I have run eight marathons and have been a member of another marathon's organizing committee for years. The Marathon of the Palm Beaches was a well-organized, flat and friendly marathon. The volunteers were terrific (thank you, especially for getting up early for a 6 a.m. start!); I loved the water stops (there were plenty of them and each one had a different, wacky theme); and the pacing teams were a big plus (thanks for carrying signs during the race so we could find you). The course was absolutely flat - as in a pancake. Overall a very good experience.

Of the two negatives I am going to mention, only one is controllable: The weather (hot and humid) was very tough if you are from a colder climate. You just can't prepare for high humidity and temperatures in the 70's if you live in the Northeast. The 6 a.m. start helped, but the temperatures rose quickly, and despite staying hydrated, I really struggled - and had plenty of company. The other issue is the course design. Although I loved how flat the course was, it was brutal passing by the finish at 13.1 miles and then again at 20-something miles. It was nice for friends and family but tough for the runners.

Thanks again to the organizers and the volunteers. Nice job.

This was my first marathon ever and I felt very good about the experience. I found nothing to complain about. The organization, I felt, was miraculous. The spectators were unbelievably supportive. And what a beautiful course. I'd say 90% breathtakingly scenic. A not-so-scenic area along the way, but it kept it interesting too. How many towns can you run through that don't have that? All in all, I give it a thumbs up and I'll be back next year.

Used to be a race director in San Diego back in the 80's so I know firsthand what an incredible undertaking it is to put on an event of this size. Everyone involved needs to be commended. It truly was a wonderful experience all the way around! It was my first time running the 1/2 marathon and I hope - "God willing" - it will be a yearly event for me.

- Faith Croshaw

This was my third marathon after running NY twice. I found the expo to be terribly disorganized. The race day baggage check was nearly impossible to find (especially in the dark). The figure-eight course was only partially scenic, and most of the race was through very uninteresting neighborhoods. Charging for food at the finish line was very tacky, in my opinion. The course could also have used some more areas with music to help compensate for VERY FEW spectators. I will say, however, that I did not have a problem with mile 22 passing near the finish line as others have mentioned. I live in South Florida and would like to see this marathon succeed; however, it needs MAJOR changes.

I thought the expo was cheesy. I could not believe they handed out WARM water at the finish line. I was also disappointed that all the bananas were cut in half, brown, and smashed. Who puts out navel oranges? They are for juicing. Then I also saw food being sold. Who sells food at a marathon? VERY, VERY DISAPPOINTED! I will never recommend running that marathon to anyone. I wasted my time and money. You need a better coordinator/marketing director to help.

Although it was hot (I live in BC and left in -35 degrees), it was fun and flat. The organization I thought was superb (I never got lost although there was some tricky turns), aid stations were wonderful, and spectator support was great. The community made it worthwhile. Having the finish line where you pass through a few times made it easy for non-running family to watch the race and their runner without having to move from the shade! The beer at the end was just what I needed! Kudos for a terrific race.

My second year of the 1/2 marathon, although I have run 8 marathons. Being from CT, it was nice to run in warm weather. There are numerous hotels nearby, within a few miles - and parking on race-day is very convenient, abundant and free. The race is very well organized and totally flat - not one hill. Problem this year is that it was very humid - 70% at 9 a.m. and 76 degrees. A stiff wind caused problems in miles 2-5. Race starts early - 6:30 a.m. Incredible crowd support, especially at water stations. Lots of food at finish for 1/2 marathoners, including rice and beans from a local restaurant. Nice, but small expo, which is in a really nice spot, in the new part of West Palm Beach, which is quite nice. This race will only get better.

A really great course along the waterfront in the first half; the second half takes you through nice neighborhoods, and past the finish line at about the 20 mile-mark! The race seems to be all geared up for the half-marathon. Food table at the end of the marathon was closed up!

Access to the race was very convenient with sponsored free parking in the nearby city garages within easy walking distance.

Volunteers did a terrific job, and I was glad to see medics biking the street checking up on runners in the warm weather at the end of the race.

Really fun race - water stations fun and well-placed, lots and lots of community support (thanks to the homeowners who volunteered to spray the runners down with water hoses!). Very well staffed - one complaint is that there was no good food left for the mid-pack marathoners; I guess the 1/2 folks ate it all up. All told, I would do again.

Course: Nice water views, very flat, but very very redundant. On the full course, you pass by the Finish Line TWICE before going down and back a few miles to finalLy cross it. Part of it zig-zags through miles of boring neighborhoods. It was like a maze at times.

Course support is very good. Lots of water stations staffed by great, spirited people!

At the end of the marathon, there was no food/water left... they ran out early! Sure sign of a 3rd class organization.

Palm Beach is a great area! City Place is 1st class. But I will not do this marathon again. Maybe the half.