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May 3, 2024

Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.8

Organization 3.5

Spectators 3.2

Number of comments: 49 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 > ]

A. U. from Florida (2/20/2014) "Very disappointing" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 I did the full marathon and chose it because it is a Boston qualifier with a high percentage of qualifications. Pros: Volunteers were terrific. Everyone was very friendly. Water stations were well manned and the music was awesome. Course isn't bad except for Riverside which was full of holes and cracks. Cons: Where do I start? First of all, the app. There are still people in this world without a smart phone and those that do who don't use apps. There was no tracking. My husband and friends could not locate me even after the finish. Old school timing chip you attach to your shoe. Really? This is 2014 isn't it? No clocks on course. The only clock at the finish line was recording the half marathon. Only one first aid tent on course. Fine for half marathoners but us full marathoners were out of luck if you had an issue. No ice or sponges/wet towels on course. The finish line support was lacking. I was handed one small paper cup of water. Full bottles of water are needed at the finish. Especially since it was so hot and humid. The post race party was quite a ways away and we had to walk across the course to get to it. Some of the volunteers in this stretch were not at their posts. We left the party after noon and the marathon results were still not posted and no announcements about the awards were made. It turned out I placed in my age group and when I contacted the director about my award, I was told to send them a check for $20.00 and they would mail it. I can understand paying for postage but That's a bit steep. The shirt is nice but it is the same for both full and half marathons. It would be nice if they were different or said which race. The medals are nice. I do not feel the marathon was supported and don't think they should continue to have it. If you can't embrace it then don't have it.
r. r. from ky (2/19/2014) "Great smaller marathon" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a smaller marathon with only about 200 finishers in the full marathon, but this race is ran better than most big marathons. Packet pick up was a breeze, the course is a two loop course that is very flat. There is a lot of musical groups and most are very good. The medal was awesome, organization was 5 stars and the spectators were very encouraging for such a small size race. The only complaint was the weather, it got up to the mid 80's, but i was use to zero degree days so every year would be hot to me. I saw dolphins swimming when i ran over two different bridges. There are not many marathons where you can see dolphins swimming. GREAT JOB MELBOURNE!!!
L. G. from Arizona (2/4/2014) "hot and humid but love the beaches" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 I ran the marathon while several friends did the half. This is a 2-loop marathon, and everything was great for the larger half-marathon field, but I felt that the organizers dropped the ball on the second loop for the marathoners. It was a humid and hot day, yet the waterstops did not have ice (thank goodness for the few volunteers who gave me some of their ice). The last 2 miles there were few volunteers on the course and little to no support. I went off-course twice because I mis-read the signs at a turn where there should have been a volunteer. I was really disappointed in the finish line; no food at the finish and very little crowd support. I never made it to the party at the park which was some distance away. I would love to see the finish at the park, volunteers at every turn, and especially on a hot and humid day. The expo and registration were great and appreciated lots of porta-potties and support at the start. Great shirt and medal.
L. N. from Orlando (2/18/2013) "Awesome race" (about: 2013) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This has been my favorite 1/2 marathon by far. Loved the volunteers, vendors and spectators. The view was the best of all. I look forward to next year!
K. A. from Tampa, Fl. (2/7/2013) "Awesome and best yet" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 We have run this half twice and the full once before, and this year was by far the best yet. The organizers nailed it this year with great volunteers and aid stations and the best after party of any like sized race. The weather was in the low 50s so all in all a great day for running. Congratulations Melbourne!
G. S. from Hartford, Conn. (2/25/2012) "A Great Mid-sized race and highly recommend it" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 As a marathon maniac I felt the need to come in and squash some of the negative comments already posted. THIS IS A GREAT REGIONAL RACE that is still going through some growth issues but is one of the best races of this size I have ever run. PRO: - Well organized and a very helpful staff and volunteer team. - Medal, shirt and hat are better than you find at most national races. - Expo is great! - More cones on this course than I have ever seen at a race! - Looping course with bridges provide nice scenery and a good challenge. - The piano player at the top of one of the bridges reminded me of Big Sur Marathon. - Plenty of water stations on the course. - They recycled everything. CONS: - Weather was warm and humid. - Early water stops need to be spread out more. - A bit of a bottleneck for the first mile or so. Other than the weather, I can't think of any issues that can't be easily corrected. I will run this one again and encourage fellow Maniacs and 50 Staters to do the same.
M. W. from Melbourne, FL (2/23/2012) "Will never do this race again" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 First and last time I do this race. Organization was poor and that is being kind. The first two aid stations were SWAMPED with runners and not enough volunteers. The piano at the top of the causeway would have been nice...if it left room for the runners to get by. The majority of the bands or DJs were taking a break when I went by or were playing low key music...nothing up beak. At the finish there wasn't enough water and they ran our of food. It looked like there were plenty of homeless, spectators, and volunteers that had eaten before the race participants. I realize this race is still young...but this was the 3rd or 4th year of its existence. The race director should have these issues ironed out by now. I heard several similiar complaints from others around me.
E. C. from Canada (2/21/2012) "Nice overall experience" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Nice marathon, aid stations were adequate although a bit overwhelmed at the first two. Tough day weather wise but at least the sun stayed away. Love the medal and shirt.
M. R. from Orlando, Florida (2/20/2012) "Nice but Needs Work" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This is my second trip to Melbourne first time for the Full Marathon. Pro 1. The Medal, Shirt and Hat are nice and well done. 2. Music on the course - Grand Piano at the top of the bridge was great - very different collection of musicians was nice change of pace. 3. Easy parking near start and finish. 4. Yes you had to look out for the Hand Cyclist BUT what an inspiration - I have nothing to complain about with these veterns who have served our country cycling their hearts out. Cons 1. No food at finish - I finished at 4:55 and got a banana and a water. There was no other food I felt bad for the slower runners behind me - I knew I had food in my car and was only one hour from home. They were shutting down and packing up when I finished. 2. Some water stops thinly supported - but the volunteers were great. The expo is basic and easy to navigate. I ran the 8k and the 5k on Saturday and enjoyed Saturday more as there was plenty of food and entertainment after the race.
C. W. from Pennsylvania (2/12/2012) "Good low hassle Florida marathon" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Florida Marathon & 1/2 Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Very good for a small marathon. Course - Fully 'coned' and felt safe at all times. Plenty of room to run. Nice views from bridges and along the bay. Crowd - Not a lot, small bunches along the route. About right for the size of the marathon. Music - A lot of varied types, a couple bands, a couple DJ's, several different orchestra members, and a grand piano being played at the top of the causeway bridge! I also loved the group of accordian players. Weather - 2012 Hot and very humid, can happen in Florida. Back it down and have fun. 2010 and 2011 weren't bad. Water stations - crowded at the beginning, but no problems later in race. Volunteers were great. Expo - About as good as it gets for a small marathon.

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