I had a wonderful time running the half marathon. It was a little windy going out but coming back was very pleasant. I am definitely coming back next year I had such a good time!

If you like a small race that is different, being run on the beach with basically no spectators, then this is your race. Recovery was the easiest of the 40+ marathons I have run. They need to improve the water stations - volunteers were not there, ready to give out water for the most part. For most of the stations, you had to stop and grab the water and then hand it back, as it was very windy.

This marathon is organized by runners - you can tell by the care they take with the shirts, giveaways, awards, pre- and post-race dinners. Everything is designed with the runner at heart. Surfside also provides a quick recovery by offering an easy-to-negotiate sand surface. A top-of-the-line race and one I would recommend to all marathoners.

This will go down as one of my all-time favorite races. It's a small, low-key, laid-back race, which is a refreshing change from big city marathons. The packed sand was an ideal running surface and I can still see the surf crashing onto the beach when I close my eyes. I'll definitely want to run this one again! (As an added bonus, the post-race barbecue, T-shirt and finisher's medals were all great.)

I ran the half-marathon and have to say that this is a superbly organized run. Everyone is friendly and helpful. Great course, shirts, medals, and food.

I ran the half.

Surfside is about 60 miles south of Houston, an easy drive. Plently of free parking on the beach within 200 meters of the start line.

Packet pick-up at the Park building; quick and well enough organized for this size race. Eight port-a-potties at the start, no line. Port-a-potty and fluids every 1.5 miles along the course. Miles markers for both full and half. Not chip timed. EMS at the finish. One massage table.

Small field, about 120 marathoners and 240 half-marathoners.

Race is out-and-back; south about 2 miles, then out-and-back north for the rest of the distance. Entire course is on the beach. Had been concerned about running on the sand, but it was well packed, a joy to run on. Wide beach, very nearly flat.

Very few spectators, it's miles and miles of deserted beach. Very calm. Very different from the larger road races like Houston.

Weather for 2006 was sunny, low 40's. Would have been perfect except for strong wind blowing across the beach at about a 45-degree angle. Significant headwind going out, tailwind coming back.

Long-sleeve cotton T-shirt in your packet, and unusual medal to finishers.

Unusual (and will be free to download) group photos (M marathoners, F marathoners, M half, F half, couples).

Great job from the volunteers. Very casual and friendly atmosphere.

Overall, I plan to do it again.

Suggestions to organizers:
1) Your website could be better; even basic info like course map is missing.
2) Park building unmarked, but obvious by the time I got there (suggest a picture on the website).
3) Paper rather than plastic cups at the water stations.

The wind was brutal; only had a tailwind for about 6 miles. The race was very well organized and fun. This is only their second year, but they have worked the bugs out. Running on sand is challenging, but running a marathon is challenging too. I would suggest this marathon to anyone that enjoys running; if it is all about PR's, don't do it. If you like beautiful scenery, this one is for you.

Between us we have run a lot of marathons. This is in our top 10. The race director was very gracious and knowledgeable. The accommodations, pre-race pasta dinner, and post-race meal were great. The course was unique and beautiful. Volunteers were outstanding; they really enjoyed what they were doing. Overall, this was one superb event.

What a great experience to run a marathon on the beach. My main problem was trying not to stop to pick up sea shells. Very well organized for a first-time marathon with incredible warmth and support from the organizers.
Excellent food, awards and shirts.

Easiest recovery from a marathon I've ever had. I was only really sore for 1 day instead of at least 3 like normal.

Except for about a 200-yard stretch, the beach is hard-packed sand that's as easy on the legs as a dirt trail. There is about a 2-mile stretch on asphalt at the turn-around.

For a first-time marathon, the organization was fantastic, and they treated everyone really well. Nice personal touches.

If you do need crowd support, this is not for you, because it's pretty lonely out there.

Running a couple of spring marathons is very doable if this is the first one you do.