It is a great race course but the organization is very poor, for people finishing the half-marathon in 2 hours and more it is very difficult because the crowds get onto the race course and also cars drive through while there are people still running. It is a nice place and a beautiful race course but the organization is very poor. Many Kenyans run the half marathon. But it should get better. The medal is ok, but not the best.

This half marathon is great! You can compete beside world-class runners on a very hard route. A lot of water stations, medical staff at the end, lots of people encouraging you through out all of the race. You can have even breakfast free when the race finishes. A BEAUTIFUL MEDAL!

I'm running it for sure again.

This was my first foreign race. It is a half marathon in the city of Coban, about four hours from Guatemala City by bus. The city goes all out for the race. There is a fiesta in the Central Park with food and live music. There is a parade the day before the race. The streets are lined with banners and streamers all the way. Crowds pack the streets screaming, 'Animo', 'Fuerte', and 'Vas a Ti'. The only problem I experienced was that there wasn't any water for the first 3 km or so. After that, the crowds passed out bottled drinks the rest of the way. Be prepared to run in some very hot and humid weather. This is truly an international race. There were Kenyans, Ukrainians, Russians, people from all over Latin America, Americans, and Japanese. I met a four time Olympian from Angola and some Kenyans working on making it to the Olympics in Athens. I was lucky enough to have a host family, but do not count on having hosts. You'll need to make hotel reservations a year in advance. I recommend contacting INGUAT, the national tourist agency via the internet or through the embassy of Guatemala. As long as you're in Coban, you might want to see the nearby caves, springs, and nature preserve. Just for interest, there is another half marathon in Antigua and I heard about a marathon in Guatemala City. Check with the tourist agency for information on these races.