This was my second marathon. First of all, Kudos to the organizers. Too bad the City of VA Beach does not support this event better. I was looking for a PR and got it. However, I found the course incredibly boring. Total lack of spectators for miles at a time and really tough headwinds in the last 5 miles. The organization was first rate. Registration was easy, decent expo and it started right on time.

This was my second marathon and I was a little worried about running a small one Disney being my first. The weather was perfect with barely any wind. Just as the other comments, volunteers were wonderful! They really made the whole event exciting. The runners were freindly, I met a few people along the way. I actually crossed the finish line with a smile still on my face. The shirt, well could have been better. I will save this to only wear to the gym (although I have seen a few people in my home town with the shirt on). I will definitely run this race again. Much more exciting than Disney, if you can believe that!

This was a great race. The weather was perfect. The volunteers at the aid station were very helpfull and friendly. The course was nice. Being able to pick up your packet on race day is a lifesaver. The runners were great also. I talked to some very nice people on the journey to the finish line. The medal was very colorfull and nice. Good job to everyone. I will run this one again.

Very well organized with enthusiastic volunteers. Yeah, the shirt wasn't great, but it's not like I needed another one, so I don't really mind.

Couldn't have asked for better weather, either and the course was flat and FAST.

I'd like to do this one again next year.

This marathon was not my first choice but I was not disappointed with it, either. It was my third marathon and the first time I broke four hours. Other than shopping, there was nothing else to see or do at the expo. The long-sleeved T-shirt was pretty busy with gaudy graphics and numerous sponsors, not something I will wear often (straight to the t-shirt quilt?). You have to find your own carbo-loading dinner. I found 'The Italian Cafe' at 1630 General Boothe Blvd., about five miles away. Good pasta and nice atmosphere for under $10. I shared a hotel room at the Doubletree for $70 apiece and only a hundred yards from the start and finish. You won?t find a closer hotel.

The weather was friendly, high 30s F at the start and about 50 F at noon. Breezy and very sunny at times. There were some spectators and a few DJ?s making some amusing chatter. The run through Fort Story (10-18 miles) was kind of dull, though. My favorite section was from 8-10 & 18-20 miles, out of the sun and off the city streets. It was a quiet, shaded, wooded section many runners used for a potty stop, which brings me to my next point. I think there should be more port-a-johns on the course. There were plenty of well-placed aid stations and the volunteers were well coached. The last two hundred yards of the finish were exciting. The variety of after race refreshments was pretty sparse.

If you are looking for rock band, sidewalks full of spectators, dazzling scenery, smorgasbords, or hand holding, you probably will not like this race. But if you want a safe, fast course with good aid stations, this is a great race for you to set a personal record or qualify for Boston. Also, the accompanying 8K is highly competitive.

The warm weather caught me off guard, especially since I did almost all of my long runs in sub-20 degree weather, but the experience at Shamrock far outweighed my problems coping with the heat.

The course was remarkably fast, especially in the first half, which may lull one into starting out a bit harder than one should. Also, beware of miles 11-14 where the wind is in your face, and 21-25 where the streets are numbered - which tempts you to count down your pain in the latter moments of the race.

The volunteers were numerous and enthusiatic. They really made this race quite enjoyable.

The aid stations were well-stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, oranges, pretzels, gu, and even porta-potties. They made the food at the finish look paltry by comparison.

Besides the volunteers, a lot of spectators turned out in pockets along the course from 0-8 and 21-25, but not much more than that.

The T-shirt for the marathon paled in comparison to that of the accompanying 8K, but the finishers medal was a handpainted shamrock. Really nice.

This is definitely one I'll do again. Amy and Jerry Frostick really know how to put on a good marathon.

I came to Shamrock Marathon as my first and only marathon. I trained in New Jersey and never thought I could complete this distance. Yea it was hot from anyone who has dealed with cold and wet all winter it was welcomed especially for my friends and family who attended to cheer me on. The big things runners should be concerned about is that there was plenty of water and support on the course. I will always remember this race. Thanks for your support Shamrock!!!

This was my second marathon and first opportunity to run my 'home' course. Having run several previous Shamrock 8K races (same day), I knew the weather would be a huge factor but I (nor anybody else for that matter) wasn't prepared for the heat. Just miserable!

Agree with other commentators that the organization was excellent. I also agree with those regarding the course - the stretch through Ft. Story needs to be reconfigured. We really do have many options for a race route. Why not run through First Landing (Seashore) State Park? Or follow some of the same route down General Booth Blvd. that the RnR Half-Marathon did?

I also agree to previous comments regarding finish-line management, need better post-race food and keep things set-up longer. The heat prolonged everyone's race - too many people were greeted only by the clock. Not sure I would attempt again without having an idea about the weather or unless they changed the course. The fans that could provide support along the route were superb!

VERY Unexpectedly Hot! This was my 8th Marathon and the toughest race I have ever experienced. Very difficult to rate the spectators' support and the organization after having done Nashville, Disney, San Deigo and Chicago Marathons. The run along the ocean front was pretty cool! I am glad I did this race, but probably would not do it again. Due to heat we were quite a bit slower than we expected and I felt they were breaking down too soon with too many runners still out there on the course! Matter-of-fact, I have never seen a race break down this quickly! Everyone seemed like in a hurry to go home!

I enjoyed the race, although it was extremely hot. The course is a little monotonous at times; but the runners and spectators were great. I have to agree about the post race food. Even some bagels would have been nice. I really hate bananas now. I wish I had at least remembered my certificate. I left and it was only on my way home that I rememebered they had them at the finish. Oh well. That didn't spoil a good race for me. I'll more than likely run it next year, hopefully it'll be about 20 degrees cooler.