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May 5, 2024

Surfside Beach Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Surfside Beach Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.5

Organization 4.7

Spectators 2.7

Number of comments: 91 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

F. M. from Corpus Christi, Texas (2/14/2010) "Great race for peace and solitude!" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 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.
R. B. from Austin, Texas (1/21/2010) "Not a PR course, but fun and different" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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
s. m. from victoria, texas (4/7/2009) "awesome" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 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.
J. G. from Houston, Tx (2/25/2009) "easy course, tough headwind, cheerful aid stations" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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
J. M. from Houston, Tx (2/23/2009) "Ultimate runners High!" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
T. I. from Texas, but originally from Russia (2/21/2009) "Everything great but the headwind" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
C. D. from USA (2/20/2009) "I love doing this half-marathon." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Surfside Beach Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
B. N. from Houston, Texas (2/19/2009) "Highly recommended" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
Sarah Trombley from Galveston, TX (2/18/2009) "An amazing race!" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
R. H. from Houston (2/17/2009) "Nice goodies & food, but hated the sand & weather" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 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.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 .. 10 > ]

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