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i ran in the first two osm's in '76 and '77 on a very nice looping course around newport that started and finished at roger's high school(just to set the record straight as to when it all started). back when bobby doyle was on the scene.
rolland gardner
rolland14@cox.net
north kingstown, RI USA
- Tuesday, July 05, 2005 at 20:21:31 (ET)
It is truly difficult to put an end to an 11 year quest to provide a high quality, national class, marathon that caters to every runner from first to last. But we could no longer justify considerable sponsorship expenditures on a entry field that did not increase sufficiently to warrant continuation. We rest on the success we enjoyed over the years and sincerely hope many of you have pleasing memories of OSM.
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greenwich, RI USA
- Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 18:44:56 (ET)
Is it true that the OSM is no longer? I was planning on entering this year (after an injury filled year last year) and I saw a listing for the OSM on October 24th on the Runner's World website. If there is no OSM this year, where did you read that?
Scott D
Portsmouth, RI USA
- Thursday, January 08, 2004 at 11:20:58 (ET)
It is sad to hear that there will not be a OSM in 2004. That makes me even more happy I had a chance to run it in Oct (it was also my first marathon!). I am going to run the NYC marathon this fall if I can instead. The one additional comment I wanted to make, was that it was difficult to find where to check bags. I ended up having to run to the starting line from the convention center just in time to see the gun go off. Overall, though I will have fond memories. I'm sure there will be some kind of RI based marathon some day.
Chris
Providence, RI USA
- Monday, January 05, 2004 at 13:18:52 (ET)
I too am disappointed with the decision to discontinue the OSM as I enjoy the intimacy and simplicity of the smaller marathon. Maybe moving the race a few weeks into Nov would make a difference but the fall is generally a good time as I think NE runners like to train in the warmth and those that move on to Boston have a few months recovery before spring training. Prov has a lot to offer out of towners and finding accomodations is not difficult.Perhaps more aggressive advertising would entice runners to RI and better yet, like Boston and NY, name it after our city, the Providence Marathon.
Paula
USA
- Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 08:46:08 (ET)
For me, I feel there is a dearth of local marathons and, for that matter, half-marathons in the spring. It goes without saying, that a great number of us don't qualify for Boston. A Patriot's Day Marathon would be fantastic for Rhode Island and would draw a big field.
Thomas
MA USA
- Saturday, December 06, 2003 at 07:02:42 (ET)
Today, sadly, I read that the OSM is no longer. The State of R.I. is now without a Marathon. If and when a Marathon returns to the State of Rhode Island I hope it is in early November as in the past. I think alot of New England runners miss having an early November marathon. I just recently ran the Philadelphia Marathon and there were close to 400 participants from New England. I would not have gone to Philly if a R.I. Marathon in Nov. still existed. I believe a return to an early Nov. marathon would eventually bring back the number of runners (2,000+, early Nov.) that used to run in R.I. Just my thoughts.
Peter McDonald
Scarborough, ME USA
- Wednesday, December 03, 2003 at 20:13:41 (ET)
Is there going to be a marathon in Rhode Island next October?
Jim
Narragansett, RI USA
- Sunday, November 30, 2003 at 12:49:32 (ET)
Jeff and all marathon finishers: The certificates are in finishing order by male and female starting with first overall of each sex. They do not reflect any age group placing. The accompanying results have the overall and age group information.
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greenwich, RI USA
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 19:29:30 (ET)
I recently received my race results and certificate, and had a quick question: what category is used for the "place" that is referenced on the certificate? Mine doesn't correspond with "overall" or age/sex group (it's higher than my overall place, but lower than my age/sex place). Just curious. Thanks again for a great event.
Jeff
RI USA
- Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at 13:02:35 (ET)
I would like to say the osm was a great event. The gatorade/ultima didn't affect me. It wasn't a big deal. At the water stops volenteers would tell us what was what and if it was gatorade and i wanted to use gel then I'd just grab water, which was also avalible at each station.
John
RI USA
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 16:39:25 (ET)
Personally, I would have appreciated knowing which water stops had Gatorade and which had Ultima. I'm disappointed that this information was known, but not announced to the runners at the start. I was using gels. You can chase a gel with Ultima because Ultima has almost no carbs. Chasing a gel with Gatorade greates a high-sugar mixture in your stomach that takes a long time to be absorbed. Now I'm wondering how many gels I chased with Gatorade and how much it affected my performance. I don't fault the race officials for not having enough Ultima, but I do fault them for not conveying this information to the runners. The marathon is a serious event, and most marathon runners do their homework and will have a detailed energy consumption strategy. It's bad enough that Ultima was chosen as the sports drink (it's gross tasting and it has no energy), it's worse that a last minute switch was made and the runners were not alerted.
