Foremost, the race was well organized from start to finish. It had a modest expo that had all of the essentials covered well.

The course itself is average. I am from NJ, and a run in Central Park is just as scenic and interesting. It is mostly just lush greenery and some very beautiful homes that most of us will never afford. ;) They could do a better job of organizing the starting "corrals" because there is no enforcement of pace, and it is a narrow start.

Spectators are in patches, but very energetic.

There is absolutely nothing to do on the island other than chill out or play golf. Unless you plan on getting off the island and heading into Charleston after the race, you're not going to see much of anything....

Only because other people comment on the medals and shirts, I will do so too.... I found them to be fine. People that are complaining about the "cheapness" of the glass medal this year probably don't know it is made of recycled glass and is in line with the race's drive to be green. The cotton t-shirts are completely fine. Really, is this why you run a marathon?

I am a 50-stater and this was my SC race and 40th marathon. This state has slim selection in terms of "great' races." If you're not from the area or doing the 50 states, or are not into golf, I'm not sure why you'd come to this race... but if you do come, you'll get a well supported experience. In 40 marathons, this was not near the top or the bottom.

This is the 4th year we have participated in the half marathon. Everything is well organized and we always stay in a beautiful condo on the island. Wow!! Most of the people that are helping with the event are awesome and the spectators were encouraging, although it seemed there were not as many as in the past. The food was great and the wait staff were wonderful. Everything went well and I only have a few comments: The marathon runners sometimes do not let you know they are coming behind you therefore you do not know in which direction to move. Some of the runners were rude to the walkers. I do not hesitate to say that the half marathoners paid as much money to participate and stay on the island and should not be bullied by some of the marathon runners. A few were really nice, though, and encouraged us as they passed. Maybe they should start 30 minutes before the walkers just to get out of the way. The only other comment I have is my disappointment in the award. I think for the expense we should at least get a "medal" with a ribbon - and not a plastic medallion that you cannot read that has a string on it. Perhaps purchasing the medal from a company that recycles would help. We are not sure about doing the race again. Thanks to everyone who volunteers!!

This is a very flat and beautiful course. The weather was great - cool and just a few sprinkles. The medals were made from recycled glass, which for me makes it unique and memorable. There was lots of food and beer and indoor seating afterward - for someone who finishes in six hours, this was a greatly appreciated surprise.

It was a well organized marathon with great volunteers. This was my first Kiawah Marathon, but I hope to do it again.

Over all, Kiawah does a very good job with their races, but they need to change the course to the way it used to be. The long finishing stretch on a very narrow winding bike path is awful. Move the last miles back onto the road. It's also very crowded with the half and full starting together.

Post-race food is second-to-none - as good as any race in the country.

I don't mind the recycled glass "medal," but this year's t-shirt seems more "cheap" than "green."

Great race, well organized, beautiful setting, but a cheap-looking medal that is glass or acrylic. It was my first marathon and I would have liked a nice medal to put next to my photo. All in all, I will be back.

I'm always happy to cross the finish line, but this one wasn't as enjoyable as others. I felt really bad for the lead marathoners who got held back by slow half marathon walkers (who wouldn't yield or stay on the right of the path). On my way out for the second loop, the band was gone and many aid station volunteers were either on their cell phones or had gone home. One aid station was completely unstaffed. Too crowded. Race shirts were average. Can't read the words on my medal. Much prefer the older version that's really metal instead of the glass version this year. Probably won't be back.

I love the area, and love The Sanctuary. It's a very fast course if the double-loop doesn't bother you. A P.R. for me without downhills!

A very well organized race with great volunteers. The temperature was a perfect 50 or so degrees, but the wind was a little nasty during the second loop of the marathon. The starting corrals were misleading, but if you have run a marathon before, you would have figured out that you needed to move up closer to the starting line. Half marathon walkers that took up the paths towards that end were a little annoying, but bearable. Post-race meal/massage was awesome. I set a PR by 10 minutes (sub-3 hours). Fast course.

I have run the Kiawah Half-Marathon for 16 consecutive years. For the last five years or so, it was such a nice touch to get that medal and ribbon handed to you at the end of the race. It's a reward for the months of hard work and training that precedes the day of the race. This year (2009), however, at the end of the race, we were handed a molded plastic medallion. It was part of their "going green" theme (no plastic bags, recycle your old shoes, etc.).

I would suggest using recycled aluminum cans to make the award - but at least make it a MEDAL!!!

Signed,
16 Years Straight

This race had the best food and drink I have ever had in a marathon: Two pastas, bean soup, various sweets, and beer on tap. Highly recommended! The only problem was with the computerized results. Everyone who finished with a time between 5:37 and 6:34 was omitted from the results. Hopefully, the organizers can recover those results!