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Surf City Marathon (prev. Pacific Shoreline Marathon) Runner Comments
Back to Surf City Marathon (prev. Pacific Shoreline Marathon) Information & Reviews
Course 4.2 
Organization 4.0 
Spectators 3.6
Number of comments: 205 [displaying comments 171 to 181]
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Colleen Iacofano from Cleveland, Ohio (Perry)
(2/9/2004)
 "It felt like running in Heaven" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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. | |
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Gary Allen from Maine
(2/8/2004)
 "Great event" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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. | |
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D. I. from Sherman oaks,California 91403
(2/8/2004)
 "Good weather, course, support, & speed" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have run this marathon a few times. You have made great improvements to the course. The weather was excellent, enjoyed the run. The only comment I have is about parking, it took forever... Thank you, Dr. Suresh Iyengar (I am an Active.com elite athlete) | |
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T. E. from Los Angeles, California
(2/6/2004)
 "Cool, but does have start/finish issues" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 As previous reviewer stated, this races has a fantastic medal and great scenery. The problems were real, however. I exited the freeway with an hour to get from the off-ramp to the starting line, and despite a late start gun, still started 5 minutes after everyone else because the traffic was INTENSE and it took almost an hour to go maybe one mile, then I was parked a loooong way from the start. The marathon was actually pretty small, but the half was HUGE! I would guess that the organizers were surprised by the size of the half, because after the starting snafu, there was no food at all at the end of the marathon. There was one section of the boardwalk with both directions of marathon runners passing on a 4 foot wide stretch of pavement, but that is a minor quibble. If there were some sort of alternative route to alleviate the traffic jam, and more food for the finishers (don't let non-participants hog all the food before the runners can get there), this would be an outstanding marathon. Still might do it again despite issues. | |
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B. G. from los angeles
(2/4/2004)
 "Superb medal design " (about: 2004)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I did the half 2 years ago. Parking was much better this year. I arrived early too. This year, I ran the marathon. Not too impressed on the course despite Runners World comments being one of the most scenic course. Great volunteers. I don't mind lack of spectators. I run trail marathons/ultras. Things that need improvement: 1) registration tent opened at 6 am. early arriving runners had to bear the cold winds. 2) no course profile. I don't mind the hills (what hills?), but at least tell us where they are so we can pace better. 3) not enough food, but the beer garden was super. 4) proper direction for the finish chute. I entered the half and had to go back. Most beautiful medal I have. | |
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Someone from S. California from S. Cal.
(2/4/2004)
"Good, but some room for improvement" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I like this marathon for its 'right' size. (I don't know if I'll ever do LA or Rock'n'Roll again. It's not just that the crowds are huge there, but these marathons are also being taken over by the purple fundraisers. I really don't mind if you run for Team in Training, and I really don't mind if you are going to go really slow. But that doesn't give you the right to run three or four across, and that doesn't give you the right to start at the head of the pack.) I love the availability of race morning registration, saving me the chip/bib pick-up trip. I like that the course is reasonably flat. The volunteers are nice, too. What could be improved: The loop through the park towards the end features the biggest uphill of the course. If there is going to be a hill, I think it should be at the beginning of the race, not towards the end. I think it should be easy to have the park loop moved to the beginning, right after the first northbound trip on PCH. If I pay $75, I expect Gatorade along the course. The food and refreshments at the end seem to rely too much on freebies provided by sponsors, which might explain why they apparently ran out for some people. The organizers should provide the basic unsexy stuff, such as bananas and bagels and water, so everybody gets some. | |
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J. R. from Arvada, Colorado
(2/3/2004)
 "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 This is one of those races that you hope for the best, but ends up a real disappointment. Having done 51 marathons I thought this would be a good one. Unfortunately, it's one that failed. Below is my summary: The Good- 1) One of the coolest medals. 2) The first half and last 3 miles are on the boardwalk or the PCH within sight of the ocean. 3) Did I mention the beach and the really cool medal? The Bad: 1) The literature said it would start promptly at 7 am. It started 15 minutes late. 2) The literature said to arrive early because parking is a problem; and it was. Some people showed up 30 minutes after the already late start. 3) The course closed promptly at 1 pm, even with a late start. The Ugly: 1) There was only water at all but two aid stations. No ultima, gel, or food. 2) There was no food at the finish. Only warm yogurt stuff. I paid my entry for food at the end, not to feed everyone on the boardwalk. Fence the food area off and only allow runners in to it! 3) And the top reason not to do this marathon: The teenage girls (who were official marathon volunteers) at mile 20.5 (in the park) whose father thought it was funny to have the girls harass the runners who were hitting the wall and walking. To that father, I say shame on you. And to the race director, I say train your volunteers better. Finally, miscommunication was a big problem. On the course no one knew where the next water stop was. At the finish nobody seemed to have a clue as to what was going on. Personally, I will spend my money at the Miami Tropical Marathon next year! | |
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E. C. from Huntington Beach
(2/3/2004)
 "Poor organization" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 The starting line was moved to highlight the Hyatt Hotel and cost participants the use of one entire parking lot. No parking meant traffic jams on Sunday morning, long walks before (and after the race), and a late start. No food left for marathon runners. Ran out of cups at mile 18. Course was poorly designed. Runners going in both directions on a narrow beach path with an occasional Sunday stroller (for good measure). Mile markers were often inconspicuous and/or missing. Paths through Central Park were not well-marked and the volunteers were often too pre-occupied to assist (as children are inclined to be). | |
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Dixie Brain from Huntington Beach, California
(2/2/2004)
"Parking, Mile Markers & Timing Mats Need Work" (about: 2004)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 These three items disappointed me: the organization of the designated parking, mile markers were not available prior to the race and the absence of strategic timing mats led to some cheating. We have a beautiful city, gorgeous coastline, and an opportunity to run in paradise, + each person that finished received a beautiful medallion -- I know you will do your best to remedy the glitches prior to 2005 and I look forward to entering. Thank you!! | |
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S. S. from California
(2/2/2004)
"Overall organization was poor" (about: 2002)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This was the first marathon I have run, but have run several half-marathons. Although overall the course and race were fun, some improvements could be made. The race is scheduled to start at 7 AM and should start promptly. This is the first time I have had to wait approx. 20 minutes to start (in 47-degree weather). I didn't mind the hills, but I wish they were earlier in the race as well as the path through the park. The path has many uneven portions and sharp turns which were difficult to navigate after running 18 miles. This provided a great opportunity to twist an ankle or fall. Overall I thought the course was great and I really enjoyed the nice long run along the beach! |
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