This race should be renamed The Team-In-Training Charity Marathon. Racers looking for a quick time and some good pacers try another race. Consider the fact that some 17,000 ran and the average finish time was something like 4 hours. It's great these people are doing it, but this is a first-timers marathon.

Furthermore, course was bland. But some might like running along an expressway for 10 miles. No fans, though the water stations were well manned. Many of the bands weren't playing when I passed--probably waiting for the 4 hours plus mob to pass. The fluid they gave out-Ultima- is the worst product ever invented. Tasted like medicine. Terrible!

Dissappointed in a not particularly scenic course in a beautiful city. Very little entertainment, but much was promised.

I ran the marathon its first year. . . Sounds like it has greatly improved. Hopefully, 'we all learn from our mistakes' (a momism). That first year was a TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE! We had to wait 45 minutes for it to start. No water for several miles (dehydration set in early). Hot, hot, hot sun the last part of the race. The main thing that drew me to the race was 'a band at every mile'. No - - band stands, but NO BANDS at every mile, not even every other mile. . .what a big disappointment. It does sound like they have learned from experience what comprises a good marathon . . . I plan to run it in 2001.

Course was really nice for the most part. I liked going around Mission Bay, but it was really hot and NO shade at all last 16 miles. Miles 22-26 had no crowd support hardly. Maybe run it the other direction? Get the hot part over with and end in Balboa. Getting out after the finish was disastrous at best. Walked almost a mile to stand in line for an hour and a half in the sun for a bus. Bands, cheerleaders, were great. I'd say toss the Ultima in the Bay but the fish would hate us.

I didn't like this race. Sure, it would have been better without the extreme heat but that wouldn't have fixed the course itself. Don't get me wrong, parts of it were nice but there was absolutely NO shade from about Mile 10 on. Miles 20-26 were along a nasty urban highway with cars spreading their noxious fumes driving in the other direction. Not a good way to finish a race.

The start was well organized and, contrary to most opinions, I like the Ultima drink. Overly sugared Gatorade, Powerade, etc. makes me sick. Check out the benefits of a drink like Ultima - it's much better for you.

The crowd support was OK. I've seen much better. The water stops were fully manned but, with a few exceptions, the volunteers just weren't paying much attention. A couple of times I had to tap someone's shoulder to hand me a cup - they were too busy yacking with their neighbor.

I'm glad I did this race once but the sister Country Music Marathon was much better as are other races in which I've participated. Thanks, but I won't be back.

The scenery, organization, crowd and runners made this run almost flawless. The ULTIMA was the worst! None of the runners I heard from drank it and several dropped out due to cramping and dehydration. I might not return if ULTIMA is the sponser. The volunteers were fabulous and the neighbors were so supportive and kind as we came by. This marathon rookie loved it-just get rid of that awful drink!

The 2000 Rock and Roll marathon was incredible: the scenery was wonderful, the spectators and volunteers incredible! However, the 'June Gloom' we all counted on did NOT happen, there wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was far too hot, and very little shade on the course. Kudos to everyone, though, who had their hoses out to sprinkle the runners!

I loved everything about this marathon! The course was scenic, the weather was perfect, the fans were enthusiastic, the volunteers were helpful! I didn't care for the powdered sports drink (Ultima), especially when I got a big clump of the powder in the bottom of the cup! This was my first marathon, and I'm excited about doing another one. It was really well organized. The bands were great - I had a hard time running on by and not staying to hear the music! I'm looking forward to next year's!

The organizers had ample water and GU packets, even provided CLIFF bars along the way and Ultima (very watery). Lots of first aid stations and very helpful volunteers. Bands were good and the cheerleaders helped. I did not make it to the concert. I would have prefered a band at the end of the concert in the general location area.

The organization of the race was excellent, especially the transportation to and from participating hotels and event functions. However, this race should be moved to a May start due to excessive heat. Even the defending champion and course record holder from Kenya couldn't finish in the heat!
While this course was billed as flat, it was not. There were a number of long uphill grades run along major highways.
Lastly, the sports drink provider, Ultima, was completely undrinkable! In this kind of heat, it is critical to have a well known and palatable drink!Please provide a different drink that appeals to a wider audience next year, like Gatorade.
The volunteers were WONDERFUL, with plenty of fluid stations, and the music and cheerleaders were a nice distraction from the heat.