Myrtle Beach Marathon Reviews

  Tim I's review of 2019 MB Marathon

By Tim about 2019

Review

Well organized, flat course, well marked with plenty of aid stations. Warmer and more humid than I would have preferred as I am a predominantly a cold weather runner, but I understand this year was an anomaly in that regard and obviously out of the organizers control. I anticipated large crowds and interesting scenery being at the beach, but to be honest, after the first half or so, things were rather sparse on both accounts. Overall a good experience that probably would have been considerably better had the temperature been 10 or 15 degrees cooler. Pre-race expo was good but cramped and could have used a space double the size.

Race Tips

Not much in the way of strategy as the course if basically a long flat loop with a few turn arounds here and there. Obviously, should you choose to chase a pacer, ask up front what their strategy is. No reason in my opinion for a pacer to begin faster than pace in the first 3 miles in order to "bank" time, but that's exactly what mine did. Fortunately I checked my watch after the first mile and was able to throttle myself back and re-establish a reasonable groove.

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

I stayed a mile away at a host hotel which was nice as I was able to walk back to the hotel after the race, something that helped initiate my recovery process. Rooms were plentiful this time of year and rates good in the off season.

  Well organized, flat course

By SB about 2019

Review

This is a flat, fast(it) course, parking is easy, volunteers are helpful and supportive. The police did a great job of making the course safe. Start time is perfect at 7am. The packet pickup is organized, but space is tight. Overall, a well run race that is worth the effort to participate in.

Race Tips

Even pacing will work well here - no hills to speak of . Be prepared for possible head wind around miles 18-20. It can also be a little lonely after the half marathoners break off and crowd support is thin. Well marked course (loved giant mile markers) aid/water stations every 2 miles were helpful.

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

Myrtle Beach has an abundance of hotels, so that was easy. Parking day of is very simple and plentiful.

  Flat, fast, PR course if you can handle the heat

By Tim S. about 2019

Review

The course was exactly what I was looking for. Flat, fast, well marked, enough competitors that you never feel too alone. Well supported with aid stations and volunteers. However at 60 deg, it was a bit warm for me. I hear this was unseasonably warm, but has occurred a few times for this race. Cloud cover and slight breeze helped, but I also hear some years the wind is pretty strong. There was an overlapping section where the 5k shared the course with the marathon and half marathon which was unacceptable. I had to weave between hundreds of 5k walkers who were not staying to the right and taking up the entire width of the course. Hopefully they fix this next year.

The finish festival had great amenities and atmosphere, but the setup was really confusing. I've done 40 or so races and never had such a hard time finding food and drink. It was all there, but navigating the different areas to find everything was a pain.

Long sleeve shirts are a cool color and design, but the fit is awful. Baggy and loose doesn't seem like a shirt for runners.

Overall really enjoyed the race though!

Race Tips

Don't solely rely on pacers (as for any race). The 3 hour pacer for full didn't show up. There were 2 1:30 half pacers. One did well and the other went out way to fast and ended up walking by mile 8. Parking and starting like logistics including bathrooms are really easy.

  Loved it!

By cln about 2017

Review

This was my 1st marathon and my only one so far, but I'm having trouble finding one (w/out traveling too far) that I think will compare. It was definitely not a boring course, plenty of spectators, and flat, flat, flat. Highly recommend!

  

By cf about 2017

  

By Mh about 2016

Review

Fun race. A little windy when wind blows from the north east

  

By jmc about 2016

Review

This is my favorite of the 4 marathon courses I have run so far (Myrtle, Charleston, Richmond, Raleigh). The course takes you through the entire (south) myrtle water front. Flat, cool and fast! This course doesn't lake in anything from Myrtle Beach highlights to water stops. The don't have a huge expo but it is a very good size. Technical shirt, blanket and flip-flop medal awaits!

Race Tips

This is a PR type of course. It is flat and fast. The biggest issue is that many go out too fast since the half shares the course until mile 12. Be careful to stay on pace or you will struggle once you hit the hardest part of the course from 16 - 22. There really isn't any hills to speak of but this is where you will hit some grades and most likely a head wind (19-20).

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

There is an endless amount of hotel space. Shop around and I am sure you will find a reasonable rate. It is very easy to get to the start/finish area off of 17 bypass (Broadway at the Beach) so you can stay anywhere. If you stay close to the beach you can even take a shuttle!

  Flat marathon, but can get windy

By Anonymous about 2011

Review

I thought it was a pretty well run marathon. Course is a bit boring, but very, very flat. Start time is good though - 630am. The half marathon starts at the same time which makes it crowded.

Race Tips

The race is really flat. Some times it got windy, but I was with a pace group and just tucked behind some people to help break the wind.