Miami Marathon was my second marathon, and a bit different (though in a good way) from my previous experience in Chicago. The organization was fantastic: plenty of water/Gatorade stations, the course was well-marked, and packet pick-up was really easy. The course was great, for the most part, and offers a beautiful tour of Miami. Only drawback was the comparative lack of spectators. This was probably due to the 6 a.m. start time, but miles 14-20 had relatively few spectators, particularly compared to Chicago. But, all in all, a great small marathon.

I ran NYC in November and enjoyed it, but Miami was more fun now that ING has taken over. Please more music next year and hydration on both sides of the road. Loved the rice and beans after the race and the festive mood at the end.... Will for sure do it again next year.

This was my first marathon and it did not leave a good taste in my mouth. First off, all of the literature said there would be water breaks every mile marker; there were not. Secondly, all of the bands/DJ's/cheerleaders... where were they? The marathon was poorly organized; the people of Miami didn't even know there was a marathon going on the weekend I was there. There were very few postings for the event in the city itself or on the news, which led to traffic starting to back up at 7 a.m. We were told that the pace time had to be a 14-minute mile, but my time was well below that and traffic was definitely in my way. I felt as though I was a hindrance to the city, which is not good for morale. However, the weather was nice and so were the people who were cheering us on in the crowd. Although, there were not that many people, I went miles without seeing a spectator. I imagine that all goes back to the poor publicity problem. Though the experience was amazing, it was my running partner and the fans that made it that way, not the marathon itself. I will not run this marathon again.

I trained with the National AIDS Marathon for Miami 2006, and it really was a fantastic first experience. The crowds and support were wonderful throughout, the weather was good with a slight breeze all day to keep things cool, and the course is all but perfectly flat.

The first half of the course is very scenic winding through Miami Beach and the art deco architecture. The stretch from about mile 11 to mile 13 is a bit industrial and not that exciting, but the second half then stretches through Coconut Grove and residential neighborhoods where I was amazed at the amount of support from specators. Families were out on their front lawns handing out water, ice and oranges. The crowds were just fantastic from start to finish.

While I struggled with my second half, and I didn't hit my target time, this race was an amazing first marathon experience and I'll give it another shot.

I ran the half marathon. The expo was very well organized, no problem with parking or picking stuff up. The course was very scenic and there was a lot of support from the residents, especially considering the early start time (it was dark for almost the first hour). I will be back next year!

The race continues to get better every year. This year the miles were marked more clearly with large orange signs. The water stops were better - easier to get to, and organized with water at the front, Gatorade at the back. The volunteers did an outstanding job! Traffic control was excellent and not easy for the officers who were stopping traffic to Key Biscayne on a Sunday morning. There was much more spectator support this year than any other. Your name was on your race bib and as a result you had an instant fan base on the roads. The only downside to this race was the heat and lack of shade due to hurricanes Katrina and Wilma last year. Miami is my home town and I'll definitely be home for this one again next year!

Highlights of the race are the palm trees, the spectators (not many of them, but very warm), name on your bib, the expo, and an awesome finisher's medal.

The challenging aspects were the early but essential 6 a.m. start time, the lack of t.p. in the port-a-johns, the heat and humidity (70 degrees at the start), the bridges, and worst of all, for those staying at the host hotel (Hyatt Regency), inflexible check-out times.

Please, for the safety of the wheelchairs, race officials should require strobe lights for the wheel chairs. In the dark they caused several trips and falls. A simple strobe light would make it safer for all. Also, at the start they should have an overhead stage above the starting line so everybody pays attention. The flute was awesome but had to strain to hear and see it. Overall, as a 13-time marathoner it was great.

Three years running the Miami Marathon or Half Marathon and this was the worst organized race yet. Every year I come back (early), visit the expo so I can get my pin to add to my collection. Again this year they were gone by the first day of the expo. Two boxes of 500 for thousands of runners? Where were the water stations for the first miles? Only counted one. What happened to the bands? The volunteers are the best part of this year's race. Great job volunteers. The cheering zone after 10 miles was GREAT!!!! It made us average runners feel like the elite. Thanks to the countless police and deputies manning the route for the vehicle crossings; not one this year. I'll have to think long and hard about next year.

I finished a little while ago and I'm beat. It was absolutely worth it, though, as the race was a blast. The conditions were good, but a little warm. Hey, it's Miami. The organizers did a great job. Thanks PR and ING!