I ran my first full here. I do not mind the second lap. I only did not like the congestion on the bike path at the end of the first lap with the fast marathon finishers (I am a race-walker and took 5:43 to finish). One literally pushed my friend walking. Also, maybe they can do something other than the bike path. Had to maneuver around faster people who wanted to run in my way on the road. Other than that, the course is good. Organization is good. They had some volunteers spilling the water and Gatorade prematurely, but on Mile 24 (when I needed it), they left it out. Spectators is OK. A manager at the Sanctuary where we were staying made sure that my wife with MS did as little walking as possible to see me finish. He got a big tip when we got back to hotel.

Although I got sick a few days before and had a sub-par race, it was not the fault of the course or organizers. Very, very well-organized race, from expo to a nice post-race sit-down luncheon. The only change on my wish list would be a little better corral system at the start. But I could say that about most races, and usually the fault is runners who have no idea what pace they're actually running or don't care about getting in the way of other runners.

But after the first mile, it thinned out enough to run your own pace, so it was not too bad.

I feared the double-loop for the full would make the race boring, but it didn't. The volunteers were awesome, and there were very well-organized water stations. The course was marked nicely. Few spectators, but then again the only folks haunting a seasonal beach resort in December are runners and their families. There were a couple of groups of enthusiastic spectators who "went the distance" for us, and they were much appreciated - especially the African drumming corps!

Ok, so this really isn't that bad of a marathon if you don't need anyone cheering for you from mile 13 to 25. It's a double loop - you have to know that going in or you'll be disappointed. The course itself is not tough - it's very flat and fast. You do run by some phenomenal homes and there's a lot of good scenery. Heck, a deer darted out by me at mile 22. The beer afterward is great, as is the post-race food. I only gave 3 stars for the course because I really think the organizers could come up with something else for the full marathon runners so they aren't tortured with a second loop. The organization is great - it's a very laid back, low-key race. Only two stars for spectators because there are virtually none on the second loop (unless you're running a sub 3:30 marathon). I'll stick to the half, but I am definitely glad I did it.

Over the past 10 years, this marathon and half have increased dramatically in price without a reduction in runners or an increase in benefits. The course relies on volunteers and very little, if any, police support (except for parking - which was increased with the increase in number of allowable runners on the island.) So, where does all the money go? Looking at race results, you can see that regular runners have all but stopped coming to this race (there are still the hardcore few that come). It is now a race for those that have money. I still enjoy if as a half, but if you are a 1:50+ hour halfer, you will be frustrated by the slim paths in the last portion of the race; too many people to run around if you feel a surge coming on. Post-race food is sub-par for the price paid, but most people were in the beer lines, anyway!

I have only a few minor complaints, and they are similar to those who have posted about years past. Starting the half and full marathons at the same time led to an extremely congested start. I was constantly accelerating and slowing down to get around traffic. In addition, the pace signs only went up to 9 minutes and then to walkers. That led to even more jockeying for position and congestion, as it seemed very few runners were running with similarly paced competitors.

Aside from that, the course was nice and flat, the volunteers were great, and you couldn't ask for better race weather.

I thought this was a great race. Very well organized, everything started on time, the weather was ideal, and there were plenty of water stops with enthusiastic volunteers. I thought the crowd support was fine, especially since we ran through a resort community, not a major city. There were more spectators than I was expecting.

The course, while being a double loop, is very flat and fast. The huge mansions and estates that we ran by made the second pass through the course more enjoyable, too.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this race to anyone trying to qualify for Boston or set a PR. It was a nice relaxing location for a vacation, too.

The marathon and half seriously need to be separated; it was way too crowded. There were so many walkers that you had to try to get around - very frustrating. Paths are too narrow. Sometimes you couldn't even pass if you wanted to. I love the course, the people and the scenery, but it is way too crowded. Not sure if I would do it again unless the two races started at different times.

This is a great place for a marathon on many levels. The course is run through several miles of some of the most beautiful homes you'll ever see. It is easy because it is 100% flat. Adequate water stops. Enough porta-potties at the beginning. Very nice pasta dinner ($27). Very nice buffet lunch for marathon finishers (FREE). Very nice massages (FREE).

After 22 marathons, I'm a bit picky and critical of badly run races. These folks really have it all together to create a great experience. The villas were a great place to stay at $200/night for a two-bedroom villa that could accommodate four.

The bike tour of the course on the day before was a very nice touch.

Yes, low fan support, and since this is run in a "gated community," they aren't crazy about letting the riffraff in to line the course and disrupt the genteel setting. But I didn't mind.

A decent place for a PR or Boston qualifier - if you start up front and don't get caught up in the crowds for the first couple of miles.

I ran this marathon to provide a change of scenery from the Charlotte Thunder Road Marathon, which I ran two years ago and which also happens to take place within a a week of the Kiawah Marathon each year. Overall, it was a solid race. It is a flat course with a few small inclines here and there (certainly not enough to call "hills"). The course runs through some nice private neighborhoods and is a good change for anyone who is used to running races in large cities. It is, however, a "runner's," race and anyone who needs massive spectator support to stay motivated is doing it for the wrong reasons (yes, there are pockets of spectator crowds, but you won't find them at every corner).

Runners should also be aware that this is a two-loop course. Having to run the same loop twice wasn't as bad as I expected going in - in fact, it was nice to know where you were going the second time around. Runners also should know that there is no gel provided - again, not a big deal, as long as you know and are prepared. I will mention that I believe at least one of the mile markers (mile 10) was off (stretched a bit longer than it should have) and I believe that this was not compensated for in future miles. Anyone else feel this way? I have to believe I'm not the only one, given that I was tracking my pace and distance pretty sharply. Race coordinators should look into this more in the future. For lodging, I highly recommend staying on the island. I got a 2-bedroom villa within 5 minutes walking distance to the start for $175/night. Most places will give you a nice discount because it's the off-season on the island. No race is perfect, so despite a few setbacks, I consider this a strong marathon and recommend it for those considering running in the future.

This was my second marathon and a PR. The course was flat and enjoyable. The race was a bit quiet at times, as far as the spectators compared to the Chicago Marathon. My only complaint was the crowded start. The start should be staggered. Overall, I recommend the race and would run it again.