This is billed as a scenic marathon, and it lives up to that and then some. All the islands off the coast of seattle are incredible. So naturally the scenery for the marathon is fantastic. But beyond that, the orginization is great, the responses from the folks running the race was quick and helpful (via the website for the race), the volunteers manning the water stations did a great job, the town itself supported the race and the B&B I stayed at was awesome.

This is a small race, and that's a good thing. All the participants were friendly and the ambience is like something out of the past that you probably thought had long since ceased to exist. The people supporting the race and those in the race are all there to enjoy the run and the place.

The course is hilly. But don't let that scare you away. It's still one of the coolest runs you'll ever go on.

The weather is perfect, and that's what drew me to it after this years hot/humid freescale in austin. It was in the mid-50's and overcast. I loved it.

I only gave it 2 stars on spectators because much of the course is run through the countryside of the island where few people are around. Again, this wasn't an issue to me though, because I was there to enjoy a beautiful running experience through some awesome surroundings, and that's exactly what I got.

This is a vacation marathon if ever there was one.

I've run some beautiful marathons - Napa, Big Sur, Seattle, and Victoria, B.C., (and Boston--not pretty) - but this one really was as beautiful a course as any and deserves a run. You must stay on San Juan Island the night before, but it's worth a weekend visit anyway. I had a PR and enjoyed every minute.

I only ran the 1/2 marathon. It takes a commitment to run this. Have to ferry there the day before and spend the night as it is impossible to get there the day of. Friday Harbor is not an inexpensive place to stay either. That said, the course is scenic but hilly. The full marathon gets the best part of the island to run on. You don't come for a fast time. The island residents were very enthusiastic about having the event and were very friendly towards the runners. Felt very welcome. Not a whole lot of spectators, but with the rolling hills and ocean to look at, no real need for them.

Only drawback is in awards. They promised awards for age group winners to be mailed. Repeated attempts to get mine fell upon deaf ears. No response. If they aren't going to give them out, don't announce how nice they are.

Am unlikely to patronize this run again. My travel dollars will go to places where what's promised is delivered.

O.K., I only ran the 1/2 marathon, but much of the course was shared with the marathoners and, with 30 marathons under my shoes, I feel qualified to comment on a very noble effort for an inaugural event. Running in the San Juan Islands is a treat in and of itself. And the town of Friday Harbor is a terrific place to stage a race that should be incorporated into a memorable family vacation as well. The weather for the event was a light drizzle and pleasant temps, if not on the warmer side of normal for the Pacific Northwest. The volunteers were enthusiastic and well-coached. This is a small race and the spectators were minimal. But the scenery and rolling landscape was memorable. I highly recommend this event.