I've run 8 marathons, 6 Houston, NY and Dallas Trails, but this was my first half. It was so fantastic, how will I ever run a full marathon again? To be able to turn around close to mile 9 and in a few short miles be near what would be mile 24 in the marathon, oh what a feeling!!! Then, as a bonus, I was able to see the winners and all the fast people finish, which of course I never usually get to see.

As usual, everything is fantastic at the Houston Marathon, as long as the weather cooperates, which it did this year. The organization is perfection, fans unequalled, best expo anywhere and a terrific post-race party (of course INSIDE the George R. Brown). The absolute best was the good-looking, high quality SWEATSHIRT instead of a T-shirt. I've since done the Austin 1/2 and must say Houston is way, way better. Austin had a traffic nightmare on the feeders getting to one parking garage at the start, fewer crowds, an ugly, thin yellow T-shirt, virtually no EXPO (just go across the street to Run Tex instead), poor organization with the buses, and plastic, not paper, cups - try to squeeze a plastic cup so the water doesn't spill out while running - doesn't work! However, having the 1/2 end at a Beer Garden, now that's a good thing!

I ran the half marathon this year after spending 25 years after college blimping up to 260 lbs. I'd dropped 70 before this race, and this was my 'comeback' race. Great choice. I am sooooo proud of my adopted hometown. We did it up right. As for the complaints about the medals, I believe only three medals that matter and they're gold, silver and bronze. Since this wasn't the Olympics, the hardware doesn't matter. Running the race was the reward, and it was great. Good job Houston. Now it's on to Grandma's in Duluth, and then Boston 2005.

Great overall experience. The organization was outstanding; extraordinary expo, great t-shirt and finisher stuff. Course support was right on the money. Could've done better in the medal department. And some of the mile markers were a bit off the mark during the first 13m. The course is great for a PR.

This was my eighth marathon and I must say that outside of beautiful Alaska, it was the best! I'll be back!

Even better organization this year. The weather was just perfect and the crowds very supportive on my second run of this marathon in my hometown; also second marathon ever bettering my last year`s time by 25 minutes.

I`ll run Motorola Marathon in February.

As a new runner, completing the half marathon here in my hometown was a watershed moment. Last year, I completed the 4-miler in 12:53/mile at 278 pounds. I immediately set a goal to do the half the following year and I dropped my time to 2:32:34 from a 2:50:52 initial half marathon effort on 11/1/03 at the White Rock Half in Dallas. (I ran this event at somewhere between 242 and 252.)

The spectators were absolutely awesome, especially a few boisterous ones on Allen Parkway between mile markers 11 and 12. That really helped so close to the finish.

The number of runners starting together, while it seemed overwhelming, actually helped me to not go out too fast, but it wasn't until at least mile 4 or 5 that I could run my pace without affecting a lot of other runners.

The finisher's sweatshirt was really nice, but the medal stunk. It was no bigger than the 4-miler from the year before. The White Rock Half one was better.

While it didn't seem to bother me during the race (but a left calf muscle did from mile 8 on), my thighs were sore for a couple of days because of the surface. However, I attribute that to the fact that I had been working in Pittsburgh during the week and not doing a lot of outdoor running either -- other than events.

My goal for next year? Do the full marathon!

A great first marathon experience. Smooth and efficient organisation from registration to post-race food. Great course and friendly atmosphere. Special thanks to the pace crew to help me achieve a dream.

This was my first marathon. I'm hooked. The entire experience was very positive. I will definitely be back next year. The crowd was great the entire course. Neighborhoods had candy, fruits, and drinks out for the runners that needed a little extra boost. My only comment for improvement would be to start the marathon and half marathon separately (5-10 min apart) to give more running space the first 5 miles. Thanks for a great race.

Running only my second marathon, I went to Houston for one reason and that was to qualify for Boston. I was able to do it with a fast, flat course, great weather, and the Clif Bar Pace Team. I also want to give credit to the Houston community for coming out to support the race. Great turn out for a race of this size.

As for some of the complaints that I have read, the only one I can agree with is that finisher medal was too plain, and with all the comments I am sure that will be fixed by next year. Otherwise, this course was as flat as a pancake, except for one overpass (less than 200m) and some rolling hills through some underpasses and the city park.

I would suggest this race to anyone who is looking for a good winter marathon!

As usual, the Houston Marathon delivered an enjoyable experience. However, I'd have to say this was the most unorganized I've seen it. The reason is because the Super Bowl had a large portion of the convention center already claimed, which meant that a bunch of stuff had to be squeezed together, and other things had to be put outside. I'm not too concerned about future marathons, becuase they won't have to deal with a space crunch.

My one main gripe is the finisher's medal. I was genuinely disappointed when it was put around my neck; hopefully next year they can make it a bit bigger. The course and fans were great; the spectators near Rice were phenomenal! One thing I've noticed quite a bit the last few years is people crossing over the median during the first mile, perhaps it should be blocked off so that someone doesn't add or take away mileage.