I think other runs and marathons could learn from the organization and enthusiasm showed by the people involved in this event. While all sorts of things could have gone wrong due to "first-time" errors, nothing did. The organization was first-class, and even the weather cooperated, clear skies, cool breezes and sun, sun, sun.

Runners of both the marathon and half-marathon were rewarded with beautiful medals, and marathon finishers were also given finisher t-shirts to complement the "official" pre-race shirt.

The police were absolutely fabulous in keeping the course open, and traffic never became an issue for the runners. Water stops roughly every two miles, including Ultima beverage and GU gel (at the 16 and 20 mile-mark), porta-potties and volunteers on bicycle as well as an army of helpers of all kinds. Sarasota turned out in force today, and put its best foot forward.

The second run has already been scheduled for March 3, 2007. I registered in November, and based on my experience today, will be doing so again when registration opens.

I can't strongly enough compliment Lisette Riverson, race organizer, the volunteers and the City of Sarasota for being so welcoming and for putting on a great inaugural marathon!

I just ran the inaugural Sarasota Marathon today. The course is beautiful and FLAT. The two hills are the two times that the course crosses the Ringling Bridge, which is about .8 miles long - around miles 5 and 15. Much of the course runs along the water and provides beautiful views and refreshing breezes. The race organizers did a great job of making sure that water, sports drink, and Gu were available every two miles, as well as sprinkling volunteers throughout the course route to provide support. General crowd support was rather sparse (it was the inaugural running of the race), but those who were out were energetic and enthusiastic, providing helpful support and encouragement along the course, as well as drinks and fresh fruit. This is the last chance to run a marathon in Florida until November, and I would recommend this race to anyone looking for a scenic, fun race....

Run the Sarasota Marathon. You will not be disappointed. Well organized, beautiful scenery and a fun race!!

Race started in the dark and felt dangerous; you couldn't go out with real speed because of this. Also, the start area was too narrow. No pre-race party the night before after it was promised. Should have staggered the start (1/2 and whole marathon) and started NOT in the dark. Pre-race package pickup should have waaaay more sponsors and product. It is a small city however! Hopefully it will keep on growing.

I am writing this a week before the marathon in the hope that someone might appreciate information from a local runner. The local running club runs the majority of this course on a weekly basis because it is beautiful. The course starts at the spectacular Ringling Museum of Art, goes over the Ringling Bridge to the Keys, runs back over the bridge, and then continues along the bayfront past multiple works of public art/sculptures. The course is extremely flat with the exception of going over the Ringling Bridge twice, which is a fairly tall bridge with excellent views of the downtown, the Gulf, and the Sarasota Keys (Lido, Siesta, and Long Boat). Multiple volunteers from the local bicycle club and triathlon club will be riding the course on bicycles to cheer us on and provide tactical support. I would encourage everyone to come run the Sarasota Marathon.