I have run over 100 races from 5K's to two marathons, LA being my second, and never have I seen such horrible organization! From the 35-minute late start, to the lack of anyone knowledgeable on the race course, lack of porta potties, epic fail at the finish line- no food, water, volunteers to direct or help you to the bag check area or anyone at the bag check to give you your things - it was an utter disaster! The race organizers should be ashamed of the race they "organized" - and I use that term loosely!

Thousands of people were left in the freezing rain to fend for themselves because no volunteers were at the finish area. Hypothermia was a true threat for myself and thousands of others who couldn't get our dry clothes back because they were either stolen, lost or left in the rain.

If you want a great first marathon experience or a good marathon experience at all, I suggest another marathon.

From light sprinkle to monsoon and back again, it rained the entire race. Yet, the fabulous volunteers stood out there providing cheers, encouragement, entertainment, and refreshments. The race organizers must have read last year's comments, because this year the corrals were more organized and spacious, transportation and traffic to the start were flowing freely, and Dodger Stadium and runner tents were available pre-race for shelter from the weather. Now, the negatives all concerning gear pickup: the LONG walk from the finish line to the pickup area, the lack of signs at the finish line directing runners where to go, and no volunteers to return gear (it was every runner for him/herself... ugly).

I disagree with some of the comments regarding race organization. Having completed the event last year, I saw much improvement. Santa Monica race shuttle buses to Dodger Stadium were nearly flawless. Freeway marquees indicated alternative drop-off routes to the marathon for vehicle traffic.

The start was delayed for the security of the participants (high winds blew course markings over). Obviously the delay didn't hinder the elite male winner; maybe it even helped - how else does one explain the course record? For those of us normal runners, a marathon is something one plans out well in advance, and a 15-20 minute delay shouldn't break the bank.

In terms of the long-walk to baggage pick up, maybe management overcorrected, perceiving last year's recovery area as congested. In any case, one can't necessarily place blame regarding the unpredictable record-storm - how could they have possibly modified location in such short order?

The race has already e-mailed me an official apology regarding the disorganization and lack of security at bag pick up - and runners need to realize they should never place anything valuable such as keys, identification, etc., in their check-in bags.

Thanks to the many volunteers - free Starbucks coffee helped stave off hypothermia. We got gummy bears, oranges and water from locals. Residents of many communities braved horrible weather to support us. I especially enjoy the culture, flavor and landmarks (Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica).

Nice course and really appreciate the volunteers braving the heavy rains. Packet pickup was fast and easy.

Overall fun, but next time I hope they improve:

Start on time: It was very cold standing waiting while the start was delayed.

I'd like to see better organization/markings for starting groups. I felt I was dodging and cutting around people for over 5 miles.

Control the crowd at the finish area: Long walk from the finish line to the bag check. Had to walk single-file through the crowd of people. Had to keep dodging umbrellas; as the people in the crowd turned, looking for people, they would move their umbrellas into our path. Very slow, long, COLD, painful walk.

Bag Pickup was a mess. Couldn't find my bag. I was so cold and tired that I gave up and left.

First off, a HUGE thanks to all the volunteers who braved the rain to support the runners. We couldn't have done it without you.

I ran last year and was pleased to see most of the issues addressed. Expo was much better, and the parts of the starting line transportation logistics I dealt with were better as well. We even managed to find porta-potties with no lines in the morning before the race.

Course was better than last year too, with the crowded lap around the stadium removed. This course really does a nice job of highlighting LA and the neighboring cities.

Be sure to train for the hills, as there are some tough climbs late in the race despite being net downhill.

See you next year.

First thing: Volunteers, spectators, and entertainment were amazing. I mean, if I hadn't been running, there would be no way I would have been outside in that typhoon weather. They were crazier than the runners. But a big "thank you" to them!

The only negative was the weather, and that was nobody's fault and nothing could be done about it. By the time I crossed the finish line, I couldn't feel my hands, I could barely walk, and I was frozen to death. It took me 2 days to warm up. But, I'll probably be back next year. In nice weather the course looks like it will be great!

We were late getting to starting line. In traffic for 2 hours. We were so stressed sitting in traffic - there must be a better way to enter the stadium. But I do love running on this course!!!! Thank you, LA.

It was my first marathon, and it was a great experience, something to remember forever.

Thanks for all you people who helped and motivated us on that rainy day!

Race information: Website complete and easy to navigate. All race specifics fully detailed in a nice series of emails sent out weeks before the race.
Expo: Quite large, spacious, and outdoors by Dodger stadium; glad it wasn't raining Saturday. Quite generous vendors, felt like I was trick-or-treating. High quality LA marathon gear available at reasonable prices.
Packet pick-up: Well organized, took 2 minutes at most. Bib timing chips were nice.
Transportation to race: Well organized shuttle service from and back to the downtown marathon host hotels. Included in the discounted hotel rate (not bad for LA) and well worth it for the runner from out of town. If considering, make host hotel reservations many months in advance.
Start: Get there early. Closely monitored entry into time seeded corrals, appreciated this but had to arrive early to get in. Not enough toilets next to start entry, so plan ahead. Delayed start as course could not be cleared in time.
Course: Mild rolling hills with only one moderate uphill climb at mile 4. Nice downhill cruise to the ocean front the last 3 miles. Not all miles marked. Great tour through LA. With the torrential rain, occasional small rivers coursing through the streets and ankle deep water around street corners added to the excitement.
Aid stations: Plentiful and well spread out, ran through every one without problem. Two flavors of Gatorade. Heroic volunteers hung with us despite the monsoon.
Crowd support: Surprisingly good and enthusiastic despite horrible weather. Nice bands under the bridges.
Finish line: Very good volunteer support to keep finishers moving. Food: bagels, chips, fruit cups, energy bars, etc., on a help yourself basis; nothing special. Never saw the post race festival due to the rain and wind.
Medal: Substantial and unique, very nicely done with beautiful lanyard.
Bottom line: Had a great time despite the weather. Conditions are conditions, marathoners deal with them. This will be an awesome run with decent weather. I will be back.

This was my second LA Marathon, and I loved the new course. I ran the whole way with my daughter, Jenna. It was her first marathon. I know she can run through anything now. We couldn't stop laughing because the weather was so bad. We made the best of it. Thank you to all of the volunteers who were there with us in the rain too! They are all heroes!!! Please keep the course the same. I loved starting at Dodger Stadium.
- MaryLou from Bisbee Arizona