Another visit to MBM for me. I always run well here, and I think that makes up for the somewhat flat and bland course.

I missed 2011, but noticed some significant course changes. Overall, I think it stays about the same. I probably could have done with one less uturn on the course, but overall it worked well and the aid stations were well placed.

Gels are pretty typical for a race of this size and price, and the communication was unclear. The first aid people actually had the gels on request-only it seemed. If the race is purposely not distributing gels, it might be good to make that clear so we can carry more of our own.

The no-headphone rule as announced on the web and at the start is not enforced at all, so the race should probably just get rid of the rule. I'm still not a fan of headphones in big races, but there's no fighting it. Overall headphone users are more conciencious that 5 years ago, so it is also becoming less of an issue.

Full disclosure, I know the timing company, but this was my first experience with them at a big race, and I thought the advanced system was neat and worked well.

With those caveats, overall I think MBM is a great marathon. Hotels are cheap that time of the year, the entry fee is fairly reasonable, and the race is always good enough to make the trip. I'll continue to run it every year, and there aren't many I'll say that about.

Course was flat, good aid stations, well organized, and good expo. My only criticism was the shirt. I mean purple. Really?

This was my first time running the Myrtle Beach Marathon and I chose this course because of its reputation of being flat and fast (which it was) because I am trying to qualify for Boston (which I did not). The race started early (6:30 AM) which did not seem to pose a problem since there were many hotels nearby and the parking located adjacent to the race was the best I've seen.

There appeared to be plenty of port-o-potties at the start but lines did appear to become relatively long about fifteen minutes to race time. The start of the race was orderly with runners lining up by projected times as well as by race (1/2 marathon versus full marathon). The race started on-time and, from what I could tell, bottle-necking within the first mile was minimal. A strange element of this race was that within the first few miles prior to a left-hand turn the marathon runners were expected to hop a center grass median and join the 1/2 marathon participants. This was sort of quirky element for this particular marathon. The race itself appeared well organized to me with efficiently managed drink stations every couple of miles.

The volunteers appeared well trained and numerous. As has been discussed, the route itself lacks scenic views unless you count Wings beachwear stores as scenic (I think I counted six of them) as you run on the main drag. But honestly, when I am running marathons I pay attention to my pace, how I am feeling, my hydration/food intake, and not much else (except to the Wings stores for some reason).

At some point after mile 11, the 1/2 marathon runners split from the full marathon participants and the race predictably became more serene. Further, the course eventually left the strip and wound through some nicer areas. Somewhere around mile 22 or 23 an EMS crew sped past us with sirens blazing. That's never a good sign and it was later revealed that a runner around mile 18 required cardiac resuscitation while on the course. I hope he's okay. Weather conditions were nice though temperatures seemed to be creeping up toward the 65-70 degree range later in the morning, fairly warm conditions for a marathon. The race finish was well organized and microbrew beer was available - nice. Pizza was also available but Mellow Mushroom was charging 3 dollars a slice.

I would have enjoyed some pizza but I generally don't run 26.2 miles with my wallet so I had no money to pay the man. There was a tent at the finish to immediately check your time. This worked well and there was also a working iPhone app to check your time and even your splits. In conclusion, this was a well organized, easily accessible, and efficiently managed marathon for the runner looking for a flat and fast course. What more do you need?

Very well organized. Nice expo. Clean start. Course runs the length of the city but no negative interaction with cars. Excellent layout for post race food. Maybe not the most scenic- you see far more hotels than ocean but very nice. The fans are very positive and very vocal- 'looking good y'all'

PR (by 3 minutes) and BQ
Very well oiled operation from registration to the Runners expo. You can tell they've done this for 15 years. Port-a-Pots were ample..not much waiting. Water stops every 2 miles till 22 then every mile thereafter is perfect. Course is fast and condusive to PRs. Only complaint would be that it was quite a walk to get to drinks after the finish. Probably helps us keep moving but at the time, I didn't we'd ever make it to the refreshements. Outstanding overall performance...GREAT JOB MBMARATHON STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS!

The course was flat; the weather was moderate. It was the perfect day for a PR. I only wish I had run 3:45 and qualified for Boston.

This was a great race overall! The only 'change' I would make was the cones around exit of Market Commons - - the cones to merge back to one side of the street were AFTER the median causing many runners to have to run up and over the curb/median.
I plan on running again in 2012!

I can't say enough good things about this marathon.
- Nice host hotel
- Easy access to the expo
- Nice shirt
- Great starting area with lots of room
- Efficient start
- Wide streets for both the half and full starting together
- Great 10-mile stretch with intermittent ocean views (that's why I came!)
- Very nice course overall
- Water stops exactly as advertised
- Great volunteers all around
- Excellent finish line
- One of the best medals I've ever gotten

Myrtle Beach puts on a great event!

This was my second marathon and the flat course is definitely conducive to a PR. The weather was amazing for the race weekend, a welcome change from the previous year. The expo was adequate for the size of the race, but nothing special (surprised to have to pay for parking at this).

Headwinds were a challenge for the 10-mile northbound section of the race, but were manageable. I had anticipated more of an ocean view, but this is blocked by hotels for most of the race. The post-race and after-party events were well organized and a big plus.

Overall, I had a great weekend. With the fast course, I was able to achieve my goal of getting under 4 hours. With Myrtle Beach being off-season, hotels and local attractions are very affordable and accessible.

Awesome course - flat and beautiful! I have run 63 marathons and this by far is my favorite! It's my favorite course and my favorite medal. I only wish they had someone taking photos when we were near the park by the ocean to get the ocean view in our background.

I will be back in the future!!! Thanks for an awesome weekend!