Parking was way too confusing to find. Police were polite but did not know directions. I was from out of state and barely made it to the start on time.

From the picking up of runners' packets from an 8-year-old, to the marathon shirts offered only in men's L, XL and XXL, to the nightmare of getting to the start, to the rudeness and incompetence of police who had absolutely no clue, to the lack of refreshment vendors for fans and the lack of food for the full marathon finishers, and finally, to the full marathon race results still not posted... it was less than enjoyable....

This is a great marathon. Fast course with very well maintained roads. Not a lot of spectators, but who cares? I don't run marathons for the encouragement. A lot of fun. Very peaceful on the Wantaugh.

I have run this event several years ago when the start was at Eisenhower Park and the race ended at Jones Beach. There was always confusion about the buses back to the park. Yesterday's (5/6/07) was so much more organized with the course. It much easier to know where you were on the course with the mile makers so prominently displayed and the volunteers keeping the time were accurate with their call out of the time splits. I also found that at the end of the race that there was no runner traffic jam as in most events of the size and magnitude. Runners were courteously directed through the chutes and given a medal.

If you are looking for a big marathon with the logistical expertise of NYC or Marine Corps, then go to those races. However, if you want a solid small marathon that tries hard and in most cases succeeds then consider Long Island.

The half marathon is the featured event, but throughout the marathon course there were workers at each mile calling out times, plenty of water and Gatorade, and GU in several spots. Runners could find shade for most of the course if they looked for it. The course itself was not especially tough, mostly flat.

Because the half is the featured event, there were fewer spectators on the marathon only portion. However those that were there were decently enthused.

Although I like the NJ marathon better, and I ran both this year, Long Island is worth running, especially if you live closer to Uniondale, NY than Long Branch, NJ.

I agree it is a quiet race compare with the other big races. But I have been training with no one around so the quietness doesn't bother me. Learning to control your own mind is part of running. This race qualified me for the Boston. There are 2 things that can improve also. One is they should tell the slower half-marathoners at the back of the pack not to have more than 2 or 3 abreast. They were too busy talking, they don't care that the full marathoners caught up behind them and have to run around them like an obstacle course. The second comment is why the LI marathon schedule was on the same day as the NYC Five Borough Bike Ride every year? Many have to sacrifice one or the other. The race might attract more participants if it is on a different day.

I have run the LI 1/2 more than 1 dozen times.... This year, perhaps with the additional runners for the 10K, getting to the start of the course by car was insane!! We drove in circles for over 3/4 hour talking to police who sent us in all different directions due to early street closings. We ended up abandoning the car in a parking lot and jumping 2 fences just to get to the start a few seconds late!!! And it was not just us - there were dozens of other runners doing the same thing!!!

I lived on Long Island for many years and I am now in FL. I will still come back to Long Island to run this race since I've done the half 4 times (loved it)! I will not recommend the OTHER boring half to anyone who takes their precious time to train for a full. Do not ever depend on the crowd support here... most spectators only cheer "their people."

This was my first half marathon, and it was an overall great experience. It was pretty flat and fast, but it was definitely boring. With all the beautiful scenery that Long Island has to offer, it's surprising that the race is located on the parkway. I highly recommend bringing your iPod.

I'm from Long Island and decided to come back home to run this race so my family could watch me. I enjoyed it, though many stretches of the race were very boring. Not much sightseeing on Long Island I suppose. The fans were pretty lame; none of them cheered for anyone they didn't know. The finish was great though, with free massages and lots of love and attention. I'm glad I ran it, but it's definitely not the most exciting marathon you'll ever run.