Overall, a very positive experience. The volunteers were outstanding and the entire crew deserves credit for a well organized event. This race is ideal for the average marathoner as the course is scenic, safe and virtually flat.

The only consideration I would ask in the future, and it's a minor one, is that more attention be placed on accurate placement of the early mile markers. Several appeared to be off considerably. I went from 34:29 at 5 to 46:00 at 7, and while I suspect the time at 5 was a bit slow, I'm certain I didn't run that fast between 5 and 7. This made pacing a bit more difficult, and I ended up going out a little harder than was wise. This is mostly my fault, as I'm not that wise to begin with. After that point, the markers appeared to be more consistent and accurate.

Again, my thanks for a very enjoyable event and my recommendations to others looking for a fun, fast and well managed January marathon.

Everything about this race was first class. The website was super and the updates appreciated. Packet pick-up was fast and easy and the expo had great prices. The port-o-potty at the relay transition was definitely appreciated! The volunteers at the water tables were excellent! There were no problems with traffic at intersections and the course was well marked and marshaled. The post-race party and food were really upgraded from last year. My partner who did the first half of the relay said there were not enough port-o-potties. I hope this race can be scheduled in the future so as not to compete with the Naples Half Marathon.

This marathon will only get better with time! It is a very nice course with incredible traffic control! I loved the early start for us slower paced people. There were terrific water stops and plenty of oranges. Very well supported!

I gave four stars simply because I have nothing to compare this race to, it being my first. The friendly tailwind that pushed me through the first half became a nasty headwind in the second. It was coooold for FL; many thanks to the spectators (although there weren't that many, those who were there were very enthusiastic) and especially the volunteers, who were so positive and encouraging--especially the high schooler who was kind enough to dump a couple of Advil into my frozen hands at mile 21--you saved me! My time was better than I thought it would be--4:40 and some change--and I'd definitely recommend it to others. The brownies from Sweet Tomatoes at the finish were awesome, as was the beer... :)

Great course, great traffic control, plenty of water/aid stations, very well done for a small race! Weather is something no one has control over, so we just have to be glad the wind (30-40 mph gusts) blew us down the beach the first half of the race. The second half into the wind was a challenge, but it made for a great story of what one can do when faced with an obstacle and a will to conquer it. Worth the trip!

This has all the ingredients for an excellent race. I liked the course (when the sun came up enough to see it). The folks running the race and doing the water stops were great. The weather didn't cooperate, but that's how it goes. It was cooler than expected, which would have been fine but for an awful wind for the first hour or two. For the first half, the spectators seemed to consist of puzzled dog-walkers; there were more people out on the Pinellas Trail. Overall, the few people who were out were very friendly. I think the only reasons I didn't have a really good time at this race were about things that nobody could control. One exception: I'd prefer to start in daylight. A good part of the section along the water was in the dark.

The course is beautiful, the volunteers and police officers are wonderful. This was my first marathon and I ran at the tail end for the first 16 miles (with a walk/run Galloway method). Having said that, I do not recommend this for first-timers who are just in it to finish a marathon; there was no crowd support and that made it very hard to maintain motivation the last 6 or so miles. However, a nicer support staff you could not find, and the water stations were very stocked - they never ran out of anything for us. Very well organized and great group of people running it. The marathon was tough because of strong headwinds the last half of the race and over the bridges. The course past the ocean was beautiful.

This was my fourth marathon. I was a bit disappointed with the expo setup and packet pickup. It was extremely small and there were very few vendors. Although they did have a pre-race sport massage area, I was told by them and race officials they would be there at the end of the race... but they were not. They had this Hollistic Scientology... "We do not believe in touching you...only your aura." I am a certified athletic trainer with 10 years experience. I belive in hands on treatments... I was extremely upset that there was no massage area there. The course was very beautiful, weather was ok, minus the 40mph winds! People were friendly to run with and very encouraging. Need more services for the runners though!!! Great post-race FOOD! Need better organization!

It just goes to show that if the weather cooperates and FL stays cool, this is the best place to run a marathon. The Gulf Beaches Marathon should get SO much more recognition. It's just a matter of time before it explodes into another one of FL's great attractions. If you're looking for mobs of spectators at every mile, this isn't your place - but it makes up for it in a flat, fast, beautiful FL course with well staffed aid stations. Anyone who says otherwise HAS to be affiliated with another race. This year's race was so beautiful and the runners all seemed relaxed and happy to be there. Those who have earned their awesome running starfish medal should be proud!!! Thanks for the music, beer, food and fun at the post-race party overlooking the Gulf! Amazing!

I just ran the 2005 Gulf Beaches Marathon yesterday. Without a doubt, it was the smallest race (as far as number of participants) that I have participated in (and that includes all distances). I am sure there were a lot of no-shows due to the weather (in the 40's with STRONG wind throughout). The course was wonderful - I would recommend this course for anyone looking to PR. The weather was the worst feature, and as a Floridian, I know that what we faced that day was highly unusual. I was one of the slower runners, and I found that all of the water/refreshment stops were well-stocked, and only 1 had been (apparently) abandoned by its volunteers. The volunteers were amazing - they stuck it out in tough conditions and were cheering & helpful even for those straggling along at the end. I wouldn't recommend this race if you need the cheering of spectators - it's kinda lonely & spread out (most of the time in the 2nd half I could only see a couple/few runners, much less spectators). The traffic control was awesome, and all of the police/crossing guards were cheerful - I wanted to kiss the officer who gave me very specific information: you've got 10 blocks to go, and the wind is in your face for 7 of them. So much better than "you're almost there!"

Thanks to the race director for putting on a well-organized, beautiful race.