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May 4, 2024

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 41 to 51]

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S. C. from Huntington WV (1/24/2005) "Things nobody could control" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This has all the ingredients for an excellent race. I liked the course (when the sun came up enough to see it). The folks running the race and doing the water stops were great. The weather didn't cooperate, but that's how it goes. It was cooler than expected, which would have been fine but for an awful wind for the first hour or two. For the first half, the spectators seemed to consist of puzzled dog-walkers; there were more people out on the Pinellas Trail. Overall, the few people who were out were very friendly. I think the only reasons I didn't have a really good time at this race were about things that nobody could control. One exception: I'd prefer to start in daylight. A good part of the section along the water was in the dark.
E. D. from Atlanta, Georgia (1/24/2005) "Not great for a first time, Galloway-style runner" (about: 2005) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 The course is beautiful, the volunteers and police officers are wonderful. This was my first marathon and I ran at the tail end for the first 16 miles (with a walk/run Galloway method). Having said that, I do not recommend this for first-timers who are just in it to finish a marathon; there was no crowd support and that made it very hard to maintain motivation the last 6 or so miles. However, a nicer support staff you could not find, and the water stations were very stocked - they never ran out of anything for us. Very well organized and great group of people running it. The marathon was tough because of strong headwinds the last half of the race and over the bridges. The course past the ocean was beautiful.
Ryan Miller from Warren, MI USA (1/24/2005) "Nice Run - Poor Organization" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 This was my fourth marathon. I was a bit disappointed with the expo setup and packet pickup. It was extremely small and there were very few vendors. Although they did have a pre-race sport massage area, I was told by them and race officials they would be there at the end of the race... but they were not. They had this Hollistic Scientology... "We do not believe in touching you...only your aura." I am a certified athletic trainer with 10 years experience. I belive in hands on treatments... I was extremely upset that there was no massage area there. The course was very beautiful, weather was ok, minus the 40mph winds! People were friendly to run with and very encouraging. Need more services for the runners though!!! Great post-race FOOD! Need better organization!
Suzanne Henslee from Florida (1/24/2005) "A GREAT MARATHON and FL to boot!" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 It just goes to show that if the weather cooperates and FL stays cool, this is the best place to run a marathon. The Gulf Beaches Marathon should get SO much more recognition. It's just a matter of time before it explodes into another one of FL's great attractions. If you're looking for mobs of spectators at every mile, this isn't your place - but it makes up for it in a flat, fast, beautiful FL course with well staffed aid stations. Anyone who says otherwise HAS to be affiliated with another race. This year's race was so beautiful and the runners all seemed relaxed and happy to be there. Those who have earned their awesome running starfish medal should be proud!!! Thanks for the music, beer, food and fun at the post-race party overlooking the Gulf! Amazing!
E. S. from Orlando, FL (1/24/2005) "A wonderful course & a small race" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 I just ran the 2005 Gulf Beaches Marathon yesterday. Without a doubt, it was the smallest race (as far as number of participants) that I have participated in (and that includes all distances). I am sure there were a lot of no-shows due to the weather (in the 40's with STRONG wind throughout). The course was wonderful - I would recommend this course for anyone looking to PR. The weather was the worst feature, and as a Floridian, I know that what we faced that day was highly unusual. I was one of the slower runners, and I found that all of the water/refreshment stops were well-stocked, and only 1 had been (apparently) abandoned by its volunteers. The volunteers were amazing - they stuck it out in tough conditions and were cheering & helpful even for those straggling along at the end. I wouldn't recommend this race if you need the cheering of spectators - it's kinda lonely & spread out (most of the time in the 2nd half I could only see a couple/few runners, much less spectators). The traffic control was awesome, and all of the police/crossing guards were cheerful - I wanted to kiss the officer who gave me very specific information: you've got 10 blocks to go, and the wind is in your face for 7 of them. So much better than "you're almost there!" Thanks to the race director for putting on a well-organized, beautiful race.
Luis de la Mora from Santiago, Chile (1/5/2005) "Florida Half-Marathon - a great start" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
Jennifer Crouch from New Port Richey, FL (12/30/2004) "Best half marathon I have run" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 3 Clearwater Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
Saul Lowitt from Sarasota (12/30/2004) "wonderful marathon" (about: 2003) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Clearwater Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I have completed 78 marathons: the Gulf Beaches Marathon was among the BEST. Beautiful course, enthusiastic volunteers, happy runners.
D. T. from Florida (12/19/2004) "The worst race I have ever participated in" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 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.
Joshua Davis from Orlando, FL (9/30/2004) "Not enough water on the course made it difficult" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 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.

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