Ran the marathon. Start was fine, but it became TERRIBLE at the halfway point when merging with the mass of half-marathoners. I was running 3:10 and we met with those running 2:30 for the half. Not good. Couldn't get to the water stops, and those that were there didn't have anything available/ready. Didn't get better until the park around mile 19 (where there was great support!), but then back with the even slower half-marathoners - made worse by the fact that they were clueless that a marathon was going on during their "Sunday walk."

Race was great with the exception of the marathon/half merge. If they fixed that part (very poor race management planning), this would be an awesome race. Just be prepared for that little hill at the end - it can seem very large!

I have run Pacific Shoreline four years in a row (two 5K's, one half marathon, and this year was the full). This event has never disappointed me. The organization is flawless and the volunteers are awesome.

I like the fact that the field is relatively small compared to other major marathons like LA and San Diego Rock N' Roll. The finisher medal, technical training shirt and especially the free shoes were great. What other marathon offers free shoes?? The shoes alone pretty much paid off my marathon entry fees. There was plenty of food and beer at the finish line as well.

I highly recommend this course for anyone from the beginner to the experienced marathoner. If I had one negative thing to say about the marathon, it's that the course is a little redundant, since it loops around PCH several times. I will definitely consider this marathon again in 2008.

This was my first 1/2 marathon. I almost didn't do it. My older brother had suddenly passed away one week before (heart attack, lack of exercise), and I had a terrible head/throat/chest cold. Achooo! Sniff, sniff.

The pre-race expo was interesting, but a little mild. I loved the great organization getting checked in (very fast), chip and WONDERFUL shirt. Later it struck me there was no goodie bag. Luckily I noticed the route map, and grabbed one to take with me the next day.

I live about 100 miles away (one way) and had to drive all the way home on Saturday. On race day I got up at 2:00 a.m. and drove all the way back, but I got good parking. Then I went to sleep for an hour or two. (Yes, I know I could have stayed at a hotel, but I have dogs that would have to be put in the boarding kennel - my problem). It would have been nice to have been able to pick up chip, shirt, etc. on the same day, but I understand the need for volunteers in other places.

I LOVED the start. I am a race-walker, so I dutifully went to the back so that I would not get in anyone's way or get pushed down. I felt that, because of the chip, it really didn't matter. The talk among the participants before the race was fun and I met some great people. (By the way, it would be nice to have a race-walker category someday, but I realize that means monitors out on the course and more volunteers.... But think about it.)

The course was GREAT along PCH, but the neighborhood part was bleak, and I got the feeling from the residents that they thought we all carried "cooties."

The volunteers were fairly young and most very focused on wanting to do a good job, but some didn't understand that some people "walk" ("Come on, start running, you can do it...." I AM DOING IT, KID, I'M A RACEWALKER. LOL).

By the way, the Ham Radio Volunteers haven't been mentioned. A giant THANK YOU to them too. I am a ham radio operator, and many people don't realized their importance in race communications. I heard a few of the other runners/walkers thanking the volunteers... it means a lot to them. Remember they are volunteers; they could be doing something else that day.

The bands were great! I actually did a full jump and twirl in the middle of an intersection to the music. Did I mention that I am in my late 50's?

Spectators seem sparse, and almost shocked that the race was going on. It would have been nice to see more those last 2 miles, but what happens, happens. The race organizers can't drag people there. (Is there a chance that in the future KOCE TV (Orange County TV) could televise this, or even one of the major channels?)

Coming into the finish, it was clearly marked 1/2 and full marathon... but after finishing the race, it wasn't too clear what to do next. A pointing hand would be helpful, and would keep people moving out of the immediate area. Found the kids that clipped my chip. There were apples (ice cold and good) and a few bananas in the 1/2 marathon area. I thought there would be more. It looked like the marathon food area was thin too. (Finished 3:30-3:45 area, which is okay for a racewalker... not great, but my head cold did slow me down... excuses, excuses.) I had one beer, just because I could. Then I went back to the expo, but it was pretty much shut down. Too bad, I had money burning in my pocket. So, nothing else to do, went to my car and drove home.

Although I am a rac-walker, my money is still green, and I enjoyed the experience. The nice and "cool" thing about So. Cal is that all types and ages of runners, walkers, joggers are part of "the race." As you can tell, although my pace was important to me, the "experience" is also just as important.

