Parking and shuttles were not organized enough. I was at the race an hour early but because of the wait to get into a parking lot and then the wait for the shuttle had me starting the race 23 minutes late! Then the course winds back on itself too much. And I agree with the runner who complained about the cyclists. They were all over and dangerous. There is a reason the LA Marathon has a bicycle race and it starts at 5:45am to keep them away from the runners. BUT the shirts and medals are cool.

There is something evil about this course and it's called "bicyclists." It's poorly manned (or, rather, the street closures are poorly enforced) and they allow bicyclists (not racers, just pleasure riders) onto the course during the race! I was almost taken out by more than one kid on a Schwinn and his nasty parents! And these people out for their Sunday ride actually expect *you* to move out of *their* way during *your* race! Add to that the race officials are snarky and snotty and they are very poorly prepared as far as race materials and post-race refreshments are concerned. A level but boring course isn't worth the hassle of the poor organization of this race.

I've ran several half and full marathons. This one is not bad, but organization can be improved. Start time of half and full marathoners caused the late start. Suggestion is to stagger start time by 1/2 hour to avoid the crowd. Otherwise, course location was awesome. Course design can be improved with reduction of the many wind backs.

This was a great course for a first-timer. It is scenic with lots of room to run and the weather was perfect. I didn't want to have to be bumping shoulders with people in my first ever marathon, and this course gave me the freedom to just run hard and enjoy the sights. (I didn't know how well I would do, but if I was just 6 minutes faster I would have qualified for Boston!)

I agree with some other people on the less than sufficient food and drink at the finish. If they improve that and the water stops near the end of the marathon, then they would have a great event. Overall, I was not disappointed at all and this was a great experience for a first-timer. Highly recommend!

The physical location of this race is beautiful but the course winds back on itself too many times. Starting 15 minutes late is not a big deal, but it would have been nice to know the the race directors were running late. This would have allowed for last minute trips to the porta johns or water fountains. However, running out of food is a big deal after 26.2 miles and people are right to be unhappy about that. Shirts were okay, if you like mock turtle necks.

The weather was great, the course beautiful and fast! Nice hotels too.

I agree with some of the other comments regarding this marathon and am disappointed on people's insistence on finding something wrong with it. Yes, there is a major hill around mile 16 or so, and yes, PCH does have a slight incline to it as you near the finish line, but all in all, I think it's one of the best kept secrets in marathoning. I like the size (fewer than 1,000 people finished the full marathon), the time/date (beats sitting around watching Super Bowl pregame shows all day) and the weather (just right).

Yes, it started 15 minutes late (so what!) and yes, they ran out of food (be prepared and pack a cooler), but the positives far outweigh these few negatives. Besides getting to spread out across all 6 lanes of PCH at the start (much easier to pass people and post a better time), you get the best T-shirt and finishers medal of all the marathons I've run and I definitely plan on being back next year.

The Pacific Shoreline Marathon was my first marathon and I had a blast. The course was awesome. It's scenic and flat for the first 16 or so miles then takes you in land through a very nice park and over a few hills to see how well prepared you really are. The chance to get to run on the Pacific Coast Highway closed off to traffic is worth the price by itself. Do yourself a favor and stay at one of the host hotels(Hilton or the Hyatt). Being able to sleep in, leave the room 15 minutes before the race and avoid the parking and traffic is well worth it. This was my first medal and it is really nice.

On the flip side, there are some things that could have been done better. The race starting 15 minutes late, the water station at the top of the biggest hill (mile 21.5) running out of cups when I really needed it, and very little food left over for the marathoners.

I really liked the volunteers in the park. They were very enthusiastic and supportive at a point when I needed it. However, besides for the park and the start/finish, it seemed like anyone else you ran across was pissed that you were clogging up their beach/making them walk to their surf spots.

All in all it was a lot of fun.

This was my 14th marathon and by far my favorite. The course was mostly so scenic and serene. I really enjoyed the size of the race and also the many helpful water and aid stations.

Another thing I myself truly appreciated was the mile markers and the lack of the clocks and the constant reminders of your time. I was able to run without all the distractions of the bigger marathons.

I have ran the Marine Corp, Chicago and other enormous marathons and they all serve different purposes. But, this marathon is what has kept me running for over 25 years. The peace and serenity of the run.

Thank you to all of you who make this race possible. I bow before you all.

This race is well done from start to finish. I was told via the PSM website to arrive early and did... no traffic or parking problems. The lot was empty at 5:00am (I just took a nap in my car once parked).

1. Course. I am greatly bothered by runners who constantly complain about the courses over which they compete. All marathons are unique (gladly) and ONLY unto themselves. Each marathon is different and a big part of why I run them is to be tested over all the different variations laid out at the same classic distance. If I wanted to run 26 miles, 385 yards in a perfectly controled environment, I'd choose an indoor track with the AC set at 55, no hills, traffic, or even sun in my eyes. Honestly, I do not think 204+ laps around an indoor track is anywhere close to the essence of what marathon running is supposed to be. I really shudder to think that the infamous Heartbreak Hill in Boston ever is bypassed because it dosn't come at a point in the race the best suits runners' comfort levels.

2. Medals. They are the norm now, but not long ago ONLY winners received them. At Boston as late as the early 80's, they did not give medals to everyone. Be thankful of your medal collections. The PSM medal is really an awesome one too!

3. Food. There was a lot of food at the finish when I got there. Many were taking more than their share. In my opinion it shouldn't be the race committee's highest priority to coach the vendors as to amounts to hand out to each runner. Runners need to show a little restraint and NOT act like half-starved seagulls when offered a scrap of bread.

4. Sponsors. Many of you have gotten spoiled by the mega marathons and all their perks. The truth is there are far more marathons held in the USA that struggle to get any corporate help than ones with all the bells and whistles (and publicity). Don't compare the Boston, LA, Chicago, NYC and other large events with many great smaller races that often have to pay lots of money for the essential services that they require.

5. Volunteers. Be thankful for every single one. The PSM volunteers were plentiful and just great. As far as kids in the park section, they did a really fine job. After all they were kids (what do you think they'd rather be doing on a Sunday morning)?

In summary, I know what I'm getting into when I toe the line at each marathon I run. I never blame anything, anyone or expect anything more than a starting line and a finish line. I always carry my own energy gel so I know I have it. I came to the Pacific Shorline Marathon after running the Las Vegas Marathon only 7 days prior. Interestly most of my comments above apply to the Vegas race also with the same old complaints that follow almost every race. I guess my two cents worth is if you want your hand held and every single sometimes unreasonable detail covered, perhaps marathon running isn't that best sport for you. If you are willing to take a few risks, train hard and deal with the unexpected then I'll see you out there.

PS. I'm the race director for the Mount Desert Island Marathon held in Bar Harbor, Maine.