I'm training for Rome and I'm a local here so I decided to do the full marathon as a training run. There are two great things about this race: 1. Running along the ocean, and 2. The most frequent and best water stops I have seen to date. #1 is self-explanatory... this race has a pretty nice view most of the way, even though you loop around and run along the same course most of the way back.

I can't say enough about the water stops. It was hot and sunny once day broke, so they were very needed, but there was water and Gatorade at or near every single mile post, and I can't thank the volunteers enough for always being so friendly and ready with cups for every runner. That part of the race was a huge success.

My main criticism of the race is that on the last 1.5 miles - the "home stretch" - the race course was full of motorcycles, bikers, skateboards, pedestrians, and - yes - even Segways, who wanted to enjoy their Sunday on the beach, took advantage of the road being closed to cars, and didn't care one bit about the race going on. I suppose the best solution would be to either start the race earlier or use better barriers along that stretch of the course. But being a native here, I know that many people would probably go wherever they wanted anyway, barrier or not. On at least three other occasions during the main stretch of the course between Oakland Park and Atlantic, police motorcycles were using the empty lane right next to the runners and blazed by at 40-50 mph, which was pretty uncomfortable, and I'm not the kind of person that gets uncomfortable easily. Perhaps they can be asked to use a more appropriate speed when riding alongside the runners unless there is an emergency. Otherwise, the police were great and helpful in keeping traffic off the course.

The spectator support was OK... there were a few small groups on every mile clapping and smiling. There were 3 or 4 spectators who took it to the next level and were screaming all-out both times I passed, which was fun. The best was a small group of people who set up a beer stand on the street....

There was practically no entertainment other than a saxophone player and a reggae-guy with a steel drum, but I actually liked the quiet course.

The expo was good, the medal is nice, I really don't like the shirt (gray with tiny writing... for Ft. Lauderdale, you'd think it would be a bit more lively and interesting), and there was adequate food and drink at the finish, with massages, medical support, a good announcer, and a nice crowd. I'm glad I ran this race, and I prefer it over the Palm BeachMmarathon... this race is getting the fundamentals down well, and if it develops a unique personality (there is plenty of it in Ft. Lauderdale) it could be a great marathon.

This was my very first run and I have to say it was a delight - the weather was beautiful, the course was nice and the runners were respectful of everybody's space. See you next year!!!!

Parking was a disaster. We inched our way to the parking garages, taking more than 15 minutes to go one short block. I waited 45 minutes in almost stand-still traffic and fearing that I would miss the start, parked at a Burger King with about 30 others. When we got back all of our cars had been towed about 10 blocks away. We needed $100 cash (who carries that kind of money to a race?) to get our cars out. I had to hitch a ride to the only bank that is open on a Sunday and sit for 1 and a half hours for the bank to open. A most imperfect end to what could have been a perfect day. I will NOT be doing this race again (and it is less than half an hour from my home). Miami was 10 times better organized (parking) with 3 to 4 times the number of participants.

Great weather and beautiful views!! Nice, flat and easy to run! Lots of fun!!!

I cannot wait to run the A1A Marathon again!

I ran the half in 2006 and the full in 2007. After my experience last year, I tell everyone that will listen that this has the potential to be a GREAT race. For such a young event, the organizers do an excellent job and the course is fantastic. I love running along the ocean and through the park. The finisher's medal is the best I've seen!

This is one to run!

I loved the park at mile 22 - 25. What a perfect place to experience the solitude and reflect on why I run.

I participated in the A1A half marathon in 2006 and 2007 and enjoyed both of them. The park run was both peaceful and enjoyable to me. There were plenty of water stops and snacks during the entire race. My only negative comment is that spectators were lacking. I felt sorry for racers running the full marathon with few people cheering them on during the final stretch. Hopefully, more people will come out for future races, even if it is raining.

I ran the 1/2 marathon and have run numerous others, as well as full marathons. In comparison, this run was excellent for size and scenery - especially running along the A1A with the ocean on one side as the sun was coming up. This is a great course for anyone who is looking for a PB. If you can't get a personal best here, you should re-evaluate your training. The organization of this run was good. I was disappointed with the lack of spectators. My only suggestion would be to add mile markers for each mile.

I would definitely run this course again.

I enjoyed the 2007 A1A Marathon, despite the weather conditions of the day. The course was well marked, and refreshments were abundant throughout the duration. Vehicular traffic didn't pose a problem, due to the efforts of the police. The refreshments at the finish line were adequate and the beer tasted great. Would do it again some day.

This was my first marathon. I ran the full and thought it was great. Billy Bones doing the national athem on the sax was fantastic! What a way to fire up the crowd. There were plenty of bathrooms, water stops, and enery gels. The music bands and radio stations along the way were so refreshing. The shuttle buses back to the starting line were great - and only a 15-minute wait. I thought the run through the park was nice. It gave you a chance to reflect. Thanks, Fort Lauderdale, for the nice experience.