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☰
Clearwater Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Clearwater Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 3.8 
Spectators 3.1
Number of comments: 170 [displaying comments 121 to 131]
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E. B. from New York, NY
(2/20/2003)
 "fine, small marathon. " (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 5 Negatives: Pasta party ---very poor quality and no options--not worth $15. Port a potties at the start ---not enough by a long shot. Mile markers ---several were way off, making it hard to calculate splits---very frustrating. Finish times posted ---I know what the clock time was when I came in, and the time posted was a good 30-40 secs slower. Was the clock wrong or what? And where are the chip vs gun times? Post race food ---I had looked forward to this as I'd read about all the goodies in last year's race reviews. Well, I'm a back of the pack runner and there wasn't even evidence that there had been anything but oranges, bananas and pretzels. Disappointing. Positives: Good website, easy to navigate. Expo ---fine for a small race, I didn't have to wait long in line and everything I needed was there. Course---nice and flat. Those overpasses are no major incline---yes, wind makes everything harder but I liked Pinellas Trail---lots of birds and a little shade as well. Good downhill finish. Volunteers ---excellent! I looked forward to the water stations for the support as much as the water. Well organized, helpful, supportive---wish I had them at my home races. Police ---again, great! They kept traffic under control and stayed out there the whole time---and they were nice, too. All in all it was fine--I'd only run large monster marathons before this one. And the medal is great---huge gold running starfish! T-shirt was nice, too. | |
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A Runner from Florida
(2/20/2003)
 "Let's be honest..." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Let's be honest with our opinions about this race in comparison to other marathons across the country. The Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon is by far the worst marathon I have ever run. Anyone who would give it above average rankings must either be a first-time marathoner still in awe over their accomplishment or a Sunday joy-jogger in the back of the pack. The bottom line is that the course stinks, the race is unorganized, and there are no fans. | |
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Wayne Snow from Peachtree City, Georgia
(2/19/2003)
"Very nice experience" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon so I have nothing to compare it to. However, I?m proud of myself for finishing in a respectable (for me) time. I drove down Saturday from Peachtree City, Ga., and turned it into a thoroughly enjoyable mini-vacation. My only complaint has nothing to do with the race. The traffic coming into Clearwater on Saturday was as bad as I get on a daily basis in traffic-clogged Atlanta. A little warning about the traffic (if that is typical) would have been appreciated. Looking out at the bay was a nice way to wait for the start of the race. I thought the size of the field was good ? not too big yet enough people to maintain some human contact in those difficult homeward miles. All the various police agencies along the route were wonderful. The volunteers at the water stations were friendly and supportive, as were the few spectators. I loved the bagpiper on Sand Key. What a nice touch! And finally, to the lady runners from Safety Harbor: It was nice talking to you at the finish line. For someone who had come in for the event without family or friends that was a humanizing touch that was greatly appreciated; it gave me the opportunity to share the experience with someone. Thank you both very much. I count this as a very positive and friendly experience and I plan to do it again next year. | |
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B. B. from Salt Lake City, Utah
(2/19/2003)
 "Need more bathrooms, goodies, and beach" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 This was my first marathon. I would run another and had a good time. The people running with me were great and very supportive. I made some friends along the way to talk with and try to forget the pain. The fans who were there were great and helped so much along the way. The cops were the best and always had a cheerful smile and encouraging words. I loved the man playing the bagpipes. That was awesome!!! Even though I had a great time overall I do have some suggestions for next year. I had to wait in line to use a bathroom for 30 minutes before the race started...the race started and I was still another 5 minutes until a bathroom was available. Please get more bathrooms! ALso, I have participated in other events like 1/2 marathons and we always get a goody bag with free energy bars, waters, healthy snacks, etc. This event had no goodies...the only freebie was a beer which is not exactly what I want the day before I am going to run. Also, from the maps given on the internet it looks like we are going to get to run on the beach a little more. I was a little disappointed because the route wasn't as scenic as it appeared it would be. Hotels blocked the view of the beach. Being from Utah I don't get to see the beach very much and had thought I was in for a more scenic run. I did have a good time, probably wouldn't run the same one twice, but would recommend it if there were more bathrooms and beach. | |
