Considering it was my first marathon ever, and I didn't know what to expect, I really enjoy the whole experience. The weather was great for running - a little drizzle to keep the body cool. The traffic control was great and just the whole marathon was awesome... I will live to run again!!!

Didn't have any logistical problems, so organization was fine. Weather was good - 50's and overcast. Course was slightly hilly. I got 1,130 feet of ascents, which adds about 2:30 to your flat marathon time at 8-minute pace, per my calculations. No energy drinks, so bring your own (they had an electrolyte drink).

This was much improved since last year. Good to see that some organizers listen to the runners and improve on things that were lacking. I enjoyed the race from start to finish. It was much easier to get to the event. Last year traffic was backed up on the freeway. This year we zipped right to the parking area with signs everywhere.
Will be running next year.

-Bob Delava

Considering the rough start last year (between wildfires and race day floods), the PM folks did a very good job. The one thing I didn't like about the course were the continual switchbacks and very long straight stretches. This year, the weather was perfect and the slight tinkering to the course was great. I wasn't thrilled with miles 20 through 22 (being switchbacks and a bit hilly), but hey, it's supposed to be a challenge, and it was.

If you're expecting tons of cheering crowds, then you're at the wrong marathon. However, the people who did come out and support the runners were very enthusiastic and provided the right amount of spark to help go the next mile. The volunteers were great. The water stops were well planned and nicely staffed. Maybe a few water stops could have carried GU or some other energy booster, but that's why you should come prepared with your own supplies.... I hope the organizers can keep the same date every year. It's a nice way to get a jump start on the new year.

What an improvement from 2009! The trip from the freeway exit to the parking lot was a breeze. (It took only 15 minutes.) I did not have to wait very long for any of the port-a-potties (this time there were plenty), and the changes in the course were big improvements (fewer "out-and-backs"). As for the shortcomings, the crowd support was still lacking, and the people handing out the medals were not very enthusiastic. There was no "Congratulations," or effort to put the medal over my head. It was just handed to me. However, this was just a minor problem in what I felt overall was a very well-run marathon. I loved it. I will be back next year!

This was my second Pasadena Marathon. Despite all of the complaints, I liked it last year and it was better this year. The change in the route at the end was great, and who doesn't want to run with beautiful clouds and mountains looming in their face? For a city of this size, there were quite a few spectators, and we had wonderful support and volunteers, and a tour through a very nice city. I really enjoyed myself.

I love this course, which was very challenging. Sometimes we need to conquer certain obstacles in life instead of battling cancer of some other disease. Doing a marathon is easier than taking six months of chemo as a cancer patient. Overall, it was excellent.

My wife and I ran the half marathon, and from the time we got on the 134, it was just a mess - the traffic was really bad. We live about six miles from the start of the race and it took us an hour and 20 minutes to arrive at the starting line with the parking problems and everything else that went bad on that day.

The race had had already started about 40 minutes before we got on our way. The portable toilets had very long lines and we saw only one time split along the course. The course was extremely hilly. The organizers need to do a better job next year.

Boy, it was cold waiting for the race to start. The rain was coming down heavily, and the wind was blowing it in sheets across the crowd. But people were cheering and singing, waiting to get started.

The weather is not anyone's fault, but the parking situation was. Traffic jammed up at the Hill and Allen exits, trapping many runners for nearly an hour. There is no excuse for this except a lack of planning. (Secret tip: go through San Marino to the south and arrive coming North on Hill Street.)

More porto-lets needed at the start. Could PCC please open their bathrooms just this once? Out-and-back loops are a lazy excuse for a marathon... how about a real 26-mile course?

Anyway I had fun, but get to work, people!

I ran the half, and this has to be my worst race to date (even worse than Surf City, which I ran despite having food poisoning - big mistake). I'm surprised at all of the positive comments, but I suppose people value different things in races.

Personally, I value organization at the top. I pay for ease of transportation, support along the course, mile markers, bathrooms, gel/food, and electrolytes. There was a lack of all of this. Parking was a nightmare. I never saw gels/GU along the course, and I never knew whether my cup had electrolytes or water (most of the time it ended up being water, unfortunately). I waited in line for a bathroom at the start, but I didn't get to the front of the line before I had to start the race. Actually, the line barely moved. I skipped the porta-potties for the first 8 miles due to really long lines, and finally ended up dropping trou in the bushes (sorry if I flashed anyone). There were no clocks along the course or volunteers calling out times. Finisher food was ok, but nothing spectacular. As for spectators - well, I wouldn't watch a marathon in a torrential downpour either.

All in all, I wasn't impressed and I won't be making the trip to Pasadena next March. The course was good (aside from the trip through the not-so-nice part of town), but if I want to run Pasadena again, I'll do it on my own.