The inaugural Placencia Marathon was extremely well organized and supported. The course is entirely flat on an out-and-back, oceanfront road with the Caribbean ocean in full view the entire 26.2 miles. The race began at an early 5AM (to beat the heat). With water stops every mile, there was never a shortage of water or nutrition. Water was passed to athletes in 12oz plastic bags and fruit was abundant at every aid station. There were lonely, quiet parts to the race between aid stations, but local villagers came out to spectate with great enthusiasm.

The Placencia Marathon made it a priority to sponsor local runners for the event, as well as award prizes to local top finishers. This was a great stride forward to build the Belizean running community.

Overall, the event exceeded all my expectations. I was impressed. It was a beautiful setting and a fun well supported race with an abundance of volunteers. I highly recommend it.

A flat, tropical, coastal run, the only hills being periodic speed bumps on the asphalt road course. Started in the dark at 5:15 a.m., but the folks in Placencia Village, Belize were sitting on their porches to cheer the runners on. Water stations every mile had ample water and fruit. What the crowds lacked in numbers, they made up for with enthusiasm.

Pre-race pasta dinner and post-race party with beer and local music were as well done as any of the big city marathons I have run (actually they were better in Placencia). The aid stations were better than most marathons I have run, coming every mile and being well-stocked.

This race brought joy to the runners (both half and full marathons) and the great volunteer support staff and the communities of the Placencia peninsula as well.

Would I run this 'End of the World Marathon' again? You Bet! (presuming that the world doesn't end on 21 Dec 2012)