Granted, this was my first marathon. Maybe I was expecting too much. But after long hearing about the camaraderie and the excitement of the marathon, I was disappointed that this lacked all of that.

Spectator viewing areas were limited to 4 on the website, and the directions to each had some errors, which made it hard for my family to get to each spot. This was a great disappointment, especially as I realized while running that there were several better options that we hadn't been aware of prior.

The course itself was brutal and boring. The first 10 miles were packed with people, the way I had expected, but once the half split from the full, the course emptied out, and while I could see other runners ahead of me, I was often running alone. This has nothing to do with the marathon planning, but it wouldn't have been so bad if the route had been better.

Instead, we were running on freeways and up and down on-ramps. At one point we were even running on a paved trail next to a ditch under the overpass. The website shows the bay and "stunning architecture," which I saw none of. Maybe people who are from the area could look at the map and know where it was, but being from out of town I was depending on the information on the the site, which was misleading. The race was held in Orange County, but considering the course, this race could've been held in practically any big city in the country. None of Orange County's attractiveness was taken advantage of.

Next is the incline. While there were few big hills, miles 12-21 were at an almost constant incline. It was wearing and tiring, and by mile 20 I just needed it to be over (and I am well trained and in good shape). To add insult to injury, there were 2 hills AFTER mile 23 that made me want to throw something at the race director.

All of that would have been easier if there had been more spectators, and I truly believe that there would have been more if the race was held on a more accessible route. The groups that WERE there cheering us on were so appreciated, and it would have been nice to have had that energy throughout.

The volunteers and the aid stations were great. I finished in under 4 hours, and nothing was ever out and they were always efficient. The start and finish lines were well run and easy to manuever.

The only other thing that really bothered me was the attitude of the race organizers at the end. I went back to the finish to see my results around 6 and a half hours after the race began, and the booth was gone, along with much of the rest of the finish line festivities. People were now handing out medals rather than placing them over the heads of people, and there was much less support. I couldn't believe that they were packing up and leaving while there were still people out there running. I realize that they had been out there for nearly 7 hours, but there were still people coming in who had been RUNNING for 7 hours straight. The least they could have done was stick around to make them feel like the champions they are. Running a marathon is an enormous accomplishment no matter how long it takes you, and I was deeply bothered that those at the end (who probably needed it the most) received the least attention.

The food served at the end was good, with oranges, bananas, and a few other sponsered products. The only thing I didn't see was water, which was what I really wanted. They were handing out GookinAid, but that doesn't cut it when all you want it some cold water.

Overall, I am glad that I raced and am pleased with my time, but I would never do the OC Marathon again unless and until they change the course.

I have participated in the last two marathons here. The race is very well organized from expo to finish, and I was very grateful to the volunteers who operated each water/aid site. Lots of nice folks who were quick to call out the water and other drinks, and hand out gel packs when required. That makes up for a slightly boring course through Irvine and Tustin. This year resulted in a course improvement with the elimination of a run around the abandoned El Toro Marine base and the substitution of some nice bike paths. Just don't expect any ocean or harbor views. Runners are led right out of Newport Beach before they can become the slightest nuisance to those residents. There is also a significant stretch along a cordoned-off freeway, which is dreary, but when you run the marathon I guess you cannot expect an aesthetic experience the whole way.

I have now run this marathon all three years and have to commend the organizers for continually trying to improve it. Unfortunately, I still think there is room for some much needed changes; specifically on the course itself. As another reviewer pointed out previously, if they keep the same course, it should more accurately be named "The Irvine Freeway, Wearhouse and Industrial Park Tour."

Having never been involved in planning or organizing a major marathon in Southern California, I can only imagine what a nightmare it must be trying to get road closures, permits, police presence, etc. However, I think this course is one of the least scenic of all the marathons in the area which is a real shame considering the fact that the Pacific Ocean is about two miles from the starting line.

