I have run this marathon 3-years in a row, and as a seasoned marathoner, I must say... 'This is a great race for all the 'true' runners out there that are trying to achieve balance.' Everyone comments about the headwind, the weather, the lack of spectators etc. :) C'mon folks, there's a trade off to the aforementioned; having run 20+ marathons including the 30,000 + sub 30-degree freeze-fest variety to the 80-degree 'wish you had stayed home' type, let me just say this; the pacific shoreline marathon brings more than just a happy medium, it brings a well-rounded event; a great atmosphere, seamless organization, excellent course, and a laid back attitude (it's the beach you know) and most importantly, it draws a very small crowd where there?s plenty of elbow room, and a genuine vibe that is unparalleled?Even though the race this year (2003) is right in the middle of my San Diego and Las Vegas schedule, I can't miss it, I'm running it again - - regardless of it setting me up for 3-marathons in 3-weeks; it's worth it. Just do it!

I've run this 4 times '98-'01, at between 3:48-3:55, an average time for me since I don't do well on flat courses. Scenic, very well organized, friendly supporters everywhere. Best part is the inland loop. As others have written, weather can make it or break it -- an ill-timed winter storm could make for 10-12 miles of in-your-face rain/wind, but then it'll be on your back at the turn-around. Skip the mega-races in LA and SD; try this one instead!

Really enjoyed the course after 17 miles when it turned inland along wetlands and through a beautiful park. Good spectator support near start/finish and when I needed it most in the park between 18 and 24 miles. Liked the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the course! I'll be back next year!

I was in Palm Springs for business and needed to check California off of my marathon list.
I liked the 'small' marathon feel. Course was scenic (ocean, wetlands) and had 2 small hills. Windier than expected, but not oppressive. Has PR potential.
Post-party, volunteers and spectators(not many, that is why a 2 rating) were super. Great to see so many youth volunteers. Well organized considering a half marathon and a 5k were all out there as well.
Not one of my three favorite marathons, but certainly a very good one. Congratulations on a job well done.

I must admit that I entered this race planning on running a PR as I'd heard that both the weather and the course lend themselves to such an attempt. Unfortunately, both factors did not quite present themselves as such! The weather at the race's outset was brilliant, the cool overcast day being perfect for going out fast; but the headwinds that appeared whenever runners headed south were brutal, particularly during the final two miles. While weather is never predictable, I mistakenly thought that the Pacific Shoreline's course would be, but, alas, that had been changed from the previous flat course that had been touted to me by a past entrant (obviously his info. was out of date!). The rolling, and steep, hills between miles 17-23 make for a very challenging race that differs markedly from the flat miles of its first half, and it only gets trickier if those headwinds pop up for one's final push to the finish line. But hey, if it were easy, then anyone would do it! In the end, in spite of nature and a slightly sadistic course-planner, I did PR! As far as organization and aid; nothing but praise and a special congrats to whomever devised the ingenious simultaneous/side-by-side marathon/half-marathon start! Next year? I'll be back but I would advise those seeking a truly 'PR-friendly' course might look elsewhere...

You could not beat the weather for this race, incredible. Everything was well marked, started on time, incredible course and no timing problems. Suggestions - Need more port-a-poties on the course and plan early for parking.

Good warm up run for the L.A. Marathon

I ran this Marathon in 2000 and returning in 2002 to run it again. The organization is very good and appears to be getting better each year. The course is very runner friendly and PR quality. The whole weekend at Huntington Beach is just awesome and what a beautiful course to run on overlooking the ocean and Catalina Island in the background. So excited to run this in 2002. Already registered and back into the training. See you all there.

The Half Marathon is actually the biggest event (by far) at Pacific Shoreline. I did the half in 2001 and enjoyed it very much. From what I've heard, the marathon draws less than half the runners as the Half Marathon and can get kind of lonely. Huntington Beach is also prone to very windy conditions especially running to the northwest. While the weather for the 2001 race was good, late January is prime time for Pacific storms in So. Cal. If you are coming from back east, you're not guaranteed the warm sunny weather the organizers advertise.

The course is so beautiful. I wonder why more people aren't entering. The volunteers were great, and even though I was at the very back of the back, they treated me well and there wasn't a shortage at the aid stations. This was my test case to see what running a marathon was like. All in all, I found it to be a wonderful experience and can't wait to do more. Thanks for a great first race.