This was my 2nd 1/2 marathon in 1 month. I am a new addict to this sport and was looking forward to the scenery and a little worried about the hills. My west coast running partner picked this destination based on travel mags and neither of us knew what to expect at all. The time just flew by for us - we had a guy chasing us with a movie camera which helped pass the time but mostly we were just enjoying the countryside. Every turn brought something new to see: airstrips, horses, lemonade stands, forests, seascape, you name it and this run has it.

I train in High Park (Toronto) and my partner trains in Victoria B.C., which has similar terrain, so we were prepared for the hills. Ample water and support. Definitely recommend it and would love to try the scenery on the full marathon some day. This was a celebratory run for us - our first together, mom and daughter.

This is the first race that I have ever run. I ran the half marathon and wish I could have had some on-line support on what the course was like to help me train. I am going to come back next year for the full marathon. I didn't know what to do, so for a first-timer, I loved it. The hills were a challenge though.

While this is a good-sized event (about 2000 runners), only a few hundred were running the marathon! That made it feel cozy, yet astoundingly well-supported: lots of water, plenty of port-o-johns, energy gels (Clif SHOT), and good aid station volunteers. I, personally, enjoy an uncrowded route (I've run LA, with 40,000 others, and it's OK, just very different) and THIS ROUTE IS SPECTACULAR. I train on hilly trails, so the hills were no problem (OK, I'll admit to walking up that steep section around mile 8 -- I'm no fool!). The weather was perfect the whole weekend, with scenery that makes you want to move to Whidbey Island immediately.

The race begins before the first ferry crossings, which meant WE HAD TO SPEND THE WHOLE WEEKEND ON THE ISLAND. To us that was NOT a drawback! The B&B we stayed at (may I make a plug here for the Morris Farmhouse B&B?) was just a couple miles from the finish line, and was very reasonable $$-wise.

Less than a mile from the finish we were thrilled to watch a bald eagle land in a tree about 20 feet from us. Amazing. When we reached the finish line, we heard our names announced over the PA (always a joy!), and before we had walked very far the volunteer at the clothing pick-up WALKED OVER TO US WITH OUR DROP BAGS. Now, is THAT good service or what?

I'd recommend this marathon to anyone; it isn't the easiest, but it's one of the BEST I've run. The only reason the 'organization' got less than 5 stars was because there was a little confusion over the departure times for the buses, and because there was a LONG wait if you caught that 1st bus until the race began (we arrived at the start at 6:30, race began at 8:00. Good thing the nice guy at the marina shop was open and let us stay warm inside.)

I have run 11 marathons. This was the worst organization for a race as far as water stops that I have ever seen! It was a spectaculary beautiful course - and yes, very hilly. There was only water at all stops but 2 and at those stops it was Ultima. I realize that lots of people drink Ultima, but most races stick with Gatorade, Powerade, etc... It takes a while to adjust to the metallic taste of Ultima. Why would you put on an event like this and not plan for better water stops? I was very disappointed. I will say that the people manning the stations were super, but they were the only crowd support.

The hills are steep and relentless, but the scenery--and the enthusiatic supporters--make it (almost) possible to forget about the difficulty of the course.

Along the way, I spotted mountains, cows, goats, and even a bald eagle! Motorcyclists escorted runners over the entire route, and helped me to feel entirely safe, even when running on the shoulder of a main road. A group of kids offered lemonade and cookies around mile 16. At mile 25, volunteers cheered runners on by name.

This was in every way the most enjoyable race I've ever run. Though the hills make a PR improbable, the location and the people make for a wonderful run.

One note on logistics: The early start and limited early-morning ferry service make it necessary for many runners to arrive on Whidbey the night before the race. For full-marathoners who need to save on costs, I'd highly recommend camping at Deception Pass. Many of the camp sites are less than 2 miles from the marathon starting line, and the lack of electricity ensures an early bedtime on the eve of the race. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time! Note also these camp sites are a little less-than-ideal for those running the half-marathon, since their race starts in Oak Harbor, ~13 miles south of the Pass.

I did the half-marathon on April 4, 2004 on Whidbey Island. Started at the elementary school on a chilly but sunny Sunday morning. The organizers were receptive and willing to help out on small questions I asked. Definitely a positive sign that they support the community. Some great samples of Gu along my run provided me with more energy to complete the half-marathon without incident. Hills were amazing and view of the waterfront enticed us runners to journey to the finish line!

Whidbey Island at its best. This was my first time running this marathon; I did it as a 'support' person for a friend who was on an 'adventure.' She was doing back-to-back marathons, and did Yakima on Saturday. I only volunteered to run with her because I knew if she had run 26.2 the day before, I might be able to keep up with her! We both loved the whole adventure. The most beautiful course and weather ever. Having the motorcycles going back and forth was great. Some carbs at the end would be nice, but really a great day to play outside. Did I mention the hills?

I have run the half marathon every year now, and although I still enjoyed it, I was disappointed with it this year. For one, why on a Sunday? Also, the registration fee went up but the quality of shirt went down - who wants to run in 100% cotton? There were less promotional give-aways at the end, and I heard from one marathon participant that the route wasn't as well marked in the beginning, causing confusion. But the scenery is the best (that's why I live here!) and the water stations and support were great.

This is my 3rd half marathon and I am feeling the effects of the hills today the 5th of April. Thanks sooo much to all of the participants and volunteers who made this possible.

Loved the scenery and rural route the run took. The hills were a challenge and this course should not be undertaken by anyone who has not trained for them though.

My only gripe is that the water stations were toooooo small. Everyone had to cram into the space of one or two tables, and at most spots, only one person was handing out water to 1200 runners. I rolled my ankle 6 miles from the finish because of a near collision with another thirsty runner.

I'll be back next year.

This was my first long race. I did the half in preparation for the Newport Marathon. I finished first in my age group. And even though I didn't expect hills, it added variety, and kept my muscles from cramping.

It was a beautiful course, but I wish it would start late enough to be able to take a ferry, since I live in Sequim, WA. I didn't like having to come over the night before. But the race was absolutely my favorite I've done... tons of variety in the course, lots of specators for a small town, and great weather and scenery.

I wanted to do the full marathon on Whidbey this year, but can't do Sundays for religious reasons... darn... Saturday courses are getting harder to find.