First off, the "equestrian trail" between miles 8 - 10 is nothing more than a riverbed - nicer than most in Southern California, but still just a riverbed. Second, having to run on the 261 Freeway between miles 12-15 is hardly my idea of a desirable marathon route. Third, the gradual incline between miles 12-22 is a killer (about a 400' increase), and comes at a point in the race when most people are the least prepared for it. Fourth, the "scenery" between miles 19-22 consist of the now-closed El Toro Marine base on one side of the street, and vacant Marine housing on the left. The last four miles of the race then runs through an industrial and business park - once again, nicer than most, but an industrial/business park all the same. Lastly, please, please, please do away with the point-to-point nature of the course! After having just run 26 miles, I really don't look forward to a 13-mile school bus-ride back to my car with my knees tucked up underneath my chin (the legroom wasn't an issue when I was four feet tall and 10 years-old, but it is now!). Upon departing the bus, I could barely unfold my legs and walk.

Not to focus soley on the negative and the changes that I think need to be done to the course, all other aspects of this race are done quite well. Registration and packet pick-up went very smoothly, although I'm sure some people will complain about the size of the expo (held in a conference room of the Hyatt Regency Hotel) or the nature of their T-shirt (white, cotton, long-sleeved). neither of these are important to me, so I'll let others complain about this. All the volunteers I encountered at the expo and the race were very helpful and pleasant. There seemed to be plenty of water and Gookinaid out on the course, and the volunteers were very supportive. Lastly, the finish line also went very smoothly with plenty of water, orange slices, bananas, etc., and at least when I finished (3:32), there were even free Snickers bars (which tasted absolutely awesome!). The finisher's medal is very nice, and for having been one of the first 1,000 people to register, I was even given a nice OC Marathon windbreaker (a perk I wasn't expecting).

All in all, I think the OC Marathon has gotten better every year and I will continue to run it, but I really wish the organizers would change the course in line with my comments above - at the very least do away with the point-to-point aspect of it.

I knew coming into the race that the course would be hilly because it's called the OC Marathon Challenge. It sure fit the name because the course was very TOUGH! Although I finished at the time I predicted, I had a rough time running uphill from mile 12 - 22. It was straight uphill and the elevation chart was not helpful. I sat in the logistics meeting at the expo and the director of the race was very short with the course. He knew it would be a challenge and made it like it was an easy course.

All in all, I felt alone on the course because there were only a few patches of spectators miles apart. The finish line was so boring coming in. I could hear a pin drop because there was no cheering or music at the end. I believe it's a nice event for the community, but to make it a start of an historical marathon, they need to make it more lively and entertaining.

It was a hot and windy day, and the last 10 miles were not fun (going up an incline). I wonder why it doesn't run the opposite way. Not many spectators on the course, but the medical support on the bikes I thought were great. The course was very boring and it's not a place for PR's. If you live close to this race, it's ok, but I don't think I will be entering it again.

The course selected for this race will preclude it from becoming a world-class marathon. Much of the course is on bike trails, freeway and on roads or highways without easy access for spectators. Two bands, no cheerleading squads and very limited spectator support. The course is mostly uphill from mile 12 to 22. A lot of it seemed to be into the wind. Volunteers/water stations were good and miles were clearly marked. I'll stick to the 1/2 marathon in the future.

This was my first half marathon (I have only run 5K's and 10K's prior). I had a blast, and training for it with Cal Coast was a great time.

All I could think about the whole time were some Krispy Kreme donuts waiting for me at the end, but sadly there were none to be found.

It was really windy and I had trouble during the race when the whole and half runners split because there were hardly any people around running or spectating. Also, around the 22nd mile I ran into a volunteer who was playing around on the course, and I almost fell. By that time, obviously, it is hard to maneuver around such things. All in all, it was a hard day and an okay race.

I ran the half marathon and absolutely loved the gentle rolling hills and the spectators throughout the course. I would definitely go back!

Absolutely dreadful course. Splendid volunteers and high-quality post race organization.

I read the comments regarding the post-race problems from the previous year and entered with apprehension and reservation but was pleasantly pleased with the post-race organization. The course elevation chart on the website was a rotten lie. The race advertises that the race is in Newport Beach, yet I felt I toured Irvine. Did I miss the part of the course where runners experience views of Newport Bay and yachts that is shown on the race website?