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M. M. from Safety Harbor FL
(2/19/2003)
"First Marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first Marathon. I enjoyed the experience with the exception of the warm weather which ended up being the only really warm days in several. Improvements in the number of port-a- pots at start and along course would be more than nice. I was in a pacing group and was very glad because the mile markers did not seem accurate which I think should be a must. Volunteers on the course were great. Crowds were small but very supportive. Local paper is probably more at fault in not enough build up before race than race organizers. They had more on the Hops and Gasparilla than this race. My suggestion would be for some more accurate markers and clocks on course. There is competition for dates however some of the other Florida Marathons are already too close to run back to back so why not move this a little earlier in the schedule as the later the more likely it is to get warmer? Pre-race notification and information was very well done. At around 17 miles and at finish I said never again, but schedule permiting I am already planning on next year! | |
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KY WCAT from Florida
(2/19/2003)
 "Below Average Marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I have run this marathon the past 2 years. The weather was unseasonably hot and humid for last year's race. As a result, my performance was not up to par. My goal for this year's race was to break the 3 hour barrier so I could have some momentum going into the Boston Marathon and to put last year's race behind me. Unfortunately, the weather was not suitable for fast times this year either (windy and humid). However, my opinions about the course, organization, and spectators will not be influenced by my own dissatisfied results. Course: The course is advertised as flat and fast, but it is not (just look at the relatively slow past results). Why is it a slow course? First of all, it's boring because the course is rectangular. There really aren't any special sights. Secondly, the bridges are more difficult than regular hills because there is nothing to block the wind. The bridges and overpasses definitely slow runners down. Also, miles 13 through 16 included a slight, but steady incline. This is a tough time of the race to be battling additional adversity. Thirdly, Pinellas Trail is probably the worst section of the course because it's unscenic and a potential safety hazard with roller bladers and bikers coming from different directions. Finally, the finish is just ok, but I do like the downhill view of the water. If the course is going to remain the same, I would really like to see the race director turn the course around. I truly believe the overall times would improve due to a steady, downhill opportunity (the reversal of this year's 13-16 miles) and a more dramatic finish crossing the bridge (Causeway Bridge?). Organization: The mile markers were inconsistent. This is inexcusable because runners rely on accuracy. There also needs to be clocks at every mile marker or at least every 3 miles. The expo was uneventful. There was also a lack of help at the registration table. There are many other things but I'm running out of space. Fans: A few vacationers wondering why there are so many people running outside their hotel. This marathon is in desperate need of a major sponsor if it is going to survive. I will not participate in this event again, nor will I recommend it to others (except for local first-time marathoners unwilling to travel to another venue). There are many excellent small, medium, and large marathons to choose from throughout the country. Don't waste your time and money on this one. | |
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L. N. from Tampa, FL
(2/19/2003)
 "I think it was great for a small marathon" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Overall, I thought it was a great marathon. This was my 3rd full marathon, but 1st time for this one. I know we were all concerned about the weather leading up to this race, but I think it came out to be better than what they had us geared up for. I live here in Fl so I didn't think it was really that hot at all.I've run in much hotter. But of course, can't do anything about the weather, except to try to prepare for it. Luckily I had a new light weight running shirt on that a friend got me. Thank you Sunya! I felt the course was ok, as long as you knew what to expect. I was very glad I did the 1/2 Gulf Beaches in Dec so I was prepared for Park bridge and the incline following it, and the overpasses. Yes, again, we could do without the trip around the lake in Taylor Park. Its very hard to switch your legs to run on the gravel and watch for stumps. I grew up biking and running on the trail, so I thought it was great to be back there, but if you were expecting something more scenic