Yes, I am sure the running marathoners would like a separate path, and I don't blame them. Most of us slower types try to stay to the right, and out of their way. But remember we are trying to keep up our pace too.

Yes, it would be a good idea to use different colors for water and the amino drink. I saw some GU out there... but I had packed my own, which I figured is what everyone else does. (Apparently they don't, as I've learned after reading other's comments.) I just figure you are responsible for yourself out there and if you get a freebie, that's great.

The race photos seem a little expensive.

Restrooms: Again, if there are that many people there, PLAN AHEAD, and use the restroom early. I did, and then waited until the 7- or 8-mile mark (which for me is one-hour plus into the race, although most peope don't have to go every hour). I had no problem.

The MEDAL, LONG-SLEEVE TECH SHIRT, WAVE START, MUSIC BANDS, CHIP TIMING, SINGING, and VOLUNTEERS were GREAT!!! THANK YOU!

I plan to come back next year either as a marathoner or a halfer. I hope as time goes on, you will CONTINUE to welcome the older race-walker types as well as the young "greyhounds."

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE!!

This was my first marathon and it was a blast. The weather and scenery were outstanding and the spectators and volunteers were great.

This was my First PSM and my 26th marathon overall. I have run in Europe and across the United States and Pacific Shoreline is one of my absolute favorites. I cannot believe some of the whining from other runners.... This is a marathon, not a luxury trek. You people at PSM did an awesome job!! No goody bag? Come on! What about the free pair of shoes?? Hills? One small one near the end. Run Big Sur, then comment on hills....

I recommend this marathon to anyone... especially if you want to make a long weekend of it with teenagers.

The Pluses:
THE TOWN: Huntington Beach is an authentic surfing town: Friendly with a real Southern California vibe. Great stores, great places to eat, and great karma.

THE COURSE: Just awesome, especially for this girl from the New York. Nice headwinds were with us most of the way. Watching the surf was great - surfers and characters along the way were fun to watch - and who needs lots of spectators with those buff surfers in wetsuits crossing the road?

THE ORGANIZATION: Very well organized from registration to number pick-up.

THE EXPO had a real hometown feel..the vendors were lovely and marathon merchandise was cool. Suggestion: how about selling singlets in the future?

THE SHIRT: Great technical shirt with cool graphic.

THE MEDAL: Best one I have!

THE FINISH: Easy to get through - water and food were at your fingertips!

Kudos to the spirited kids in the park! Nice to see all these pre-teens getting up early on a Sunday morning to support adults.

Two Suggestions:

Have two distinct color cups for power drink and water. Would you consider Gatorade?

After the merge point, designate one side of the road for marathoners and the other for those doing the half.

Ps. Try to avoid staying at the Hyatt - they gouge the price and add on a $50.00 additional resort fee. They do nothing for the runners - did not open breakfast early, and they had a spread out but I was told that it was only for a special group. Wouldn't even let you have a free cup of coffee!

The race was fine but the real reason why I ran it was for the trail shoes offered to the marathon finishers. I went on the page and followed the intructions. I got to the registration and was kicked out and I haven't been able to get back in. Oh well, At least I got the run in.

This was my very first time running in a marathon. I chose the 1/2 to give me some experience before I run in the L.A. Marathon. I learned a lot about myself and what I need to do to succeed in L.A.... I just want to finish. Thank you to all the great volunteers.

The start of the marathon was awesome. I got a clean start with no elbowing, tripping or pushing for position as I experienced two weeks earlier at the Carlsbad Marathon. Using the PCH for the start is the ticket!

By the time I reached the first mile marker I was just behind the 3:10 pace group and eased back into my race pace goal, which was a 7:25 mile. Next to me was a runner who seemed to be on the same pace as me and I asked him what his pace was, and sure enough, we had the exact same pace.

So my new best friend's name was Brian.

After looping around the PCH and making our way to the boardwalk, there was a moment of confusion when I was unsure of the direction to go. Luckily, I studied the map and made the right decision, though I am sure that a few could have easly turned right instead of left and missed about a mile of the course and a timing carpet.

After passing mile 6, both Brian and I were feeling good. It almost seemed that we were running a race all by ourselves, and we clicked off miles 7, 8 and 9 at a 7:17 pace just having a good conversation and enjoying the beautiful day at the beach.

As a surfer, I must admit that the waves were too good to be running, but nevertheless I decided to keep running and surf another day.

