I'm from Chicago and I love flying down to do this run. I get to spend time with my sister and get away from the cold. This is the ONLY run that I do after which I feel absolutely no pain the next day. I wish all of my half-marathons could be this easy and fun.

I've done several full marathons and many halves, but this was probably one of the most fun and unique races I've done. I highly recommend it. It was not easy, but it was so incredibly enjoyable. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and organized the race.

This was my first half marathon. I had a great time running it. I had trained with Galveston Fit. I felt very prepared physically after a few months of training. The best part of the race was the finish, when my boyfriend proposed to me! We are already talking about how we will run this race together next year. The Surfside Half Marathon was a huge turning point for my life. Thank you to everyone for doing a great job.

This was my 71st marathon but first on the beach or sand. I now know that I do not like to run on sand. The dips are jolting, especially when you cannot see them underwater. Recovery seems similar compared to the Houston Marathon on hard surfaces a month ago. The race directors cannot control the weather, but it was bad. The start was warm and humid, and then came wind, with horizontal rain that stung like hail. Good food and nice goodies. It was an interesting experience - once.

I would definitely run this race again next year!! It was really fun running on the beach.

I just wanted to say, "Thank you very much" for the great race you and your volunteers put on for us runners on Saturday, Feb 14th. It was my first Surfside Marathon, and I must say: it is so far my favorite race! I had never run on a beach before (except barefoot when swimming...) and I really liked the surface. I have minimal soreness after the marathon which is unheard of for me.

I liked the fact that the race was so easy to get to. We obviously live in the area! We could drive there in the morning, the parking was easy, and the whole race felt very relaxed and good spirited. The headwind was amazing, but what a great feeling it was to turn at 15.5 miles! Another first for me: I think I had a negative split. Unbelievable. Tailwind is highly underrated!

The aid stations were perfectly spaced, the food afterward was great, and all of your prizes and goody bags were amazing.

Anyway, thank you again. I am doing all the marketing I can for this race. I am in contact with runners from my own country (Norway) and hopefully we will have some "real" foreigners next year.

I am sure that I am also speaking on behalf of my husband, Michael Pentland. He loved the race too.

All the best,

Beate

This is one of those marathons that you will never forget - especially anytime you take a vacation to the beach. It is very well-organized, had special Valentine's Day race categories, a FREE BBQ dinner (good stuff too!), a windbreaker rather than yet another t-shirt, and aid stations with all of the essentials. Surfside was slammed by Hurricane Ike, yet this race sold out early and they pulled off a very high-quality and special race for those participating.

The course itself is largely as advertised - 26 miles of running on hard-packed, and well-marked, sand. The sand itself is quite firm - similar to a trail surface. The other variables to contend with are the wind (remember, you're at the beach) and, this year, a nice lengthy shower right in the middle of the race. Overall, a big thumbs-up, especially to those runners looking for something a little different.

The Surfside Beach Marathon is distinctive not only for the unique course, but also for the character of the race organizers. Daryl Beatty is personable and genuine. The organizers really care about and encourage all of the running participants. The running surface was interesting - generally flat - but the rain wore rivulets in the sand during the later part of the race. Just had to take care not to turn an ankle. Headwind was strong, but not unbearable. I look forward to participating in this race in the years to come and encourage others to join in the fun that is Surfside.

This is my first 1/2 marathon and it was great. There were plenty of aid stations and bathrooms, which I was glad for. Not many people to cheer you on but they sure were enthusiastic. The driving rain was miserable and slowed me down considerably, but I was so glad to have finished my race. The post-race food was EXCELLENT and very much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who put this together; I will definitely be back next year to run this again. And thanks to all the officials/police who took care of getting my car unstuck after the race.

I have run numerous half marathons and this one was by far the most fun. I have been running for over 35 years. Not the easiest run, but a great run. Sand, water, wind, rain - all part of a great experience. Forget the cement, asphalt, and packed streets! This run allowed my brain to relax and focus on this beautiful earth. Reminded me of what the marathons were probably like hundreds of years ago.
Every person I met was very kind and obviously excited to help out and be there. All the runners had a great spirit - and I believe they all enjoyed the run.
Great job to the whole gang!!! And thanks to the church that prepared the BBQ - what a great expression of God's love and willingness to serve.
No wonder every person that told me about this run said it was the best one in Texas! I will be back if the Lord is willing. And yes, thanks for having a Saturday run so I can be in church on Sunday.