I like small races, races where the organizers are genuinely pleased to have people running, and races that allow participants to see a bit of the country that we otherwise might never know about or might not be permitted to traverse. San Miguel Buzz Marathon meets all three of these criteria.

Course was good, mostly well marked (need a person at the east garrison gate to turn the runners), rolling, paved or aggregate. I'd love it if they could get rid of that darned hill at 25.5, but not sure that's possible.

Fairly well organized. A clock at the finish line would have been nice. The hot dogs at the finish and the bottle of wine for each full finisher were great! Also it would be helpful to have early starters have their bibs marked in some way (maybe a stripe of tape) to show their status.

Aid stations were well spaced and stocked. Course markings were good. Few spectators, but that isn't surprising for a military installation.

I would like to do this one again.

Loved this race, loved the course, but: where are the finishers medals/dog tags?? Has anyone heard, are they being mailed?

I loved the scenic beauty of this course. The weather was perfect for running. One big hill seen twice on the out and back course. Great aid stations and felt completely supported by the organizers. Friendly finish and passionate organizers. Was really fun seeing the children out there in the chilly weather to help out their school

This was a beautiful course! I loved the early start option, all of the aid stations, clean porta potties, enthusiastic volunteers, and simplicity of the race. Well worth the money!

This is a fantastic small race on the Camp Roberts National Guard Base. The race has fantastic organization with excellent support every two miles. There is food at the end (all sorts of goodies including big juicy hot dogs). It is California so there are hills! I still managed to run a PR on this course. The local wineries providing a bottle of wine for marathoners was great. The race is a benefit also. The only negative thing I have to say is that the organizers really need to charge more $$ for this race. I would have been willing to pay twice as much or more, especially because the proceeds all go to operations and charity. Great race! I will be coming back next year.

For $40, you got a t-shirt, finisher's dog tag, a scenic course with really no traffic to worry about, a BBQ, and a bottle of wine (marathoners only). The revenues go to the local school district's sports program. The community comes out for this event. The start was unique, as the soldiers shot off a machine gun. Next year the course will be flatter. Eileen, the race director, knows her details and cares about the runners.

This race is a hidden jewel in California. The organization was professional without being over the top. The course was beautiful and very challenging... and the few spectators who were there were very vocal and supportive. I usually don't like out-and-back courses, but there was so much diversity and beauty along the way that I really enjoyed this one. If you are looking for a genuine experience in nature and a lot of hills, this is a great marathon!!

The weather was perfect this year. The course has rolling hills and everything is as advertised: aid stations, course, and a bottle of wine.

Great event for a first-time low-key event or as a warm-up to test how your training is going. Start is outside the packet pickup building, and there is enough room to stay warm or dry up to start time.

You will get more for your dollar than at most marathons - a great experience at a low cost.

Just a "heads up" about getting on base. Some people didn't have a current Insurance card for their auto and that created a problem for them. Other than that, this is a must-do event.

A great run for someone who doesn't like to be surrounded by other runners, feel like someone's on your tail, or feel pressure to keep up with someone running alongside of you. This is the perfect zone-out marathon. I hate crowds and I couldn't care less about cheering. Here, I can just run. Although I must add that it's great at the finish to have such sincerely nice people cheer for you. And the people at the aid stations are great. Oh, and this is one tough marathon - but I loved it!

Great RD & organizers!

Not the place to PR or BQ. Nice rolling hills, maximum gain at miles 4-6, and then 20-22. It's basically an out-and-back with a major hill in between.

It's a course where you can be alone with your thoughts. The people who will cheer you on are the same runners you pass going the other way! The aid station volunteers are very supportive.

Go slow and respect those hills. I don't know if it is possible to do negative splits; all the same, some people do get a BQ.

It's held on a Saturday, so having a Sunday free is a big bonus. You can use it to make a dent on your honey-do list OR just sleep away your aches and pains from the previous day.

Come try it next year! You won't be sorry.