I've wanted to run this marathon since I first heard of it a few years ago from fellow runners. For 2011, the islands are ranked #3 by National Geographic as a world travel destination & #2 by NY Times in its Places To Go list. Fittingly, on the day of the race, all of us runners were accompanied by the most amazing island weather in the 70's and a course with scenery that left one breathless  if the island hills hadnt already done that! Views of white-capped Olympia National Park & Victoria British Columbia in the distance, the island chain with kayakers, white-mast sail boats in the channels, beautiful coves, rolling pastures, & the list of sights was just endless. The volunteers were very friendly & supportive - although understandingly sparse! Highly recommended!

Still a tough course, but not as difficult as some other local courses. They did have the flat section marked this year (it was about 25 meters, marked with "Flat section starts here," and "Flat section ends here" signs). There really aren't any other flat sections! Lots of food/water/Gatorade at the finish, and well stocked, friendly aid stations every 2 miles. The added beer and burrito after the race were great once the keg started working - a little difficult to find, but well worth it. I think the race directors did the best job they have done in the 3 years that I have run this. More marathoners should give this race a try.

After running the half marathon previously, the full marathon course was a surprise. The best parts of the course are missed if you only run the half. The view of Victoria on the west side of the island and the 10K loop on the east side were course highlights. Really only one big hill and one medium hill, both fairly short and early. The rest of the course is gently rolling. Certainly not as difficult as other local marathons. Very convenient to walk on to the ferry in Anacortes and then walk up to the start (about a half mile from the ferry terminal). The short-sleeve tech shirts have been great the last couple of years, far better than getting yet another long-sleeve one. It's not worth staying for the awards ceremony; however, it is worth staying for the later ferry that did not originate in Canada (the earlier ferry is packed and you have to go through customs when returning to Anacortes). A great, small marathon overall!

This was my 33rd marathon, one of the most challenging courses I've ever run, but hands-down an experience I wouldn't trade for any other race in Washington.

This is a very scenic, challenging course. San Juan island is a fantastic place to visit, and although it requires a couple of connections to get there, it's worth the trip. Think Martha's Vineyard meets Vermont meets the California coast.

The race directors do a great job organizing the course, and the local drivers are very friendly towards the runners (the roads are not 100% closed). The finishers medal is a unique keepsake, and you get a nice tech shirt too.

If you need 26 miles of cheerleaders, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you love running, and you want your travels to take you to interesting places and see this beautiful country that we live in, then you should be looking for races like this!

This course was gorgeous, and was my first road run! It is obvious that many of the runners who commented below on the lack of spectators have never participated in trail runs. It is about the mental challenge and the will to continue, no matter how challenging the course seems. I loved this race for that very reason! I thought the volunteers at this race did an excellent job and were very friendly. I would definitely participate in it again!

I liked the course, but it was a lonely experience. I got the to the part where half marathon runners turned left and marathon runners turned right.... Suddenly I was on my own! Now I shared the road with deer and had eagles coming to take a look at me. This is different!

What wasn't fun was the cars; although the locals drive with great care and caution, the roads were not actually closed at all. This was a bit worrying.

Runner support was a bit spotty, there was little in the way of spectators for long stages, and there were some hilly parts where you really needed encouragement.

Overall it's a different experience from normal. Getting out to the island is an obstacle due to the crowded ferry, and getting back you had to go through US Customs. What???? (With a hot, dry 2-hour wait. Grrrr....)

The weather was gorgeous and course was idyllic (albeit hilly). Given the size of the island, I appreciated all the spectators' support. I was a bit disappointed because the country roads were not closed to traffic, and at the end of the race, I was offered a Dixie cup of water. I had to pay $1 for a bottle of water. Additionally, when I checked my time on-line, it was my clock time, not my actual time (that is, the posted time didn't subtract the time it took me to initially reach the start line).

This was my first marathon and I had a blast. The race featured majestic views of the Olympic Mountains framed by the Strait of Juan de Fuca, sunshine and a cool sea breeze. The weather in June fluctuates between rain and sun though, so it may not be sunny every year. Lots of hills laced throughout the entire race, but the views at the top of each hill made it worth the hard work.

Well everyone will tell you about the flowers, great views of the water, well marked course, fun location, etc. I will give you my complaints.

This is a good marathon... but you pay full price and get a marginal shirt and medal. I can call the medal "artsy," but the shirt is just a poor effort.

For the price of the race I'd expect a better shirt... or a finisher's shirt. I may also expect better finish line food. Yes, there is a free pre-race meal (basically for all of the out-of-towners)... that's a nice touch, but it doesn't help after the race.

The flowers were pretty. The berries are not even close to ripe this time of the year... too bad, stopping to pick berries would have been fun! The views of the water were very nice too!

They used Gleukos as the fluid replacement. I liked that... no upset stomach like Gatorade or PowerAde. There was fruit on the course, as well as gummy bears and M&M's. Quite a bit for a small race like this.

Volunteers were friendly, as expected.

I highly recommend this marathon for its scenery, but not for time if you're interested in qualifying for Boston. It was my 68th 26er, and for sheer beauty it was one of the best.

Make room reservations early.

Good luck and running,


Don