Overall, just wanted to say that I enjoyed the PEI Half Marathon very much. Temperature was perfect, although there was some wind (out of control of the organizers!). The pasta dinner (although not free like other years) was quite tasty. Other runners were very friendly, and the volunteers were very supportive.

Only a couple of things I would like to see improved. There wasn't a first mile or kilometer split - in fact the first marker that I could see was the 7K for the half marathon! Really would have liked to see something before that. The baggage drop-off was staffed by volunteers. However, the bags were just left unattended on the floor in the convention center for pick-up. The expo was also a bit lacking, and the main speaker at the expo, well, not much to say there. Also, although I pre-registered online over a month in advance, they didn't have my shirt size left. They promised to mail it, but no shirt yet (over 6 weeks later). And the finish line promised pizza and other foods. I finished quite early on in the half, but by the time I had a glass of Gatorade, the couple of pizzas they had were gone. The rest of the post-race snacks were pretty meager too.

Overall, I had a really good time at the race. Those comments above are just meant to be constructive suggestions to work on for next year. Would definitely consider doing this run again!

Once again, great course route from North Shore Beach into Charlottetown. Pass 10KM of sand dunes and waves then turn inland for rolling farmland and trail. Final 8KM is rolling and into the city of Charlottetown. Support was excellent with lots of aid stations. Strong headwinds for most of the race (same as 2004) doesn't make for fast times. Highly recommend as a destination race, but suggest you prepare to enjoy scenery and not worry about the PR.

First year for new course running from North Shore Beach into the City of Charlottetown. Excellent course on rural/park paved roads with a 12 km trail section starting at the 21 km point. Water stops and organization were good, especially for the first year with new organizers. Course is mostly flat for first 34km with three hills in the last 8 km. Not too many spectators, but the other runners are very supportive.

After 40+ marathons, it's nice to still be pleasantly surprised. The Prince Edward Island offered many bonuses and several unexpected treasures.

The expo was held at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Many of the full and half marathoners enjoyed a free pasta dinner. We took the early morning bus to Brackley Beach alongside the Gulf of St. Lawrence. While walking along the beach to ease some pre-race jitters, it was nice to run into Frank Shorter, who offered some words of advice and encouragement. The runners were called to the start line by the sounds of bagpipes.

The first 6 miles were in PEI National Park that ran alongside the beach by a lighthouse. The next 7 miles headed into the rolling hills of the PEI countryside. At the halfway point, the course 'took to the woods.' Runners were treated to the Centennial Trail that offered 9 miles of simply spectacular views and fall colors. The final 4 miles were the toughest - into a 25 mph headwind and 3 major hills. However, temperatures ranged in the 50's for the entire marathon - and it was cloudy!

After finishing in downtown Charlottetown, 240 full and 440 half marathoners got nice finisher medals, plenty to eat and drink, and free massages. A race sponsor even gave us $7.00 to buy a cup of hot chocolate and coffee. How cool was that?

My hat's off to the PEI Road Runners for putting on such a stellar event. This is one marathon that I would highly recommend. I would do again - in a heartbeat.

This is a great event for a small race. The marathon and half each have about a hundred runners each. You get bused to the start in Montague and run to Stratford. The course is the only downside of the event - you run on the canted shoulder of a busy highway. It's constantly undulating, but doesn't seem to be slow. I understand this will be fixed for next year's race, though. The swag is great - you get 2 dinners, a bus ride, a goodie bag truly packed full of goodies all for $30 Canadian. PEI is a great place to visit too - very peaceful and idyllic.

You are bused to the starting point and run back to the city. This year we started in a park. See some great ocean views. You are on local roads, traffic is light for the most part. You will have some local city traffic, but not bad. Support was outstanding. Would go back as it is a great area to visit.