Vancouver is a beautiful city even in the rain. I thought the race organization was excellent, although I carried my own water and did not observe any dry water stops (I ran a 4:10 marathon). It was very nice to have the dry warm stadium to wait in before the start, although they kept blasting a very cheesy song (some of us come to win, some of us come to run). I saw all of the mile markers except for one, and there was ample and varied food at the finish. My only complaint was that it was a LONG walk from the finish line to get into the stadium and to the food, but I'm not sure how they'd organize that differently. The medal and finishers t-shirts were also quite attractive (both with an orca theme). It wasn't the easiest course (especially the climb to the Burrard Bridge at miles 24-25), but was varied enough to be interesting. There weren't throngs of spectators, but most were in the final 9 miles and definitely provided a nice boost. Kudos to the volunteers around mile 11 or 12 pointing out a speed bump with the cheer, "This is our speed bump, this is our speed bump, check it out."

This was my 8th participation in this event and this is the worst organization of water stations in the half-marathon course. We were expecting the usual water station at around the halfway point just before we attack the hill up Prospect Point. The water station was there, but there was no water. Then we were hoping for the next water station after we came down from Prospect Point. Again, there was none. Essentially, the key water stations were not there when we needed it most.

This was my first marathon (1/2) and I must say I am glad I was with someone who knew what was going on! It seemed the organizers assumed everyone would know what to do, where to go, etc. It was very poorly marked or laid out. The run was great, the turns were a bit difficult to maneuver around all the other runners, and the homeless people on the side of the street was a bit disheartening. Overall I had a great day. Definitely would do it again. But next time, I'll pack my own snacks and water, as the water wasn't even delivered to two critical water stations. Vector Bars? Really? The oranges were a welcome blessing.

Altogether, I was extreemly disappointed in not only the course but also the stations. Overall, I would never participate in this race again. I thought the course sucked. We ran in mostly industrial areas for the first half of the race. The KM/miles were not marked for each one that we ran, which for a runner is a great incentive to know how far you have come and what you have left. Never once did I see a washroom marked. And also what was with the water stations. There was no water or other electrolyte balancing mixtures left when I needed them. Good thing I carry them with me because I can't rely on this race to provide them. Like what the hell did my money go towards? Seriously!

If Vancouver Marathon wants to keep the pros from putting on similar events here (and they do), they better sharpen up their act. I'm all for volunteers and the good things associated with this event but a few things concerned me about today's run. 1) NO water or Ultima at the halfway point in the half, and at the next station. This is unbelievable. I was close enough to the head of the group, so I assume they didn't run out; instead, they just didn't have any in the first place. 2) There was loose gravel, a very small amount mind you, along the route because of some construction. Instead of someone sweeping it up before the run - a push broom and two minutes would have done it - there was someone there calling out "loose gravel." 3) The stage at the start of the half, was waaaay back at the start for the full. The mayor made his welcome speech into a mic that crapped out at the end and he was about 500 yards back from where the crowd was. Not a good showing. 4) There were not enough signs marking distances for the half. It seems more effort was focused on the full than on the half.

Regardless of all this, thanks to all the volunteers who participated. I just wish the overall organization was something that was more worthy of your efforts. And I'm only giving the spectators 3 stars, because I've had the pleasure of running the Houston Half and the route was jammed with spectators cheering on everyone, not just their own favs. It really opened my eyes to what civic pride can look like.

Ultima sports drink poor choice. With that said, not having Ultima at many of the aid stations (ran out) was a big disappoint. I was surprised at the number turns the first 3 miles made it difficult to spread out the runners. The marathon did not meet my expectations - for what I thought would be a big-city marathon, I was disappointed with course support. Bikes and cars were on the course, the expo did not have a lot running presenters, and the post-race food left a lot to be desired.

I ran the 2006 half-marathon and there was no water or sports drink available between miles 5 and 11. Very poor planning as the course info indicated they would be at miles 7 and 9 1/2. Luckily it was extremely cool and rainy. Also, I never saw a mile marker until mile 4 (mile markers hard to find/not readily visible). On the positive side, the shuttle buses were awesome, on time, warm and greatly appreciated.

I just completed the 1/2 marathon. The course was wonderful (even in the rain). There was water at the first two and the last water station; all other water stations said they were out of water. It was very embarrassing for the volunteers, and not good for the participants. I can't imagine how this could happen. I usually take water along, but since I spoke to someone at registration who said there would be lots of water on the route, I didn't take any with me. The finish-line food was great.

The course is moderately hilly, but the race organization is terrible. There was no water at 2 key aid stations - one after the other.

For a city the size of Vancouver, it is disappointing to see that other marathons in BC are so much better organized - Okanagan, Victoria, etc. The start areas and pace grouping needs work, the aid stations need to be planned properly so that electrolytes don't run out BEFORE half of the field gets to an aid station, and most importantly, the organizers need to get rid of the corporate payouts from Ultima and Vector (Kellogg) at aid stations - these do not serve as useful on-course fuel for marathoners. Please, please take a lesson from the Okanagan Marathon and have aid stations every mile, with Gatorade or PowerAde. NO ULTIMA.

Post-race, having shirts that actually match the sizes specified would be nice. I have yet to meet someone who actually got a finisher's shirt that fit them (most are about 2 sizes bigger than labeled). Smaller events like STORMY (Squamish) and Summerfast (Vancouver) are able to provide participants with technical shirts from BoneDry and Blurr, and yet the entry fees are a fraction the cost of the VIM. Go figure...

I am disappointed to say that this is my hometown marathon, and yet I would rather run somewhere else.

The course otherwise is enjoyable - it's scenic and covers a lot of the city with great views. Spectators are friendly and encouraging throughout the course, although in greatest volume in the last 2 KM from Burrard Bridge to the finish.