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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 31 to 41]

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

C. M. from Alvin, Texas (2/17/2009) "The beach run was fantastic!!!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I would definitely run this race again next year!! It was really fun running on the beach.
Beate Blakset from Houston, Texas (2/17/2009) "Thank you for a great race!" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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
J. H. from Katy, TX (2/17/2009) "A unique and special marathon" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
Brent Lowrey from Lubbock, TX (2/17/2009) "Character" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
A. A. from Sugar Land, TX (2/17/2009) "Great 1/2 for first-timers" (about: 2009) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
Thomas Rowe from League City, Texas (2/16/2009) "Great run" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
J. F. from usa (2/16/2009) "One of a Kind" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The sand was flat, the wind blew strong, The rain was cool; it did not last long. Where the people to cheer, only a few knaves; They where not needed with a view of the waves. The food was good, there was a lot, The drinks were ample; I needed a pit stop. Run it again, sure I would, The time was slow but that will be understood. Go run on the beach, it is better than the road; After this race a you will be considered one of the bold.
A. P. from SE Texas (2/16/2009) "Hard, but will be back" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Organization was good for a small marathon. Packet pick-up was easy, but we could have used some signs in town directing us where to go. The weather made this one of the most difficult things I have ever done. We ran 11 miles into brutal wind plus a couple of miles of pouring rain made me want to quit, but I'm glad I didn't. Turning around at mile 15.5 was as exciting as finishing the race, and I actually enjoyed the run after that. I didn't set any records - that's for sure - but this marathon was worth the trip. The sand was great; I wish I could run on it every day. I am normally a road runner, but it didn't slow me down a bit (the wind took care of that). As for aches and pains, I can tell that this is going to be a super fast recovery. The smoothie at the end was wonderful, as was the post-race BBQ. The only complaint about this race was that there should have been more water stations. I count on them mentally as much as for hydration, and there was a very long stretch without one. I might have to carry some water next time. Also, I will probably train on some hills next year to prepare for this race, even though it is all flat. I could have used more strength to fight the crazy wind. Overall, I loved it!
F. S. from Milano TX (2/16/2009) "2009 Surfside was a lot of fun, even in the rain" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I thought the run was a lot of fun. The goodies were great and the post-run meal was excellent. The wind and the rain made it a little tougher but not impossible. I wish there had been better stuff at the water tables, like a peanut butter sandwich. I get hungry when I run. I love my wind shirt and the coaster. I wish I had been given a choice of extra small on the wind shirt. The small is kind of big. Overall, I would recommend this run to everyone.
R. F. from Texas (2/16/2009) "One of my all-time favorite events" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Surfside Beach Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I have run the half marathon three times and the full marathon once. The hard-packed sand is an excellent running surface that makes for a quick recovery. The race is small and low-key - a nice change from big-city races. There aren't many spectators, but the ocean view is so nice, who needs them? The wind is always a challenge, but there are no hills. The after-race barbecue dinner is excellent, the volunteers are friendly and the race packets are filled with lots of unusual items. Great wind-shirts this year that will come in handy at future races. All in all, a terrific event and one that I will continue to participate in.

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