2015 Race Reviews

The 2015 spinner medal
The 2015 spinner medal

This is the page where I post feedback on the race, as I have done in prior years (2014, 2013, 2012). I’ve already given my own thoughts in this recap.

And now, on to the reviews, which I glean from blogs, Facebook, Instagram, and emails (if I get consent). The page will get updated as reviews come in. Assuming, of course, that I like the review. Otherwise, the hell with ‘ya…

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I loved the race, loved the course, and was stunned by the support all along the way. (Laura Coogan, 2015 women’s champion)

Fun 13.1 mile trail run through the woods of Scarsdale, Eastchester, Mamaroneck and New Rochelle gave me flashbacks to ‪#‎MarineCorps‬ boot camp. (Carl E. Reid)

I still don’t know what I was thinking, registering for this race… but I’m pretty sure I’ll be back next year. Thank you!! (Leiba R, via Facebook)

Just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for putting together such an awesome race!! I loved the idea of doing a half marathon on trails. It’s like high school cross country on steroids! …Throughout the entire race, I just kept thinking – “This is so cool. I can’t believe we are still on trails. This is so cool.”  Looking forward to next year! (Kristen Dams-O’Connor via email)

 

Feeling the pain, but still grateful to and team for staging a great race. Nothing better than in the woods. (@thomashmatthews via Twitter)

P2P-woods-2
Dave Lesser (Amateur Idiot) wishing he had trained harder…

As far as logistics go, this is probably the most organized race I’ve run. As I mentioned, there are plenty of police officers and volunteers directing car and foot traffic, before and during the race. There is a bag drop truck that meets you at the finish line, enough port-a-potties that lines are not an issue, and even showers at the end of the race…The post-race food was spectacular.  (Dave Lesser — Amateur Idiot / Professional Dad, race review)

Thanks again for an awesome race! It keeps getting better each year. Well marked course, plenty of friendly volunteers, awesome tchotchkes, a massage, and smoked salmon!…I clear my schedule for the PtoP as this is one of my favorite races of the year. I will run this race every year until my legs fall off. (Paul Greenberg, in the recap comments)

Great job again. Kudos to the organizers and volunteers. See you in 2016. (Bob Parisi, via Facebook)

I just ran my first P2P yesterday and wanted to extend my deepest appreciation for all that you have done and continue to do to make this race a reality.  My thanks to all of your race volunteers, government officials, police, rescue workers and others I’m sure I’m missing who work together to do something special for our community and to help pass on an appreciation for some interesting history that’s literally found in our own backyards.

Just as fellow runners support each other on the trails with words of encouragement, I wanted to do the same for you and your team – “Looking good, great job, keep it up and most importantly THANK YOU!!!”  (Kurt Ryden, via email)

I just wanted to thank the race director, Eric, and all the volunteers on the course, at the start/finish line, and behind the scenes for a great race! As always, you do an amazing job! A special thank you to the person who found my car key at the start of the race and returned it. Because of you, I didn’t have to run home and my legs will be forever grateful . (Heather Metz, via Facebook)

Henry from Singapore
Henry from Singapore

I really enjoyed the race. Awesome singletracks, consistent markings, noisy volunteers, stadium finish, and even delicious post race grub! Loved to be a part of the local atmosphere especially, I was glad I made it out. You robably you don’t get too many singaporeans in your race that often too. Thanks again and Hope to catch you again for P2P next year! (Henry from Singapore, via email)

I just wanted to say thank you for a great race yesterday.

It was well run, well organized, and  well  marked – just well done on all accounts.

Volunteers, cheerleaders, bag organizers, people manning the aid stops – all were courteous, helpful and encouraging (being a member of the 6th wave I appreciated that!)

I had a blast  and am looking forward to doing it again next year….. just a little faster. (Chris Munch, via email)

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! Great course, great weather, simply great to be part of. (Stephanie Raichelson, via Facebook)

Although I was technically wave 4, I stayed back until wave 6 to start with a friend, and I really appreciated how genuinely you addressed each group separately. I’d been hearing about this race for months, and I am so happy I was able to participate. I can’t wait for next year! (Liysa Mendels, via email)

A huge thank you to all the volunteers.  Their cheerfulness and hard work made this a truly great event.  THANK YOU!!!! (Jack Serra-Lima, in the volunteer comments)

MusketManI wanted to send a quick note to say thank you to you and all your amazing volunteers. I had a great time at today’s race and can’t wait to do it again next year. Everything from the course, to the witty pre-race emails was fabulous–thank you. (Rachel Meier)

What a great day for a trail half marathon. Good weather, amazing course, great people. Thank you Eric Turkewitz for yet another great day. The shirts weren’t too bad either. (Sean Mosher-Smith, shirt artist and finisher)

I just wanted to join the ranks in congratulating you on a wonderful event!  Thanks so much for your support and encouragement – I had the BEST time – the course was awesome and everything was so well run – all the volunteers were great…  I felt great and, though I was slow as molasses, had no problem at all finishing – definitely fed off the energy of the day. (Renee Hodys, via email)

Thanks for the fantastic race experience yesterday. You and your organizing team (plus volunteers) went all out to make the event spectacular, yet again. This race continues to be one of my most favorite ones ever (of the 200+ I participated in). (Andreas Stresemann, via email)

(This page will be updated with more quotes and links as I find them)

3 thoughts on “2015 Race Reviews”

  1. P2P was my first half and first trail. I thought I was ready, after all I trained in these woods for the last 2 months. Boy was I wrong, I questioned my decision making at about mile 11ish . Then I completed the race with my PR. Now it hurts to move, and all I can think about is when can I sign up for the next one

  2. Coming from Vegas, I knew the temps would be ‘chilly’ for me in Westchester. Although, as usual, I thought my 100 Fahrenheit temp runs through 3,100 feet of mountainous elevation would prepare me for whatever P2P threw out. I think that every year…and every year P2P kicks my butt!…those damn rocks and tree roots the first 11km!!! Although, this year by some miracle, the first time in 5 attempts, I managed to stay ON COURSE and complete P2P in a personal record. And next year…I am not having anyone beat me by 8 seconds even though I beat him to the finish line!!! (damn those chip start times) Thanks to Eric and the ENTIRE crew who put on this race. You guys are a class act all the way. See you in 2016…and please put up those “insane mega early bird specials” for us crazy people who can predict our schedules 365 days out!!!

  3. Absolutely a first class event, thanks to you , the volunteers, and sponsors. For several years, as a New Rochelle resident, I have been coming to the finish to see friends and helping out, when asked.. Last year, I decided that I would run the race as a 70 year old and get one of those great finisher’s medals. I know the New Rochelle section of the race very well, cause I often run there. But the wetland bridges, the hills, the waterfalls, the tunnels and lakes in the other towns and villages. ….awesome. Looking at all that beauty might help explain why I tripped and fell down twice. But the race could not live up to its reputation without a little suffering and, appropriately, the “Got Pain” sign along the course was a subtle reminder. Hope to do it again next year.

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