Organizers' skills, learned running Gasparilla events, showed. Expo, volunteer amounts and placement, course marking/clocking, food, etc. all that of a top-flight marathon. Some of course on concrete, 1 mile through yucky warehouse area, and barren 5-mile stretch through air base. Majority of course in sun; thank goodness for early start and stretch (appx. miles 12-15 and 19-22) through shaded neighborhood. Excellent finish-line treats. Post-race party with Hops Restaurant drink + food which I did not attend. Aid stations and clocks every mile. Medium-sized expo with good speakers/seminars. Appx. 120 2-person relay teams share course. Appears this'll be a good big-city option.

I was hoping to have a chance to run in the warm Florida weather, but this was more than I had asked for. An early start to beat the heat had everyone out in the dark. Once the sun began to climb, the temperatures soon followed and I knew my goal was not to be had today. I decided to enjoy my surroundings and the race soon became one of my favorites. Well run with good support for the runners. I will try to make it back again next year.