OSM 2003 Participant
USA
- Thursday, October 23, 2003 at 15:54:52 (ET)
Unfortunately, we discovered late in the game, a few days before the race, that our supply of Ultima was insufficient. We weren't shipped enough to be certain we could cover all water stop needs. We had Gatorade left from last year and we tried our best to intersperse it in a manner that wold cover our needs. We didn't have any time frame to alert runners of the problem. Our main concern was to ascertain that fluid replacement was available in ample supply at every station.
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greenwich, RI USA
- Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 18:39:53 (ET)
Gerry, So which was it? Ultima or Gatorade? I have a flexible stomach and probably could have drank Guinness at the the beverage stops, but what about those souls with iffy stomachs. I'd hate to train with one substance just to have it switched out from under me at the last instant. I'm not knocking the race, but it sounds like some kind of consistency issue needs to be addressed.
Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers, no matter what drink you were passing out. (hic cup) :)
Ultimate Gator
USA
- Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 12:53:58 (ET)
They said Tuesday of this week!
Ted
RI USA
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 14:25:52 (ET)
Does anyone know when the pictures from marathonfoto.com will be available?
Tara
tschaffer24@hotmail.com
Greenville, SC USA
- Monday, October 20, 2003 at 09:08:53 (ET)
Hi,
my name is Diana and I am looking for a running club or group near Middletown? I found your web site from rrc.org so maybe you can help me?
Thank you
Diana
Diana DeFreitas
dianade1@yahoo.com
Middletown, RI USA
- Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 09:20:43 (ET)
As a volunteer at the water station at mile 8.2 I'd like to clarify that it WAS Gatorade that we were passing out!Sorry Ultima reps!
Steve P
Warwick, RI USA
- Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 21:11:59 (ET)
Dear Gerry, Thanks for the explanation on the posting issue in the Providence Journal. I understand what the Journal prints is out of your control. I just felt bad for the runners who completed the course and were not recognized in the paper. You and your team did a wonderful job. See you next yearÂ….
Barbara-
USA
- Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 17:51:19 (ET)
I would hate to have been standing next to a rep from Ultima at any of the aid stations where the folks handing out cups were hollering, "Gatorade!"
Half Marathon Finisher
USA
- Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 14:36:54 (ET)
Congratulations on a great effort putting on this event while overcoming the hurdles of having the sponsor back out on you. I would like to thank you and your staff and all the volunteers and sponsors that made it possible.
I'll be back next year.
Marcel Lussier
sillyrunner@aol.com
Bellingham , MA USA
- Tuesday, October 14, 2003 at 09:42:37 (ET)
Hi Gerry,
Thank you for putting this race together. You and your staff did a fantastic job. At first, I was leery about all those hills but they ended up being insignificant after all. As for me. I came in the race with a 3:21 PR and ended up running 2:58:24 and qualify for Boston. Great race. Sorry I couldn't stay for the after-party but I did help me on some fine pasta and apple crisp before catching my 12PM train to NYC. I've already talked to some people here about the race and they will definitely come down for next year. The experience was amazing that I'd like to contribute money so that the event happens next year. How do I go about it?
Francis Nzeutem
francis@runnersplanet.com
Brooklyn, NY USA
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 20:14:33 (ET)
To Barbara and all entrants and finishers: I am not in the job of explaining editorial decisions generally but in this case I was privvy to a difficulty the Providence Journal might have with printing the full results on Monday. Evidently, the translation of results from our timing company to the Journal's editing process takes some time and expertise. The person who usually does the job was unavailable Sunday night and the transition was much more difficult than normal. I am in no way defending or apologizing for the lack of full results publication only providing information that was given to me before the race.
I am hopeful the remaining results will appear in the Journal's Tuesday edition. In no way, does OSM or Cerrone Auto Group, have any say on what the Providence Journal prints or doesn't print. The full results were available here by 6pm on race day and on coolrunning.com even earlier than that.
I truly appreciate all the kind words and will make certain all the volunteers who worked tirelessly in inclement weather are aware of the praise they have received and richly deserve. And, we thank every one of you for supporting our efforts with your own fine performances from first to final finisher.
See you all next year!
