Camarillo Marathon

I started running marathons in 1986 and have consistently raced since then. This was my worst marathon experience. I have run $20 races that were immensely more organized and equipped. I can't believe I paid $80 for this one. The course was boring and had traffic on it, the pavement was uneven. The course did not have marshals at the turns and I missed two turns which sucked. They ran out of Gatorade on my second loop and I never saw gels (I heard there were some?). The start was ridiculous- we didn't even know it started- and the finish was terrible- no water or anything. We heard that the t-shirts will be mailed but I don't believe it. I can't believe I paid for this race and I feel bad for anyone who traveled for it. Maybe it's fine for a 1/2 marathon but it was my worst marathon experience ever.

I have run this course 3 times, and the new improved course cut out the section of share path with the train. Still flat, and perfect weather with cool temperature with no wind. But they ran out of gels and any sport drink way too early. How early, by mile 16 around 2 hour range all gels and Gatorade are non existed. They never offered banana or fruit from the previous years when I was in so I wasn't expecting that. But only one gel around mile 10 and after that, nothing, only water. No race t-shirt this year. On their emails, they said they would mail them out. But they need to charge more on the registration fee in order to provide more to the runners. But ran out all the basic supply before the first 10 finishers crossed the the finish line was unacceptable.

This race is really well run and organized. Aid Stations were exactly as advertised, volunteers were very nice and traffic control was impressive. This was my first time running a looped course, I loved it. The second loop I knew exactly what to expect and where to fuel, drink, hold back and push. The course provides a great back drop to PR or BQ...