Though I regretted that decision once we completed mile 13 and merged with the half marathon runners. Brian and I were trying to maintain a 7:25 mile weaving back and forth though 9:00-mile runners and walkers that were as thick as molasses. The watering stations for us became chaotic since the half marathoners would slow down and move unexpectedly to the right or left. I collided with at least 10 people hard enough to lose my balance. I'm so thankful I didn't hit the ground and injure myself - though I'm not so sure about the half marathoners since I wasn't about to stop a pick them up off the ground. I apologized to all the people I hit. I'm truly sorry, but I was on a mission to qualify for the Boston Marathon. And I needed to hold my pace at a 7:25. Which I did.

Now this is something that needs to be addressed for future events. Is it possible to keep the a narrow lane open for marathoners only? Please post this on next year's flyer. If so, great, otherwise I'll pass on any future marathons in Huntington Beach.

That isn't my quote, but that of a young male fan on course in one of the parks the marathon runs through. The sheer volume of young boys and girls cheering us on was the aspect of this race I will best remember. They may have been coached by the parents to encourage us, but they definitly get 5 stars for fan support, even if I gave the adults four!

The packet pick up went smoothly-be advised there was no 'goody bag', but the long sleeve color all weather race logo'd (surfboard design) shirt (no advertising!) (specific to event one was participating in) is nice; except I would have prefered a large logo on the front rather than the back. (There's a tiny logo on the front too). You can also pick up a copy of the race course/ event directions at the outdoor expo.

The beach boy style music while we ran near town was awesome. I also liked the great close up views of the ocean, and the interesting oil derrick fields we ran by.

The parts of the marathon that intersect with the half marathon are very very congested, you may need to move to the traffic island in the center to get around the slower half marathon (walkers) which were as many as 5 abrest in places.

I found the slightly cool breeze blowing off the water, and the shadey trees between in Huntington Central Park between about 18 and 21 miles, the perfect combination to prevent overheating.

There are about 3 hills on the course, none of which I found too difficult.

There's more beach music at the end and a free beer in addition to the super cool surf board medal, a pre-sorted post event food replenishing bag, and this year they e mailed full marathoner finishers a code for a 'free' pair of Salomon Comp Trail Running shoes-(that actually cost 1.95 handling)..

All in all a great event that I would reccomend, and do again.

I actually ran in the half marathon and this was my 3rd half. Have not yet done a full marathon, but I have great feedback still regarding this race.

This location had perfect weather (low 60's to start, low 70's at the end), and a picture-postcard-perfect location running mostly along the beautiful Pacific coastline. The course is relatively flat, with a couple of short hills mixed in. It is a very fast course, especially for the full marathoners since there are only 1,000 spots available. They sell out every year. Being smaller does give you a bit of extra elbow space and allows for a PR. The half marathon was also sold out and much more crowded, with about 7,500 runners. The marathoners get a 30-minute head start too, which helps them get more attention and room.

Things they need to improve on:

1. Parking - At the expo they recommended that we park at the Brookhurst or Magnolia lots (free) and take the free shuttle to the start. I was standing with a large group and we waited (in the cold morning air) for almost 30 minutes. No shuttle. I literally ended up jogging the 2 extra miles to the start. I was told that a shuttle eventually came. Luckily this was a known problem and they delayed the start and then had "waves" of additional start times, but everyone was late. After the race? After running 15.1 miles (remember I had to run 2 miles before the start of my race because of the lack of shuttle buses), I had to wait 30 minutes again for a shuttle to take me back. What about those that were cramping up? They cannot wait for 30 minutes for a shuttle, and we sure weren't going to walk or jog the 2 miles back to our cars. This was terrible. I was told they only had 13 buses and had not figured out the logistics as well as they thought they had. Parking needs to be addressed. This was a very big problem this year.

2. Aid stations were well stocked, but I couldn't tell where the GU station was. All of a sudden one would appear in a kid's hand. They should have had that better marked. I will say though there were plenty of aid stations and all were very well stocked with lots of volunteers and water and amino drink - at least for the half marathon that was definitely the case.

3. The finish line was crowded and you could barely find someone to remove your chip. I was looking for water too, but had to walk quite a distance before I found the water. Very narrow and crowded at the finish, but it was nice to have a huge crowd at the finish line too.

All that said, a very well organized race (except parking), beautiful course, fun atmosphere, and a great excuse to run before the Super Bowl.