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Rehoboth Beach Marathon Reviews
Rehoboth Beach Marathon
4.9 Stars from
7 Runners
Scenic course in a beach town
By J.V. about 2023
Review
The scenic course starts by the ocean, and is a mixture of road, some boardwalk, and a decent amount of crushed gravel/stone dust trail (more off-road trail than I expected). The course is mostly flat with some minor inclines and declines. There were well stocked aid stations approximately every two miles (the volunteers were fantastic). The race website said they'd have water and Powerade, but in 2023 the aid stations actually had water and Gatorade.
There are several sharp turnarounds.
At about the 21st-ish mile the marathon and half marathons converge on a stone dust out-and-back trail. It can get quite congested in places, so be prepared.
Also note that it can be quite humid in Rehoboth, even in December.
The post race food and after party are excellent. The party tent was buzzing!
Race Tips
The course is well marked and traffic control is excellent. Just note that there is a decent amount of crushed gravel/stone dust trail and be prepared for congestion with the half marathon in the last five-ish miles.
Like most races, the bathroom lines explode closer to the start time. Getting to the start early is beneficial. The difference between the bathroom lines at 6:00 am and 6:15 am is huge.
I'd recommend parking on Rehoboth Ave between the start and finish line (between Rehoboth Running Company and the ocean). There seemed to be ample parking in that area when I arrived at 5:50 am with no congestion or logistical issues to worry about.
4 /
5 Stars
Well Organized, Nice Course
By MS about 2022
Review
The course is generally flat, so if you are looking for something fast this will fit the bill. Large sections are out and backs on park bike trails. That will help or hurt depending on your preferences. Pre race communication is, ahem, extensive. There were more emails from the race director for this marathon than any other race (marathon or otherwise) that I have ever run.
Race Tips
The race has an 'informal drop off' for clothes you want for the finish line. At the start, there are no signs for where to find it nor does anyone associated with the race seem to know where they are. After asking quite a few people and getting increasingly frustrated and closer to the starting time we finally got an answer. They are along the road near the pavilion towards the beach. You might want to note that if you plan to run this race.
Personally, I like staying within walking distance of the start/finish. In Rehoboth there are a lot of options that will let you do that.
5 /
5 Stars
Beautiful Seashore Marathon!
By Dena D about 2022
Review
First of all, it rained almost the entire race. That said, everything else was excellent--who can control the weather? The course was beautiful-at times a beautiful view of the ocean, other times running through a forested park and sometimes there were lovely mansions along the course. The volunteers were all helpful and friendly.
Race Tips
If you have a car you can save $$ booking a room a couple miles down the road. We stayed at the Comfort Inn and it was fine. The town of Rehoboth Beach is cute and touristy. So many good places for seafood, mexican or Italian food. The course really is almost flat. I got 129' gain on my Garmin. Lots of BQ's can be had here!
If you drive a few streets over you can find lots of free parking. There's no actual parking lot.
5 /
5 Stars
Perfect, flat race!
By CS about 2017
Review
The course is flat, the "hills" are not really hard. If you can't BQ on that course you were not up to it.
Plenty of water and aid stations. (Even some ice cream at a DQ!) Awesome after party with tons of food and proper beer from Dogfish Head.
The signup fee is quite high, but considering the after party, you get what you pay for.
Would I do it again: Totally! If the weather is in your favor (manly risk strong wind at the coast) this is a perfect race to PR/BQ.
Race Tips
- Do not expect Hugh crowd support. People are very supportive but it is a small town.
- If you have stormy weather, that might be an issue as there is not much protection from buildings.
- Pacing: I paced even effort to compensate for the "hills".
- If it is around/below 32F be prepared that a raised walkway in the state park might be icy. Just don't slow down ;-)
- On the greenway at mile 20 and coming back at 24 are several sharp turns on gravel and some slower HM runners that you have to pass. Not ideal. Maybe plan for some impact on your pace.
- There is plenty of parking close to the start line. You can easily get a hotel in Dewey Beach and drive. There was no traffic jam, and plenty of parking with in a quarter mile of the start.
- Not enough Port-o-Poties at the start! Be there early or go in your hotel! I waited 25min!
- Plenty of Hotels.
5 /
5 Stars
By TL about 2016
Review
This race is so well organized and the course is beautiful! Organizers and the entire community are so welcoming and friendly.
Race Tips
The race is in December so it's a bit cold at the start.
Find the Rehoboth Marathon Facebook page which often posts venues that support the race. Also, other members are very helpful in giving suggestions for lodging.
5 /
5 Stars
By sc about 2016
Review
Nice flat, fast course. gGood scenery. Great after race events.
Staying two miles away in Dewey avoids the Rehoboth Beach hotel two-night minimum requirements.
5 /
5 Stars
By EMR about 2012
Review
Real nice small town race. Some nice views. Very flat course except for some moderate hills in Cape Henlopen Park (miles 13-17). Get to run about 6 miles on a hard packed cinder trail which saves the legs. Have a big post race set-up w/ Beer and burgers. Unfortunatly I can't eat heavy food after a race and there was no light food (banannas, bagels, pretzels, etc) to be found anywhere.
Race Tips
Once you leave Cape Henlopen Park its all flat to the end. No real fan support at all but its to be expected on a smaller race like this. Race has plentiful aid stops and has some gel stops too.
I found an inexpensive motel (EconoLodge) which was only 5 minutes from start. I arrived 45 minutes early and had no problems w/ parking or using the port-a-potties.
Scenic course in a beach town