I thought the race was well organized. I wish I had known the course was as hilly as it was. I would have trained differently. I realize this is a common theme. The support was excellent. The scenery and weather were great. I don't care for the shirt. Too short in the body for a big fella.

Glad I did the race. Not sure I will do it again. Did I mention the hills?

It was a fun race that was organized well. The course was well marked and the volunteers were great. The course was very hilly. It would've been nice if a course profile was provided online.

Would have been good to have an on-line elevation profile. Would have helped training

This course was very challenging (read: HILLY), but the beautiful weather and scenery take your mind off that...a bit!

The awards ceremony was held a bit too early -- marathon finishers in the 3:30 range were still coming in when awards started and this took away from the crowd cheering on the finishers.

More on the awards...they could have moved a little faster, and overall winners should have been removed from the age-group awards. The 'freebie' giveaways were fun and kept the crowd interested.

Support was good along the course. There was a really good amount of water/port-a-potty support. Spectators were somewhat few-and-far-between, but those that were around were very enthusiastic and friendly.

Overall, a great race that was well-organized. We'll be back!

This is a great new addition to the Northwest marathon circuit. Some spectacular scenery along this challenging course, especially the back half which is mostly along the water or with views of the coast. Not a PR course, but most great courses aren't. Extremely well organized considering just the 2nd running and the fact it is a point to point course. I guarantee you will not get lost. Just follow the cones!!!! The people of Whidbey make you feel at home. This is an excellent early season event to shed the winter rust off. Just remember to come well trained or the rolling hills of Whidbey will eat you alive! I will definitely run this again.

The support was great. The only thing I did not like besides the hills and I could handle them by walking was the traffic in town and the difficulty of running. I actually was afraid of getting hit by a car and thought it would be best if I walked. I do not like running on sidewalks.
The support was great and it was nice to know that you waited for the slower runnres. When I left, there were still runners/walkers out on the road and the race committee was there to support them. I will be back next year. I love the area and the enthusiasm of all involved was overwhelming. Thanks for putting on a wondeful race I loved the horses, the dogs that tried to attack me, the llamas, and whatever animals were along the course. For a city girl, I can only say thank you for the calm, tranquilty that your course offered. See you next year. For those of you living on Whidbey Island, you are living in paradise. I envy you.

Sharon Kerson

This was my first full marathon, and it was a huge success. It wasnt easy. This is a very challenging course, filled with what seams like more up hills than down, but if you like variety and a challenge this is a good course for you. Even if I hadnt been familiar with the area, it would have been virtually impossible to get lost because there where cones marking the course from beginning to end - even through Oak Harbor. There where people at every intersection directing traffic, and I never felt that my safety was being threatened when running on HWY 20 or through Oak Harbor. The aid stations where well stocked, and the volunteers and spectators where friendly and encouraging. Running through Oak Harbor was fine, the traffic seemed to be fairly patient and I never had to stop and wait to cross a road. With the exception of the few miles through Oak Harbor when we where on side walks, we had streets open to us and soft sholders to run on. The scenery was a big inspiration and the finish was awesome. There where people cheering and giving out finisher metals and lots of tasty food and water. I was impressed that they kept the clock running and didnt leave until the last runner finished even though it was after the cut off time. My only complaint was that the trophies where not all distributed at the awards ceremony, and where not sent in the mail. I have not recieve mine yet.

Train for hills, and hills and then a few more hills - that aside - the organization was amazing for a first offering. You will have a tough time doing a PB but kudos to the organizers and those who worked so hard to make it happen - Don't forget to ask about BOB

The weather was perfect. The scenery was Beautiful. Starting with old growth trees and running across the bridge. (That was my motivation to run it) continuing with and ending with beautiful water and mountain views.

Well organized. Everything you could want at the aid stations. I was worried about an inaugural event not having good organization or stocked aid stations. I worried for nothing.

I read comments about closing the section on the hwy. It isn't necessary. They had the Whole route coned, (even the 2 miles through town, the only area where you ran on a sidewalk.) And besides the hwy has a nice wide shoulder so it was quite safe.

Fabulous views keep you inspired. I ran the half marathon and to my dismay after crossing the finish line and doing a personal best was told that they only had enough medals for the full marathoners. A real bummer. Also food was minimal at the finish - bananas and apples.