TNT - although occasionally annoying, I respect their cause and effort; HOWEVER, the coaches need to stay out of the way. One coach ran out to join his runner in the finishing corral and almost collided with me. After 26.1 miles, please get out of the way.

Course - fantastic! I've heard some absurd complaints about the hills and road surface. Where are you people training? The 163 climbs 200 feet over 3 miles - that is not a hill worth worrying about, if you've ever run uphill in your life. I thought running up a major interstate freeway was one of the coolest parts of the course.

My main complaint is fruit punch Accelerade. That stuff is NASTY. Perhaps they could have 2 flavors to offer in the future? I ran with as much of my own drink as I could carry, but of course it was not enough.

I had a blast and I'll be back next year. Can't believe I've lived here for so long and I've never run a marathon in my own backyard. Bands were great, spectators were great, start line was very organized. First half of the course was tough... I was excited to be able to run down the middle of the 163 freeway, but I didn't take into account that it's mostly uphill and there's a horrible slant on the road, both uphill and downhill. MCRD did a great job organizing the finish line/reunion area. I've never been able to sit down and relax in the grass after a marathon, so this was a huge plus. I had tons of fun and I'll be back again next year!!!

I have run beautiful destination marathons with generous time limits (Honolulu, Florence) and this was by far the most fun.

The course is lovely, encompassing the best of downtown, harbor, and suburban San Diego. Yes, there's some camber to the highway portion and uphill/downhill, but it's for just a few miles, and not egregious. I would call the course relatively flat. (In comparison, I would call California International Marathon "rolling.") Miles were perfectly marked, as was the course.

The bands were frequent as promised, terrific fun, and many of the runners were dressed up (shout out to the running Elvises!) or had funny slogans on their shirts. There were almost too many refreshment stations and the provisions were outstanding (also, many spectators provided food and drink). Upon finishing, you were given a cold towel and bottle of water, and then there were plentiful snack tables.

The organization was stellar, especially for a big race. Registration and packet pickup went very smoothly. The expo was huge and selection excellent (they needed to give out expo maps, though). The clothing check in, corral system, and being on time was great. The shuttles to the parking lot were great (certainly beat walking), and it was a brief (5-minute) wait for them.

The spectators were to die for. I can't believe how many San Diegans turned out for this event. There were large groups of cheerleaders every mile or so, and then spectators lining the whole course (even the highway overpasses), many of them offering snacks and libation along with encouragement.

Easy packet pick up, great expo, and good organization at the start. The 163 is not that bad if you run the lower shoulder. Plan for the sun eventually coming out from behind the clouds. I didn't and got a nice sunburn. Remember your sunscreen! Great bands and crowd support! Really enjoyed the post-race concert in the evening.

I'll agree that the TNT runners had better race manners this year, but they are no better trained if they have to have coaches and mentors dashing on and off the course for them. Too many coaches crossed the course almost tripping runners - at the narrow turn around mile 23, a TNT coach on a cell phone almost sent runners to the hospital. Absolutely unforgivable to see coaches running back from the finish to run TNT runners in.

Outstanding organization, and the course was okay (I loved the 163 part). The T-shirt was designed to make you buy the RNR merchandise.

Bands were wonderful - especially the band at the finish. We stayed extra long to listen to them.
Which brings to mind a burning question: Why run a RNR race with your iPod?!

I read a few comments about this race before I ran it and most of the negative comments were way off-base. The stretch of the race on the highway wasn't that bad. It was tough, but it's during the beginning of the race. The race is mostly flat after the highway. I highly recommend that runners run this race if you can. I made tracks from NYC to run and I am very happy I did. The spectators, bands, etc. were awesome. Also, San Diego is a great city to visit. Thanks.

Dont get me wrong, I do enjoy the entire Rock N Roll series of marathons and events. This was my first San Diego Marathon. I loved the scenery. There were as many spectators as there were at the Arizona Marathon. The main thing I was upset about was that they ran out of fluids to drink just at the 15K mark. To compromise for their lack of fluid replacement, they gave out plastic leis instead.

The Arizona RnR Marathon was a big disappointment, so I was reluctant to spend $100+ on another marathon. After hearing the positive reviews on San Diego Rnr, I decided to enter. To put it simply, it was worth it. I've never before described a marathon as enjoyable, but this was the most enjoyable marathon I've ever run.

This is my third RnR Marathon. The support and fans along the course are just amazing. There is one residential street where the whole neighborhood is passing out orange slices. This is a great, great race. My only complaint is running north on the southbound Highway 163. The surface is rock hard and very funky. Luckily, it's in the first half of the race.

Rate this for what it is: a big race with all the trimmings. Don't compare it to the more intimate, smaller, quieter races around the country. Elite puts on a race for the masses and to attract a lot of first-timers; mission accomplished.

They had the bands as promised, started the race almost on time, there was plenty of water and Accerlade - and despite the objections, it seems either the flavor is better or they're mixing it properly (it went down well).

Yes, there is still the jaunt down the 163 freeway - cambered and all, but you do know about it, so you deal with it and move on (it's from mile 7-10). Weather was overcast for the first three hours but it is humid, no matter.

And yes, there are a lot of TNT runners; as a marathoning community it's time to quit bashing them. They volunteered to raise money, went through the training, and they accomplished their goal of not only signing up, but finishing all 26.2. They seemed to have more running etiquette this year and were in high spirits throughout. Because the race was so huge this year (21,000 at the start), the crowds never really thinned out. RnR must be doing something right, attracting such a large crowd for their 11th year - not to mention that they have spawned many other fulls and half marathons around the country.

Expo was fine, packet pick-up was easy, and the pre-race village had all the amenities you needed.

RnR's biggest challenge remains the post-race and finish line. In and out of the Marine Corps Depot is restricted, and though shuttles take you to a massive parking field, it is there that things break down. Nearby freeways and roads are jammed (and many in use for the race), which will try your patience. Maybe someday, they will relent and try a loop course and forgo the parking issues pre- and post-race.

Another plus this year: San Diegans came out in force this year to cheer us on. Overall, a great race day in a big city.