Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Need improvement on water stations. Need better directions for runners on return at Thomas drive and front beach connect
Fast course
The course for 2022 was awful. It ran along city streets to the 1/4 point then back to the start/finish, then back again to the 1/4 point then back again. Only the intersections were blocked off so runners had to run along the bicycle path alongside traffic. To make matters worse, runners had to dodge other runners coming the other way. The run could have been scenic if the route was designed better. It was a boring and, at times, a dangerous course. Mile markers helped but because the course was only 1/4 distance, not all 26.2 miles were marked. The lesson learned is to scope out the entire race course before you sign up. With marathons now costing $100 why would you pay for a bad experience.
If you stay anywhere along the race course expect to pay 2x the hotel rate. I stayed 4 miles up the beach at a great place that had off-season pricing.