Great water stations and gatorade, but no crowd support. Needed more life.

Spectators really motivated me along the Lakeshore Drive area. Volunteers were first class...the best I have seen.
McDill AFB needed a cheering section.

This was my first marathon. I did not have any expectations. I came out of the race with very high expectations for my next marathon. WOW. What a well organized race. What I loved: 1)the Course. Flat. Water/gatorade between every mile marker. Every time I looked up it was either water or the next mile marker. 2) The Crowds. Everywhere I looked there were poeple cheering us on. And the bands/radio stations within the course gave me strength to go on. The air force base needs help... No one cheering, boring and hot hot hot (mile 13-18).
3) The Location. Great. Easy access to Tampa and a lot of great hotels right around the start/finish.
What I did not like: *The weather* HOT. Unusual for Fl. this time of year. I survived a little dehydrated...
I am already registered for this marathon, again. I am looking for another that matches Tampa's greatness.
Thanks for a wonderful 1st marathon.
ILSWesley

The Hops marathon was the culmination of a tremendous team effort by the sponsors and the event people. The Gasparilla folks, MacDill AFB, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa Fire Department, Tampa Parks and Recreation, and of course the Tampa Police Department busted their butts and it paid off. I know we used over 280 law enforcement personnel to virtually shut down the city and ensure a safe and enjoyable route for the runners and volunteers. Logistically it was crazy, but in the end, I was proud to be a part of the inaugural event. Can't wait until next year. Sgt. John newman, Tampa Police Department

This was my eighth marathon and my third innaugural marathon. This race was extremely well organized, from the pasta dinner at the Florida acquarium to the fan shuttle to take spectators out to different spots on the course. The course is flat but lonely on the Air Force Base. It is great in the last six miles as you run along the bay. There was plenty of water and gatorade which was needed for the very hot weather. I will never forget coming into the finish and seein Khalid cheering for all of the runners!!!

I thought this was a very well-organized race and was impressed with the amazing traffic control. There were no cars on the course, which was astonishing considering how big Tampa is. It got hot pretty quickly, and the race directors wasted no time putting sprayers at all the aid stations. There was plenty of gatorade and water at every mile starting with mile 2. The finish line snacks were great - frozen yogurt, coke, etc. The medal was very nice and so were the long-sleeve T-shirts. My only complaint was the heat. Maybe they could move it up to the end of December.

It was a great race, the course does not offer much shade - however the water stations at each mile made it easier for all of us.
At the finish line there was confusion as to where the family reunion and massage area were, it was not clearly indicated.

This was my first marathon and I wanted to run fast and enjoy it as well. I had no problem accomplishing both goals. The race sponsors, the people of Tampa, and the competitors all deserve a big round of applause. I will see you next year.

For the first year of the running of the race, it couldn't have been better.

One of the best organized marathons I've run. Drinks every mile. Lots of bands, and DJ's along the route. And it was a great route thru Tampa and AF Base. Great experience. Volunteers obviously had training. Unusually hot weather this year- even some locals were having problems- But plenty of med people around. Somebody did their homework when setting this one up.