I live in Chile and was in Florida attending a seminar. I ran the Florida Half, wich I know is closely related to this marathon and the organization was great!!!! I hope the marathon gets the same treatment.

Sincerely,
Luis de la Mora B.

This comment is in reference to the 3rd annual halfathon on 12-12-04. The weather was picture perfect. The route was changed slightly from busy, slightly uphill Park Blvd. to tree-lined Oakhurst Rd. The water supply was flowing. The post-race food and transportation back to the start ran smoothly. The race director, Chris Lauber, does a fine job each year by taking our feedback and making improvements. If you have not done this race, I would strongly encourage you to do so in the future.

I have completed 78 marathons: the Gulf Beaches Marathon was among the BEST. Beautiful course, enthusiastic volunteers, happy runners.

Support is so important in a marathon and the race organizers failed miserably in this department. No Gatorade after mile 6 and no GU on the course at all. For the $85 entry fee you would think they could spring for some nourishment. If you are looking for a marathon in FL - do the Miami Tropical Marathon. The scenery is fabulous and the support is great.

In 2004 this race was in February which can offer very unpredictable temperatures. It was hot and muggy for most of the race which created a situation where I needed more water than usual. When I got to the stations the volunteers would only give me one cup of water!!! Needless to say I kept going thinking there were more water stations, and I kept getting the same treatment. By mile 13 I was dehydrated, the increased water towards the second half of the race was not enough as it got very hot.

The other problem with this race is that the hotels were very expensive, as the date for the race was during Spring Break.

Certainly not a marathon I will do again.

A great combination of good organization but with the informality of a smaller marathon. This was my first marathon and after training in the NC mountains last fall and winter the weather was great if a bit warm toward the end. The volunteers and especially the law enforcement folks were great. I liked the downhill at the end, and I wished I had someplace like the Pinellas Trail (and Taylor Park) to run on every day. I'll be back someday (so many marathons, so little time) and will recommend this one to my friends.

Great weather, flat course (with the exception of a few overpasses), awesome organization; would be a great first marathon or a good place to qualify for Boston.

Good race; the organization is good and there is a certain informality about the start that is nice. First few miles were ideal until the sun got up and it started to become evident that heat was going to be a major factor. By that time most were committed to a pace designed for a cooler day and suffered over the last 10 miles. Having trained in temperatures of -45 to 55F - counting windchill - the heat was tough to take, but not something anybody has control over, so complaining is useless. Did not experience any problems with not enough water at stations but do realize how difficult that would be. However a lesson has been learned that I am sure the organizers will remember in future.

Would like to thank the volunteers for all the hard work. Without people willing to work so hard and put in so many hours we runners would have no place to run. I spoke to two volunteers after the race, one doing the computerized result listing and another looking after distributing the medals. They both looked more tired than I was, so they put in their marathon for our benefit and should be congratulated on a job well done. I will be back.

This is only my 5th marathon, but I thought it was very well organized and an enjoyable course. It was a great marathon to do to qualify for Boston, or to go for a personal best. It was also a fun trip for my wife, and our dog. The spectators were somewhat limited, but that did allow for my wife to catch me at a few spots and cheer me on. And the people working the water stops were great (the oranges were the main thing that kept me going). Everyone was very helpful and supportive. The course is extremely flat, but can be a bit sunny/hot. All in all, a good fast marathon at a fun location. Being able to sit outside by a pool in the sun after the race was a HUGE plus. I definitly recommend it to anyone who has run a few marathons and is trying to shave a few minutes off of their time.

This is not a runner friendly marathon. I'd never do this marathon, although I have done the relay twice. The heat and humidity combined with the lack of water, Gatorade and emergency services made it downright dangerous. There is no excuse good enough for not having water on the course even to the last runner. Definitely not for first-timers. And it's tough for spectators to get around.

The first 13 miles are not very interesting. Not enough potties at the start, and the post-race food was not sufficient. It should also start earlier, 6 a.m. The police presence is wonderful. They are very friendly and it's nice to see so many of them out there. The volunteers do a great job with what they have to work with. Nice medal, and it's nice to finish downhill. Flat and fast - I don't think so.