Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon Reviews

  Flat + Straight = FAST!

By Ben Lewis about 2023

Review

The Tidewater Striders Dismal Swamp Marathon gives an outstanding opportunity for PRs and BQs. It's a 6.55 mile double-out-and-back course that is just about as flat and straight as is possible, so no need to worry about running the tangents or strategies for dealing with hills. You'd have to REALLY weave a lot to run more than around 26.27ish on this race course. I got a 13 1/2 minute marathon PR and a BQ time!

Race Tips

Plenty of parking close to the start line. Very laid back. No bag drop, but with it being a double out-and-back with people sitting at the start/finish area, I felt completely comfortable just leaving my backpack with a group of strangers. Also, I was able to run the first half with a handheld water bottle and just toss it to the people who had my backpack halfway through. If you wanted, you could have someone toss you a second bottle if you don't want to do on-course at all!

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

I arrived less than 45 minutes before start time and that was plenty of time.