I have run this marathon the last two years (2002, 2003). This past year, it seems the goal was to attract more runners - which worked. Sadly, even with more runners, the prices have gone up and there is still not a lot of fan support. But, SF is beautiful (aside from the miles out to China Basin) and it is a great run with nice weather.

If you are running it alone, you may find it more difficult to find a running friend than at other marathons.

Overall, the marathon was scenic and could have used more promoting and advertising to make the residents aware that a marathon was taking place. It did lack the support by its residents, and at the end of the race there were no medals awaiting the finishers. Up to this moment, I'm still unable to find my time and place in the marathon. Has room for improvement, and I would seriously consider attending next year's event - not likely!!

Excellent race. Not too early of a start (7 am). The first 2 miles were extremely fast, and then there were a few good-sized hills and a long up-and-back stretch along the PCH HWY (which is the worst part of the course because it is a up-and-back and the half-marathon is at the turn-around).

The greatest way to see San Francisco is to enter the race. The scenery is breathtaking, and the finish is spectacular: you run around Pac Bell park and finish right where you started.

I have run 20+ marathons across the country over the last 7-8 years (including this one a few times) and this course ranks as the most visually spectacular. The course starts at the Ferry Building Plaza and runs through Fisherman's Wharf, the Marina, Presidio National Park, Golden Gate Park, Ocean Beach, the Haight Ashbury, and right by PacBell Park, and it provides endless sights and sounds to enjoy.

The organization is vastly improved over prior years and the expo, water stops, timing and traffic control are all much better. The addition of pace group leaders from San Francisco Road Runners Club is great, and they pace runners from 3:30 to 5:30 finish times.

The only suggestions to further improve for next year are: hand out the medals right at the end of the finish chute, add a few more race clocks on the course, and add a couple more water stops.

This was my 5th marathon; nice course, a few fans, a few hills, and a PR for me. I was very surprised the marathon was not on the front page of Monday's paper, since it was the CHRONICLE Marathon. I thought they would have put in the times/names at least for all those under 4 hrs. The weather was perfect too. I can't believe San Fran does not promote the race.

This was my 36th marathon and it rates as one of my favorites. Coming from Florida (the land of heat and humidity), I more than enjoyed the cooler weather. Probably walked over 26 miles, besides the marathon, sightseeing. Never ran out of things to see or do.

As far as the course goes, it was true there were few spectators, but I don't run marathons to look at bystanders. There were really not that many hills, and those that were there were not killers (remember I am from Florida...we have NO hills). As a slower
runner, I found several friendly folks to chat with. Had a great time running and talking to a wonderful gentleman (Hello, AL!) from British Columbia and even went out to dinner with him and his wife.

The only disappointing thing about this marathon; besides NO food at the finish and having to walk a ways to get my finisher's medal, is that my name in not in the results! Somene said they had some problems? I hope they fix that, because for those of us doing the fifty states or with a 100 marathon goal, we need the proof of a finish!

All in all, this was worth it and recommendable.

The highlights of the race included location, location, and location. The course included just enough of SF to tease and leave us wanting more. Running by PacBell Park and McCovey Cove was fun, even though it was mile 25 and I was whipped by then.

This was my 6th marathon, and I guess I was expecting a running tour of the town, like we enjoy in Chicago, Portland, and many other great cities with big-time marathons. Unfortunately, the race is laid out to avoid interrupting the city's Sunday morning routine. Spectators were few and far between. Due to a strange mid-race traffic/course re-routing scheme, sometimes locals were surprised by the sudden arrival of our numbered herd. Seemed like almost everybody was wearing a walkman or mp3 player, so it was hard to find someone to chat with. The medals were not waiting for us at the finish line. We had to stumble over to the expo tent, where an overwhelmed volunteer marked our bib number and unceremoniously pulled the medal from a big pile.

The local running club pace leaders were fun to run with - friendly and knowledgeable. Dennis and Jim were our pace team leaders, and they were great. I'm glad I ran the race, and I truly love SF, but I think a few simple improvements would justify the big-city price and attract thousands more.

This marathon should be viewed as one which will give you a variety of scenery and also challenge your fitness level. Ocean breezes, lush parks, trees, city landscapes, neighborhoods and a major league ballpark before finishing under the Bay Bridge... not many marathons offer this variety.

As for those who did not like the course - this is not meant to be some pristine Olympic venue. This is a hilly challenge that offers more style in its setting than the boring flat routes being touted. This is a gem that is not easy to run - that's why it's fun and those looking for an easy PR should probably stay away.

I ran my first Chronicle Marathon this year, and I had a blast. It was the more challenging marathon I've ever done due to the hills. Nonetheless, I think it was a great event. The starting time was a bit confusing, since the 'official' starting time was 7 AM but, as I've found out, there were early start at 5 AM and 6 AM. I ended up starting early at 6 AM just to avoid the crowd congestion as well to finish early, but I am a bit ambivalent about that. It was fun to have the winners run past me, though.

The hills were KILLERS. You really need to prepare for the hills to do well here. We can use a few more water stations as well as a bigger crowd. The route was absolutely beautiful and fun, even though they can probably get rid of mile 23-25 and route it elsewhere (like near Civic center or Union Square).

The post-run event was fun, but the food tends to run out, especially for those who started at a later time and finish later. I was hoping for something else to win (ie. extra shirt, mug) but disappointed that all I got was a medal. Nonetheless, despite the shortcomings, I think the Chronicle Marathon is very well done. I look forward going back to SF for this marathon next year.

I've run this marathon last year (2002) and it was better organized and much more fun. This year, it seemed it was disorganized. Traffic was allowed before the 11AM time limit on the streets. There was no food if you finished within the five-hour limit. The later start hurt the runners more than helping them.

The course should be changed - avoid the Haight Street District - YUK!!!!!!