This race was a rotten egg all the way from the 'Health and Fitness Expo', which was basically a registration table, to the early closures. As for the late start, runners who eat a certain amount at a certain time before a race were in for a nightmare. And waiting for 1 1/2 hours does wonders for your feet and your psyche. The fog excuse for the delay was an obvious coverup for the lack of coordination amongst the responsible parties. Luckily, the act of running itself is a satisfying endeavor, thereby easing the anger built up from these things. The boos I heard from the runners at the starting line tells me that I may not be alone in my thinking.

This year's race was all that I expected-a complete and utter SNAFU! It has been this way every time that I have run it and I hear it was that way long before I ever showed up. The course is a total drag; the multiple 180 degree turnarounds, the lack of electrolyte drink, the surly aid station volunteers (or were they draftees?), and the closure of major arteriall roads which turned any potential spectators into horn-honking lunatics. In all fairness, I can't expect anyone to really want to stand around an industrial park in Culver City to watch the damn thing so I give five stars to anyone who did! Organization? pretty poor, however the new race director seemed very sincere about revitalizing an old warhorse that has really fallen into total disrepair, so let's give her a break and hope that she'll have it all fixed next year...if there is a 'next year'! p.s. somebody has GOT to explain some of the 'rules of the road' of road racing to the Students Run LA!!! GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!!

I agree with the above comments. I still enjoyed the race, but there is one other item that needs to be addressed. As I waited for my friend to finish, they began to pack away the finish line! He finished in under 5.5 hrs., which is far from the time they should have closed the finish line. Many others runners were still on the course. I've never seen a course close so early!

This marathon had the absolute worst organization ever. It started one and a half hours late! I've heard of half hour late starts, but this was more than ridiculous. The excuse given early on was the fog was causing problems and they wanted the race to be safe. The fog lifted, and they were still giving the same excuses. All the while the 'official vehicle' of the marathon was spewing out exhaust amongst the waiting runners. Obviously, the delay had little to do with the fog, and much to do with the inability to coordinate street closures and the police. The entire city (mayor, city council, parks & rec. dept., police, and residents) should be ashamed of the fiasco they put on. They should be thankful for the Students Run LA, which consisted of the majority of runners for the half marathon. Otherwise, turnout would have been terrible. The volunteers were good at the aid stations, but what kind of marathon these days has no electrolyte drinks?