After having run Disney and experienced what it is like to run with 25,000 people in very narrow streets, I had a wonderful experience running the Miami Half. The weather was perfect for the half and the organization was the best of the last three years. Miami has come to appreciate this event and support continues to increase every year. My congratulations to the volunteers and organizer who did a fantastic job. I will do this event every year as long as I can put one foot in front of the other.

Miami was my 27th marathon so I'm somewhat of a harsh critic at this point. Although I wasn't particularly pleased with my time of slightly under four hours, I was quite impressed with this race. After all, it's not the organizers' fault I went out too fast. I probably should have run the half instead (Miami was my 4th marathon in 10 months), but then I wouldn't have received that nifty medal, which I will say is one of the best I've gotten.

Anyway, Miami was incredibly well-organized for an event that's so new and growing so rapidly. The organizers got a lot of things right that seem to take other races YEARS to catch on to. I also liked the fact that the registration fee isn't exorbitant like some less enjoyable races (like Disney and Baltimore). It's the principle that bothers me. The only suggestion I have is that Miami needs an alphabetical family meeting area at the finish. Yes, I know we all have cell phones, but it still would have been helpful.

The course was beautiful and the warm weather didn't bother me as much as I feared. The early start and mostly shaded second half were great. I'll be back next year (at least for the 1/2) and will bring others! Good job!

Superb organization and a scenic flat course that goes through many sections of the city. Excellent aid stations throughout and an awesome medal. Warm and humid - it's a tropical marathon.

I am a slow runner. It is difficult to keep motivated till the end when there are not many slow runners (all do the 1/2 marathon).

I had the great chance in 2005 to run this mid-sized marathon. I have to say I left Miami with a very positive impression of this overall marathon experience.

Course: The course itself is fairly standard. It's not easy by any means (since when is running 26.2 miles easy?) but it is fairly straightforward. The early 6am start was an interesting experience and I have to say I love it. Running a marathon this early allows me to get a great experience in and still have the rest of my day to do stuff. The course starts at American Airlines Arena on the Miami-land side. You cross over Macarthur to Miami Beach and run around for the next 8-9 miles. Then head back to Miami-land side and run through Coconut Grove.

The first half of the race was nice, with temperatures starting comfortably. For me, the most crucial moment is probably the first 90 minutes during the race. It's a race to beat the sun because once it came out, it became unbearably hot. Coconut Grove on the back half was a nice diversion; you're running through a very quiet and suburban part of Miami. While the large palm trees and shaded areas provided temporary relief from the scorching-hot temperatures, there was hardly any crowd support on the back half of this marathon. You do have some bridges to cross over and that last bridge at Mile 25-26 was quite an evil ending into Bayfront Park.

Organization:
Very energetic, very organized. No race-day pickup problems and everything went as smoothly as can be. One thing I did have a problem with was no food prior to the race. Could use some Gatorade or bagels or yogurt from the organizers before this race. But then I realized this was a mid-sized marathon so it was understandable. But the post-race food is great, the best I've had thus far! Cookies, rice, beans, Fig Newtons, EVERYTHING! Loved it!

Spectators:
Disappointing. Really, REALLY disappointing. But considering this is only the second time or so this marathon has been held, it's understandable. But the lack of spectators was a huge letdown for me...

As a native Floridian living on a Key, I never tire of the beauty of our state. Miami is best viewed in a crowd and early (couple of dicey areas).

While northerners may have melted in the 67 F start that grew to 75-plus (with sun), I love warmth. From the cruise boats (there en masse on a Sunday morning) to the beautiful Venetian causeway, the water views are great. Late night partiers spilling out of South Beach clubs are a sight for both sides!

Once the legs turned into late-race agony at least the very unique Miami neighborhoods had my attention. Nothing like massive car stereos and the hood guys cheering us along!!

Only the non-race crowds (a big Miami Heat game right at the finish area) were a downer. Overall the crowds were thin but fun. The whole Latin twist is a gas.

On to Gasperilla.

This was my second MTM and I had a blast. Forecast predicted rain but not a drop came down, a little too warm for those not acclimated to the humidity but that's why they call it the tropical marathon. There is a lot of construction going on in downtown and the roads are torn up in a few places along the course (especially bad on Grand Ave. in the Grove) but the good news is these spots will be paved with smooth, soft asphalt by next year. Thanks to all the volunteers, police, and spectators who provided encouragement and support. Can't wait to do it again.

I've run this race the previous 2 years. I was skeptical this year when they said a possible 11,000 entrants. Last year the water stops were unorganized and there was a shortage of 'comfort stations.' This year, with an increase of participants came an increase in organization. Thanks to all the volunteers for doing a fantastic job at the water stations. They had different colored cups for water and Gatorade so you knew what you were getting. Porto-johns were plentiful. The traffic control was great. The expo gets bigger and better each year. The crowd support was better this year. The bands were better this year. My only hope is that this race doesn't get as big as Chicago. My hometown did great. Thanks to all the organizers. I'll be back!

Our flight to Miami got stuck in an ice storm in Atlanta, delaying our arrival until midnight the night before the race. Kudos to the marathon staff for taking care of us; we were able to get someone on the phone the night before the race by calling the host hotel. They were eager to help and got our marathon packets, t-shirts and chips left at the hotel desk for us to pick up when we eventually arrived. The course is flat as you would expect, but don't plan on any PR's given the humidity. That said, the course is very scenic, takes you through some of the best parts of Miami and the crowd support, while not overwhelming, was impressive, espcially considering that this marathon is less than 5 years old.

The post-race area was nice; only criticism was that they placed the bag pick-up trucks at the farthest point from the finish line. The mile markers were highly visible, except for the first two, didn't see either one of those. Water stations were well staffed and had plenty of full-strength Gatorade and water at each one. Overall, a great excuse to plan a midwinter trip to Miami. I'd plan at least a day or two extra to see the town and enjoy South Beach!

My 3rd marathon and was excited about the idea of running a 'flat'/'fast' course. Half of the race is great, cruise ships, South Beach, and back across the water towards downtown. As the 1/2 marathoners peel back towards their finish, we continue back towards Coconut Grove. From here the course gets 'monotonous' - the Coconut Grave residental district was more like running on private Florida access roads. The grove shopping district was refreshing for a brief moment, but anything would have been after running on the asphalt, construction sites in 'Little Havana.' The middle-to-last third of the race almost put me to sleep - seemed to me there was no new look, especially when I was looking for some help.

I was assuming there would be more music per mile, and it was always a refresher when I heard it. I really like the first 13.1 miles; maybe that's why I was so down on the 'Coconut Grove' section of the full, for as much as I 'liked' the first, I disliked the second part of the full. It seemed 'humid' and sticky, and towards the 17-19 mark, I was feeling it. When I really wanted a pick up, all I got was what felt like running through one's backyard and then down the street like I was on 'Cops' - thought it was very, very organized and the volunteers were tremendous. Later.