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greenwich, RI USA
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 20:03:14 (ET)
Very professional event I was proud to be a part of as a participant. Everyone seemed to know their job from the people at the expo to the water stations to the chip removers at the finish. Everyone treated with great cheer and courtesy - a real credit to the race Director who is the conductor of this army of enthusiastic volunteers.
Thank you very much indeed for a great experience and thanks to all sponsors who's support does not go unnoticed.
Enough said!!
Paul Howard
paulhoward@cox.net
Barrington, RI USA
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 19:36:53 (ET)
I would like to thank Gerry and all the volunteers for a great race. I will definitely be back!
I would also like to ditto Barbara's comments about the Jornal coverage. Of course it's not the fault of the race directors that the Journal did not post the full results. That being said, the Jornal should realize that they cut out about 209 potential readers when they decided to not post the full marathon results. My name was listed, but as a result of their omission I'm in no hurry to buy a Providence Jornal anytime soon.
OSM 2003 Participant
USA
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 19:13:52 (ET)
Dear Gerry, I was a little disappointed with the Providence Journal's coverage with the race results. Although it was not my first marathon, I was surprised that the journal chose to published just a partial listing of the finishers. It was stated that in the journal article that Al Cerrone was looking for input to improve the race. How about having him get the journal to print the whole list. I see the ads his dealership print in the journal; I'm sure if he requested it for next year they would accommodate him. I feel bad for the first time finishers that looked forward to having their friends and relatives see their success in the paper and had been short changed. Let me know your thoughts.
Barbara Durand
handscaler@cox.net
RI USA
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 17:11:32 (ET)
Great Job Everyone! I noticed there was a proffessional photographer at the finish line. Will they be making the photos available for sale and how do we contact them?
Ted
RI USA
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 15:12:43 (ET)
Being my first 1/2 marathon, I was unsure what to expect. Your event was one of greatest experiences I have had in a long time. Everyone was so friendly, food was great and the accommdations were "heavenly". See you next year.
Paul D. Schwartz
nightowlschwartz@aol.com
Phillipston, MA USA
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 11:17:39 (ET)
Gerry, Great job with the race everything was perfect. See you next year. Dave A.
Dave Armstrong
IRNALOT38@AOL.COM
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI USA
- Monday, October 13, 2003 at 07:43:33 (ET)
The staff and volunteers did a great job!! Tuff course to monitor every single spot-but u did great. Also thanks to the CCRI Medical staff--treated my wife and I after the run, they were so friendly, caring and helpful. Nice job to everyone--it was great! I'll be back.
Mark
Rothfuss_mark@emc.com
Brockton, MA USA
- Sunday, October 12, 2003 at 21:14:29 (ET)
Great job to Gerry, staff and all the volunteers. Had no problems with all the turns and overlaping of races. Light rain and cool temps.was just fine. Having Monday off after the race is key.
Ray
USA
- Sunday, October 12, 2003 at 20:26:28 (ET)
Thank you Gerry Beagan, the Cerrone group and all the volunteers for a fantastic marathon. I loved running with the half-marathoners and felt an urging to turn left on Broadway with them. The weather wasn't great for pictures but very "cool" for the race. A very memorable day.
Tom
MA USA
- Sunday, October 12, 2003 at 18:36:32 (ET)
I was training for my first marathon and injured my right quad pretty bad. I got up to 18 miles.. oh well. There is always next year. You should all be proud of yourselves and do the best you can. HAVE A GREAT RACE.
Cindy
clcewe@comcast.net
Middleboro, MA USA
- Saturday, October 11, 2003 at 19:22:32 (ET)
are there shower facilities at the convention center or close by?
bill sweetay
sweetay@hargray.com
hilton head island, SC USA
- Friday, October 10, 2003 at 11:51:14 (ET)
To Rex and everyone: Entry fees for OSM are based on getting some type of handle on how many people we can expect on race day so we can plan for shirts, medals, food, beverages, program books and all the other costly items that go into putting on an event such as this. We increase the entry fees as we get closer to the race to encourage people to enter earlier so we can determine a reasonable entry count from previous experience. The increases of entry fees, fully publicized on all marathon marterials, are meant to encourage earlier entries and, somewhat, to discourage procrastination that leads to a late rush of unexpected entries that we might not be prepared for. Since Boston, and many other major marathons, whose entry fees are $75 or more, with the same level of expenses, or less, we do not think any of our entry fees are excessive or unreasonable.
