You can't really beat the Surfside Beach Marathon for having a unique course - the marathon is run on the 13-mile Surfside Beach island and goes from one end to the other. The beach is wide, flat, and has hard-packed sand that makes it easy to run on - more forgiving than asphalt, but definitely not as challenging as a trail run.

I've done this race before, in 2008, and even though Hurricane Ike destroyed the park pavilion the marathon used the first year, the race felt the same - so I'm glad I came back to do it again.

This is a very individual race - there is a lot of room on the beach to spread out, especially after the half marathon turnaround (mile 8 or so of the marathon course). I really appreciated the port-a-potties every mile to a mile and a half, but it seemed like the course was missing a water stop at the marathon turn-around point between miles 13 and 18. I'm not sure whether there was supposed to be one or two in between there, but there should have been for the runners.

The water stop at mile 1.6/3 also wasn't in place, but the race director apologized afterwards. This one wasn't as bad because it was early in the race and it wasn't hot at the start.

The race gear you get is great - the race got a really nice new logo this year, and it makes a great white short-sleeve tech tee. You also get a great medal shaped like Texas with the race logo that says, "2010" on both the medal and the ribbon, a finisher's plate, and a coaster.

This marathon is a great value, and if the weather is nice, the beach is a great place to hang out. Also check out the Sea Center, a small, free aquarium 10 minutes away in Lake Jackson.

My first marathon ever! I was so nervous but everyone was so friendly and helpful. Very quiet and peaceful run, which is what I like. The sand was not at all difficult to run on; it was not like I thought it would be. It felt more like running on a treadmill to me. Didn't notice much of a headwind or tailwind, but I was only averaging 4 mph, so that is probably why I didn't notice. No water or restrooms in the first 4 miles, or around 14-18 miles either. I ended 5 and a half hours after the race start, and by the time I reached the finish line, they were out of some food items that I was really looking forward to. Great experience! I will be back next year!

Great race on the hard-packed sand on the beach. One out-and-back. Great post-race food, great medal, great shirt, very spiffy table coaster! I've done 21 marathons and it's hard to imagine a better organized race than this one. Special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this race a whopping success. Race director did an awesome job! See you next year, Surfside!!!

I completed the full marathon for my fourth time. Each time it is a thrill to hear the crashing of the waves, and to view the Gulf of Mexico.

There were 900 half and full marathon runners, with plenty of running room for all.

D.B. and crew work very hard getting ready for this race each year. They were exceptionally great on the night before this year's race, recovering from the main tent collapse and the early packet pick up delay. Next year all are hopeful that the packet pick up and post-race festivities will return to the Stahlman building. It is being rebuilt in the wake of Hurricane Ike.

Great job to all volunteers! Thanks again to Darryl B.!

This was my 2nd marathon and my first time running Surfside Beach. I ran Houston a few weeks ago, so this was at the opposite end of the spectrum. Packet pickup was quick and easy the morning of the race. I was disappointed in the goody bag though. I had heard so much about the great goody bags, but there was hardly anything in there. I was also disappointed in the tech shirt. It was a unisex shirt, so that meant the small that I requested is way too big for me. It was also white, which, in my opinion, is the worst color for any athletic shirt.

Now, the course was good - something different. This race provides a lot of solitude, so if you need thousands of screaming fans, stick with the Rock 'n' Roll or other mega races. With only 900 people, it was nice not to have to dodge people and be crammed together for the first 2-3 miles. The sand was packed, but I agree with previous posters that the dips in the surface can make for some uneven running. The weather was great - no wind, and the sun did come out around 11 a.m. It felt like the water stations weren't evenly spaced out. Some were close together and then it seemed like we ran about 2 miles without one. I would totally recommend a water belt for this reason, and because the HEED sports drink is awful!!

I finished in 4:29 and there were still fans at the finish and plenty of drinks and free smoothies and BBQ. The smoothies were awesome, but I didn't partake in the BBQ; it just seems a little heavy for me after running that distance. The finisher medals were also nice.

Overall, this is a well organized race and I would recommend it to anyone wanting serene scenery and time to think.

The headwind made for a challenging marathon. The tailwind after the turnaround was nice, but it didn't make up for the headwind - I was pretty tired. I had never run a marathon on anything but paved roads, so this was quite different. Many will not like the desolate nature of the course - not much spectators. However, if you like to disassociate like I do, it's cool. It was well-organized. Great food, awards, and what can beat being able to park so close to the start? I had fun.

- Ron Bennett

I have run half-marathons from Utah to Texas, and for a small half, this was the best organized. It also had the best swag and post-race goodies. Thanks; I will run this every year from here on.

Although the seaweed and the decomposing dolphin made for a dirty course, the staff did a great job at making me feel welcome. The course was flat and easy. The normal headwind was ok until the coming storm brought with it a very tough headwind (from north to south), which slowed my 7:50 min./miles to 8:40 or so! However, the tailwind at the 15.5 mile or so turnaround was awesome right until the rain pushed it away! The awesome young folks at the aid stations made me feel like a rock-star runner and were eager to help under soaking conditions. BBQ great, smoothies great, my running ok. Will consider returning next year. Thank you for a great race.

- Juan Galvan

This was my first half marathon, therefore I was a little (very) nervous and anxious. But it turned out great!! The sand was firm and easy to run on. It was hard fighting the headwind, but I concentrated on the beautiful view instead and just enjoyed the run (no matter how slow), but when we turned and the wind was at my back, it was like butter. I sailed to the finish line, and even as the rain started at mile 10, I didn't mind it at all. Thanks to all of the volunteers at the water stops who were out in the wind and rain with us, and to all of the others who helped out. Great event.

It was the first one on the sand and I loved running on it. It was well packed and I had no problem running on it at all, but the headwind nearly knocked me over. If it was not for that it would have been a nearly perfect race. Goodies and food were great. I would definitely consider doing this one again. Thanks.