This was my 1st half, and when I woke up to run and saw that it was windy and raining, I was SO bummed. I didn't train much and was expecting to run it in 2:30; much to my surprise, I finished at 1:57. The crowd was great, and the course was really easy.

This was my first marathon, having run the half marathon last year in San Francisco. The course was nice and flat, with plenty of drink stations. The enthusiastic kids in the park kept my spirits up running through puddles. I didn't mind the rain or the wind, having weathered worse while training in Northern California. The last hairpin loop was a killer. It was devastating psychologically and physically, especially since I thought I was home free after a very long stretch along the beach. There wasn't even a mat at the end of it to make sure no one skipped it. The best part was the super soft tech shirt.

...are absolutely amazing. Thank you all so much!!!! I'd write more, but my fingers have yet to thaw!

Wow! Having registered for this particular half marathon to escape Seattle weather in the middle of winter, I was rather surprised to be running in monsoon-like conditions, complete with gale force winds. Perhaps the weather can explain the lack of surf bands along the route (I counted two, including the start) and spectators in general. Amazing volunteers, who braved cold, wet conditions to pass out water at ample stations. (More Gatorade please.) Beer garden was a nice idea, but I was too cold and wet to participate. Course was ok, but one too many "up and back" portions. Expo was great. Kudos to the organizers and volunteers who did the best they could given the conditions.

First of all - many thanks to all the staff and volunteers out there on the course. You are very brave to be out there on a day like that! Without you, no race is possible.

I really enjoyed this event, despite the storm, which is of course outside anyone's control. The course is fast and almost entirely flat, and there were plenty of well stocked water stations. I am certain that a nicer day would bring more spectators also. I look forward to return in 2009. The size of the field (1000) was right for me: never too crowded but I was never alone either.

The only aspect I did not enjoy was the overlap with the half marathon in the final half mile or so. Finishing at about 3:30, I had to fight my way through scores of 2:00-2:30 half marathoners, and this is not easy at that point in the race. I think it would help to save the right hand side of the road for marathon only, as runners approach the finish.

Once again - a great event, highly recommended! Many thanks to all.

Weather was bad but the whole thing was catered for half marathons. No Gu, no drinks, no PowerAde. No signs from 16 to 23. Lot of confusion. The weather could not be helped, but we felt unsupported.

Picture this... "a start wreathed in numbing wind blown drizzle..."

I guess it makes up for 2007's beautiful day. Course route modification in '08 made the race much less congested. (They ran the half and full in reverse.)
Some arrogant marathon walkers who started before the gun were still walking in the middle of the road when the half marathoners came running through. They mostly fixed this with the course modification, but it didn't help when people illegally started early. They should do a better job policing these guys. Overall, a great race; I just hope for better weather in '09.

This was my second marathon, having previously run Napa Valley in 2006. I was very surprised by how scenic the course was and how well the event was organized. Most of the early miles were along the Pacific Shoreline (hence the name), which made them go by faster. Once we got into the park and the trails there were lots of spectators and kids that cheered us on.

The only part of the run I did not enjoy was the section that the marathon and the half marathon courses merges. It became very hard to weave through half walkers that at times were walking 4 or five a breast, taking up most of the road. I suggest putting up signs or separating the roads for faster runners.

I really enjoyed this event end plan to run in again in 2008.

This course is nice and mostly flat. A good portion of the race is done along the water and even I (who tend to zone out and not pay attention to the scenery) couldn't help but enjoy the view. I found the race to be challenging but was pleasantly surprised with the spectators, particularly in the park (not along the water). This portion of the course felt incredibly long but I was pleased to see so many people (kids especially) cheering on all of us runners. They definitely kept me running when I felt like walking. Great shirts, and well organized expo. Only complaints were that the post-marathon massages went from 6 a.m. - 1 p.m. when the cut-off time for the marathon was 1 p.m. Anyone finishing close between 4:30-4:45 probably didn't get a massage even though there were 6 hours allowed for the race. Next year leave the tent up a little longer, please.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, 7:00 A.M., FEB. 4, 2007; 11TH ANNUAL PACIFIC SHORELINE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, 5K & KIDS RUN(S):

Bib no. #966: DiPippo, Michael

Well, I was able to make the solo drive from inland San Diego, CA (note: near the USD/University of San Diego campus area) all the way to Huntington Beach Pier, California, early Super Bowl Sunday for the number #1 super bowl of marathons, the 11th Annual P.S.M.!

It was miraculous... like magic. I loved all the nearly 1,000 marathon runners/race-walkers, every one of the aid stations volunteers, the medical support (+), the entertaining "Beach Boys" bands, all the hard-working volunteering kids in Central Park, and all the sponsors and the race director(s). Also appreciated the H.B. Police Dept., and the traffic safety/safety dept., etc.

I had an all-out physical workout. I loved all the "Fitness Par Course" exercising stations throughout the entire H.B. Central Park! Plus, all the H.B. resident locals pets, their dogs, Central Library, and some people feeding the ducks (on the right)... in Central Park.

After finally finishing, you earn a super finisher's medal. So, my time was 6:26:35. A few strides beyond the finish line is the medical tent. I really appreciated the medical(+) help and beverage and ice cubes at the medical(+). Plus, I made one long-distance cell phone call with the permission of a real nice lady using her cell phone.