a band with live music, food trucks, and seating/tables for after the race and even rides for children. I will be coming back and bringing my kids. Seriously a great race!

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

There are plenty of local hotels and the race is inside a large park where you can easily park the morning of the race and hang out and warm up within the park with ease and no stress.

  Great Race

By JD about 2024

Review

I loved this race. The course was a half marathon loop run twice. It was mostly flat and I enjoyed the variation that it offered - we started and ended in a park. We ran a lap of a track and stretches on bike/walking paths, as well as roads. I ran just over half of the race with a pacer, who did his job well. The volunteers were friendly and proactive in asking whether runners wanted Gatorade or water. The people working at the expo were similarly friendly and helpful. I don’t have any suggestions for race organizers in relation to my experience as a marathoner; however, I would suggest re-designing the half marathoners’ starting arrangements. This year, the marathoners started in the first corral, followed by the half marathoners. This meant that many half marathoners had to pass several slower marathoners to run their preferred paces. This didn’t impact me as a marathoner, but I think half marathoners would have a better experience if they were mixed with the marathoners and sorted by speed as opposed to race distance.

  

By Sam Smullen about 2017

Review

I didn't like the fact that they didn't have Gatorade at every water station. First Gatorade was at the Mile 4 then again at Mile 9. They did have Gatorade at every water station after Half and Full split after Mile 10.

  

By LO about 2016

Race Tips

Need to be mentally ready. You are alone for awhile on the course and if you need heavy crowds this isn't the race for you.