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May 5, 2024

Palos Verdes Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Palos Verdes Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.4

Organization 4.0

Spectators 2.7

Number of comments: 83 [displaying comments 31 to 41]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

L. S. from Palos Verdes Estates (4/5/2008) "Run with the Hawks and Seagulls" (about: 1999) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Palos Verdes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Even though the course has changed to eliminate the toenail "killing" switchbacks, this course is still a challenge. The view and small size make it a personal best run. Bring water since the end of the race (for average runners) has little support (fruit/water are mostly gone after 4 hours). You run in peace and quiet with few spectators, except at beginning and end. Do train for hills and enjoy one of the most beautiful runs you can imagine. With a bit of weather luck, Catalina is spectacular in early morning light and there are views of the coastline, lighthouses, Lloyd Wright's Glass Chapel, old gatehouses, and flower-covered hillsides. A runner's marathon with little pretense and lots of beauty.
Tom H. from Trabuco Canyon CA (2/11/2008) "A gem of a marathon that has remained simple." (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 6+ Palos Verdes Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This marathon has been run for 41 consecutive years, and has not changed with the times, which is a good thing. They have an outdoor expo on the day of the race, no timing chips, adequate aid stations and few spectators. You don't need the distractions when you have a challenging course along the Pacific Ocean and mostly residential areas. It is well organized, but you should arrive early for the parking near the start and finish line. I have run this race 9 times over the last 19 years and it has remained basically unchanged, which makes it a joy to run without the crowds that the big marathons have in common. This race started in 1967 when running was in the pre-boom era and it is fun to "re-live" those times in Palos Verdes. Thanks for keeping this great race going through the years.
resendiz camerino from USA (6/16/2007) "Great course" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 4-5 Palos Verdes Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Everybody is so nice.
Eddie Hahn from Rancho Cucamonga, CA (6/10/2007) "Well Organized Marathon; Well-Kept Secret" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Palos Verdes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 It's pretty amazing that more marathoners haven't heard about this race. It would certainly gain popularity if it was advertised more heavily. It's fine with me that it's not better advertised - it translates to a less congested marathon field - maybe 200-300 participants. (Also accompanied by a half marathon and 5 KM.) This oceanside course starts in San Pedro and crosses into Palos Verdes. It is 99% scenic. When you are not viewing the Pacific Ocean you are viewing gorgeous giantic homes in multi-million dollar neighborhoods. In fact, at one point you pass the Donald Trump golf course. The course is rolling throughout but you'll be so mesmerized by the scenery that the hills won't be a major factor. This is not a marathon to run for a fast time - it's one to run for the scenic beauty. The description on the flyer led me to believe I would receive a finisher's award in the form of a ribbon or something (it said age group winners will receive medals and finishers will get "awards"). I was pleasantly surprised to receive a nice medal. (Contoured outline of the course with "Palos Verdes" and a "41st annual marathon" enscription on the back.) They werent actually handed out when I came in, but I was to take a medal from the "appropriate stack." This didnt bother me and kind of fit the nature of this mom-and-pop style Kiwanis Club-sanctioned event. There was plenty of food at the finish, despite the fact that I was a relatively slow finisher (4:45). The white cotton t-shirt with a lot of advertising isn't entirely impressive; then again the entry fee was very low. Besides, if they make the event too nice for marathoners, it may get over-run and morph into something other than the great hometown event that it is.
dusty boyd from hawaii (5/25/2007) "Great, scenic race" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Palos Verdes Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Good, organized race. Great, old-school experience.
patrick bivona from La Verne ,CA (5/24/2007) "Good race security in 2007 - the cones really help" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 2 Palos Verdes Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I felt the race was more organized than last year, with better safety markings on the couse. They were clear and the security people really helped. Also, the volunteers were great, especially the station with disabled persons giving the water - they seemed very happy to help and were very encouraging. The only negative I have is the race finishing shirts should be put in envelopes with the proper sizes. Before the race the t-shirt people guaranteed me there were plenty of medium t`s but when I finished the race I was given a large. So I can`t wear this great shirt - it's too big. I feel if you pre-register, you should be guaranteed the correct size shirt. Please see if another t-shirt method can be utilized for next year. Thanks.
S. M. from Orange County, California (5/21/2007) "Great ocean sights, but tough course" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Palos Verdes Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Although I ran the my first half marathon at Palos Verdes in 2003, this was my first ever marathon and I enjoyed it very much. I have the following comments for the organizers: (1) Not enough portable toilets. Participants were simply forced to use the side of the course/tree to relieve themselves. (2) Need more frequent water stations between miles 18 to 26. (3) Need more Gu/banana stations between miles 18 to 26 (4) Merchants started clearing out about 5 hours from start time. Thus participants finishing after that had nothing to check out and/or help recover from the race. (5) If increasing Gu/water stations is a problem, given registration fee and number of registrants, at least the website should indicate at what stations/mile locations precisely these will be available. This will enable runners to plan ahead of time, instead of being disappointed. The organizers should be applauded for continuing this great event. Keep it going!! I gave only 3 stars for spectators simply because there were very few over the course. However, 5 stars to those spectators, since they all cheered heartily for the participants!!
R. A. from Pasadena, CA (5/21/2007) "Small and laidback" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Palos Verdes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I trained hard for hills by running up the mountains behind Pasadena, and thought this rolling course was relatively easy except the hill at mile 2. Everything about this race was top-notch. Name all the things that runners complain about, and they do this race right. No chip times, but that's not needed since the race is so small. My only disappointment: the finish line was already starting to tear everything down when I finished in 4 hours. They run a half marathon too, and all the half runners had left by the time I finished.
G. M. from CA (5/20/2007) "A great run!" (about: 2007) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Palos Verdes Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This was my second marathon, and it was great! I ran the half marathon here last year, so I knew the course would be challenging, but it's not too bad - just be sure to include hills in your training runs. The weather was perfect for running and there were some beautiful ocean views along the course. This run is small (about 300-400 runners for the full marathon), which makes it even better. My only complaint is that they ran out of Gatorade, Gu, and bananas at the end of the run. They hand them all out at the beginning, leaving none for us during the second half of the race when we really need it. Overall, it's a great race. I'll definitely be back next year!
D. Z. from San Diego, CA, USA (5/20/2007) "Scenic, Challenging, Weak Finish" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Palos Verdes Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The scenery was great and the course was challenging (hilly). But, the finish area stunk. When I finished the full, there were people (non runners) taking several 1/2 and full marathon medals because the volunteers had left. Medals were just sitting on a table. The expo people were packing up the vans and not passing out stuff. The little cups of water on the course were too small.

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