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greenwich, RI USA
- Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 17:17:12 (ET)
Thanks Rodney. I guess I'll just jog the course Saturday to get a preview :)
OSM 2003 Participant
USA
- Thursday, October 09, 2003 at 10:54:42 (ET)
For those of ya'll thinking about scouting the course for Sunday...FORGET about trying to drive the downtown loop of both races. I attempted to drive the half course yesterday and did fine through 6 miles...and then found out many of the streets in Providence are one-way...found out many streets in Providence are not marked...found out people in Providence cross streets at any time and any place they want to...found out that drivers in Providence don't have a lick of patience with out of towners whom are driving just a TAD slow...and found out that it took me over 2 hours to try and see all of the course, as well as 23 miles on my odmetre. Boy was I tired at the end of the drive. The good thing was that all the miles I saw are marked, as well as lots of directions painted on the pavement. I don't think I'll get lost on Sunday!
Rodney Furr
dar0107@aol.com
Florence, MA USA
- Wednesday, October 08, 2003 at 18:35:04 (ET)
We do not have the capability to track runners electronically for display on the internet. That is a very expensive proposition. There are indoor facilities at the RI Convention Center from 6:30 am on race day. The convention center is less than 1/4 walk or jog from the start. You can stay warm and dry (if necessary) and then warm-up on the way to the start.
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greewnich, RI USA
- Monday, October 06, 2003 at 18:18:20 (ET)
What warrants the huge increase in the registration fee?
Rex Banner
RI USA
- Monday, October 06, 2003 at 18:16:20 (ET)
Since we have chips, will the fans be able to follow our marathon progress on the web?
Enid
coquipro@worldnet.att.net
Bronx, , NY USA
- Monday, October 06, 2003 at 17:02:38 (ET)
Hello, not sure if this is even a possibility but is there are there any companies or maybe any organizations for a fund raiser that offers some type of a gift (care package) for a family member or friend that may be running in the marathon that can be purchased.
Joe
CT USA
- Monday, October 06, 2003 at 15:41:55 (ET)
I can't find this info anywhere on the site: Will there be an indoor(warm) place to wait before the start of the race this Sunday?
Thanks.
Richard
Richard KElly
kellydrum24@yahoo.com
Walpole, MA USA
- Monday, October 06, 2003 at 10:41:05 (ET)
To answer last two questions: the parking at the state house area is free and available as long as the lots are not full. It is doubtful the lots will be full so someone going there after the start should find space, otherwise there is parking on-street which is not ticketed on Sundays; the mile markers should be painted within the next few days depending upon weather and other factors; the runners will travel on the westerly side of the traffic island on North Main St., in a coned offed lane.
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greenwich USA
- Wednesday, October 01, 2003 at 19:37:06 (ET)
Will free parking be available for spectators who arrive later than the marathon start time?
Holly
Boston, MA USA
- Wednesday, October 01, 2003 at 17:51:43 (ET)
I was just wondering, when will the mile markers be painted on the course? Some of the marks from last year are gone and it would be nice to get a look at them ahead of time, particularly toward the end of the route. Also -- on N. Main St., which side of the divider will the course follow?
A runner
RI USA
- Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 21:56:22 (ET)
To answer the two latest questions: the registration process at the health and fitness expo is quite smooth and not lengthy. If you have the time between noon and 6 pm on Saturday you should have no problem; both races will start together at 7:55 am and we anticipate a total field of 1500.
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greenwich, RI USA
- Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 17:43:16 (ET)
Will it be a hassle to sign up at the expo the day before or would it be easier if I just registered with a credit card online? I was leaning toward the expo, but if it's to much of a hassle i'll just do it online.
Tom
RI USA
- Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 16:51:00 (ET)
I'm a 50-stater and am going to try to run Hartford and Ocean State that weekend. Anyone else out there considering the same thing? Concerns? Logistics tips?
gs
Gordy
gsavela@it.cc.mn.us
Grand Rapids, MN USA
- Saturday, September 27, 2003 at 07:09:12 (ET)
Approximately howmany People will be running the marathon and half marathon respectively?
Will it be a mixed same time start for both races?
Ed
MA USA
- Friday, September 26, 2003 at 16:44:45 (ET)
In answer to the parking question, there will be plenty of free parking at the start in the state house area. Those people who have entered have received, or will receive, detailed letters, including maps, all pertinent infomation about race weekend. Most of that information, including maps, is on these pages.
Best of luck with training to everyone.
gerry beagan
osm26@ids.net
east greenwich, RI USA
- Friday, September 26, 2003 at 14:55:06 (ET)
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