Excellent race. Live music at several points on course. Flat, with only 2 or 3 short/flat bridges. Beautiful views of Tampa Bay and Ybor City and Davis Island. Great, generous food afterwards. Offered Clif shots at least 4 times on course.

This was my first Hops Half, my only negative comment was the map for the course didn't match with where we went, it was confusing because the map showed us going into Ybor City and not onto Bayshore Blvd. Some of us almost turned around. Other than that the sunrise out on Davis Island was incredible and the course was well marked. I wish there could have been more spectators and bands along the way.

I'm a local so the route is old hat, but the change (from two years ago) to the 1/2 marathon course made the run much more enjoyable. Diverting onto Nuccio Parkway kind of made the 1/2 runners feel secondary to the main event, but channeling us right down Bayshore with the other runners kept the views picturesque, the spirits high and the camaraderie consistent. Hats off once again to the organizers for a top flight, perfectly choreographed event. Start was dead on time; finish line is gorgeously positioned and on-course support as always among the best around.

One slam though: The 1/2 marathon shirt is easily the ugliest race shirt I've ever seen. The design looks like a child drew it... no imagination...no charm... it's one to pick up the doog poop with and then toss in the garbage.

I ran this marathon as part of the PT Cruiser Challenge last year (5K and 15K races Saturday, followed by the marathon on Sunday). All of the events were extremely well organized and very enjoyable. The marathon course is very flat and with the small number of participants it is an ideal place to set a PR. After running the two races Saturday, my marathon time was still only 2 minutes slower than my previous best.
And for those who really only do these things to collect the 'goodies', the T-shirt is a long-sleeved coolmax and the medal is the coolest! If you do the PT Cruiser Challenge, you also get T-shirts for the 5K and 15K, and finisher's awards of a windbreaker shirt and a plaque mailed to you!

This was my first. Dedicated to Tommy Portera, a childhood friend lost to cancer. The people on this course were so helpful and supportive. I could not have finished without their suport. The course was great. One of the greatest things I have experienced in life.

This was my second marathon and I had the best time ever, with the people within the race, the volunteers along the course. And the course was fantastic. The energy felt within the people was exciting enough to finish. I definitely will come back to do it.

My wife and I have run the marathon all 3 times. I find that since they moved it to January they fixed the only problem with the marathon (a little warm the first two years 80 and 70). I think it is not only a good 1st marathon (good organization and easy to find your way through to ease the stress) but it has good qualities for a later marathon (good course and organization that helps you reach your goal times ) My wife and I have run Disney, Marine Corp., Pittsburgh and Boston (Not to mention others). This marathon compares in organization and course to any we have run.

This was my first marathon, and it was a very enjoyable experience. There were plenty of water/Gatorade stops, several gel handouts after mile 17, and good community support. Attendance was hurt because of the change in date this year (from December to January), making it too close to the Disney marathon.

This was a very enjoyable race. Very flat and fast. Weather could not have been better.

Would be nice to have other locations for packet pickup for those of us who do not live in Tampa. Directions to area were good but somewhat confusing on how to find Interstates after the race if you are not from the area.

Plenty of water stations and spectators. Music along the route was great motivator.

This was a very enjoyable race. Very flat and fast. Weather could not have been better.

Would be nice to have other locations for packet pickup for those of us who do not live in Tampa. Directions to area were good but somewhat confusing on how to find Interstates after the race if you are not from the area.

Plenty of water stations and spectators. Music along the route was great motivator.