This marathon was awesome. The course has a lot of rolling hills (none steep) and due to staggered starts, you never feel alone. Water stops were large enough to grab and drink water twice and plenty of Clif Shots were available on the course. The weather was perfect for running a marathon.

This was only my second marathon (the first being the San Diego Rock & Roll 6 months earlier). This one is by far my favorite. Fewer runners (but fewer sponsors), terrific support (but few spectators), very well organized (but small post-race activities). The course is not perfectly flat but the grades are hardly noticeable. PR'd thanks to the CLIFF Pace Team.

Great race. Great organization. Perfect scenery, lots of room, with plenty of aid stations. Two suggestions: more porta potties instead of those long waits. Also serving something else besides sport gels would be great. I had a feeling there was a sponsor freeze on anything else being served, but after a few miles gel pac after gel pac gets a little old. Fruit would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

The course is great and the organization couldn't be beat. With three start times, I was not dodging walkers or being run over by faster runners. The spectators are sparse, but the volunteers are great. There are hills, but even so I was able to set a PR. Much more enjoyable that LA which I ran a month and a half later.

I thought this marathon was one of the best I've run (comparing it to NYC, Marine Corps, Country Music, Disney World). I like the staggered starts, but do suggest that walkers and very slow runners be urged to keep to one side. The organization was great and the size was perfect. Particularly nice was the fact that you didn't have to get there three hours before the start and the start itself was efficient and timely. I didn't notice the hills. Relative to the rolling hills in New England, they were OK. Will be back if I can swing another business trip to SD.

The organization of this race was like no other. They actually had a goody bag ready for you at the end rather than standing in lines trying to figure out what was available. The fans along the entire race were great. The course was a roller coaster. Just when you finish one hill you see the next. But what part of the coast isn't like this, unless you run the beach. It's Southern California rolling hills. They're not major just continuous. It was hard to find a groove but the beauty of the course made up for it. The weather was spectacular, starting in fog and finishing with low 70's and sun. I had a PR time and would love to run it again.

Well organized, scenic and a generous course. Most people that run this race who are not from California want to move here after the race. The water stations are well staffed. The final 8 miles are extraordinary along the ocean. The marathon committee staggers the start so that most runners will finish together - allowing everyone to experience the fun of finishing before a crowd.

This was my 8th marathon which have included NYC, Chicago, and Philly. I think I had more fun during this marathon than during any other! The course was stunningly beautiful and the weather couldn't be better - sunny but not too hot! The organization was superb and there was more than enough water & sports drinks/gels. I prefer the small size which allowed me to run my best time ever (despite the rolling hills)! There is more than enough parking directly at the start line, and you don't have to get there hours before the race start. (we arrived 1/2 before start and had plenty of time!) I whole-heartedly recommend this marathon as a beautiful, convenient, and well-organized race!!! You won't be disappointed.

Organization at the start, finish, traffic control, water stops was all first-rate. Hills in middle of course were less than expected. Hills at miles 22-24 were 'rolling' - but not fun at that stage and might have knocked me out had I not driven the course. As it was - I qualified for Boston. Biggest problem was walkers who seemed oblivious. They appeared in front of you like trucks backing up on a freeway - but without the lights. What's with that?

Marathon promoters are alot like fishermen...the tend exagerate ...the hills are much longer and more frequent than the description. Maybe they thought no one would come if they told the truth. It really is a beautiful course, just harder than the topo. One other point to note, there is a large section of the course on concrete. The roads are very level and do not have a steep crown which is nice. Would I do this race again, maybe if it works into my schedule.