then you were in for a dissapointment. Now for best and worst.. WORST PARTS, obviously not enough portopotties at the start or on the course, and no clock times on the course, and there were a few mile markers that were off. BEST PARTS: the spectators along the way were great. Considering the cloudy weather I was surprised to see as many as we did for such a small race. There were less than that in the past at the Hops marathons, so be thankful for what you get. The volunteers at the waterstops were awesome. Thank you thank you. They were very encouraging and always had stuff ready to hand us, and kept filling my water bottle that I carry. And last but not least, the traffic control by the police force was outstanding. Thank you so much. All those little crossways on the trail... it was nice to not have to stop and look like you do when you're on your own. Your services were great!!!! Although there has been improvement on the ending, from when it used to end in the parking lot, it would be nice if you could see the finish line coming a little sooner, so you can see the clock time. But, the down hill helped probably!! I think overall it was a great race, like I said, for a small one. If you know what to expect, then its nice. If you come here looking for crowds like the NY or Chicago marathon then you are out of luck. Remember, this is still a fairly new race. What I've learned from this.... I need to run a whole lot more bridges for hill training, or train on the trail. Those of us that live here in the Tampa area don't get much of a chance for hill training. I would definitely do this race again, but I would also like to see it start at 6am like most marathons do. That would help with the heat too. | |
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a. H. from Ohio
(2/19/2003)
 "Not very walker friendly" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 While this marathon was touted as a walker friendly one, I felt that there was little support for the walkers. Granted this was my first full marathon, and I was not able to keep to a 15 minute mile. However, the aid stations were not well manned as I got past the halfway point. (Water jugs and Gatorade were left sitting on the tables, though). Additionally, there was supposed to be fruit (bananas and oranges) after the halfway point, most of the stations were out by the time I reached them. I did not get any fruit till approximately the 21 mile marker. I really could have used some energy before that point. Port a Potties were another issue? They were few and far between. It would have been nice to have more spectators to support us during the trek. However, I realize that there is little anyone can do for that. The course itself was great, mostly flat, except for the bridges? The weather was awesome compared to what I would have encountered at home in Ohio (18 inch snow storm). Besides, weather is under no one?s control. The organization was very good. The police were very supportive and helpful. The finish line was being torn down as I crossed, so it made it a bit anti climactic. A suggestion, allow the walkers to start an hour before the runners. The previous marathon (I did half of it) I participated in did that and it worked very well. Overall, I had a great time though. | |
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J. L. from St. Simons Ga.
(2/18/2003)
"Oh my god the pain!!!!!" (about: 2003)
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 As this was my first, I do not have much to compare it to. I did like the area and plan to return. As for the race, I felt as if it was well ran and a lot of fun. It was hot and humid, tarzan would have felt right at home. My fellow runners, (I guess I am a runner now) were very supportive and a great group to run with. The start of the course is very pretty but turned into a concrete jungle of hotels and condos that blocked the views of the ocean. The first mile marker was way off, not a big deal but it scared the hell out of me that I ran mile 1 at a 10 minute pace and mile 2 at a 730 pace. The aid stations were stocked and the volunteers were great. The few spectators that came out were very supportive and enthusiastic. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COPS. They did an outstanding job of traffic control and even took the time to encourage runners as they passed. Two things I would like to see next year,,,,PORTAPOTTIES on the course and more at the start. SPLIT-TIME clocks would be nice to. The only one I remember was at mile 13.1. I had fun and will do this one again as soon as I forget the PAIN. | |
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S. L. from Gainesville, FL
(2/18/2003)
"First timer, will do it again..." (about: 2003)
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon and I was thrilled to be there. Being a Floridian, the weather was not a problem. It was overcast, windy, a slight drizzle now and then..at least the rain held off until the end. I did not have any problems at the Expo. The volunteers, spectators, and participants were great! I did have a problem with the Pasta Dinner, it was terrible. I won't do that again. Thank you to the bikers who kept my group motivated to the end. |
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