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May 5, 2024

Clearwater Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.1

Organization 3.8

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 170 [displaying comments 61 to 71]

More Comments: [ < 1 .. 5 6 7 8 9 .. 17 > ]

M. M. from Chicago (2/29/2004) "Great scenery, poor race organization" (about: 2004) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 5 If you're a beginner at the marathon, the Florida Gulf Beaches Marathon isn't a proper beginning. Adequate hydration was nearly absent at the first two water stations, and I didn't see a drop of Gatorade until the 18th mile. Fortunately, I was cell phone equipped and was able to plan for my wife and mother to meet me with Gatorade. The volunteers and police municipalities were excellent, thanks for the support. Given the temperature, I'd ask the organizers to focus next year on anticipating the proper amount of water and Gatorade at each aid station. Big thanks to Bob from Orlando who helped me through the race.
M. F. from Boston, MA (2/29/2004) "Great small marathon in a super location!" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 4th marathon. I was looking for a P.R., but due to my own stupidity (not eating properly the week before), I bonked at mile 18, finishing 45 minutes later than I had planned. Nonetheless, the course was great, the fans along the beach area were really nice and added a lot of encouragement. Organization was great - except for the dearth of porta-potties at the start. Aid stations exceeded my expectations - none of them ran out during my running time of 4:15. The expo was pretty good for a small race, and the pasta dinner was excellent. The hotel did a nice job of that. The hotel definitely needs to learn that marathon runners need coffee - early! This was a problem in the early waking hours that we all know so well. Overall, this was a great experience. I plan to run this one again next year.
S. K. from Jeffersonville, IN (2/29/2004) "Great course and weather" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This marathon was a lot of fun. The course was superb with a lot of variety. First you crossed over a causeway to the beach, then ran on the road along the beach (with condos mostly obscuring the view) for the next 10 miles. Then its back inland again before running on the reclaimed railroad track. There is also a portion that goes around a small lake in a park before finally winding up in downtown Clearwater. The water/Gatorade stops were plentiful. The 'hills' were composed of bridges, and not at all steep. I enjoyed the run, and only wish I could have kept up with the pacer for my desired time. I would like to run this race again!
L. S. from Charlotte, NC (2/29/2004) "Nice course, but lack of water or Gatorade..." (about: 2004) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 3 The course itself was nice and the traffic control was great. However, three of the stations on the first half of the course had no water or Gatorade -- only orange slices. And gel paks were nonexistent for those of us near the back. Also, I only saw two port-o-potties during the race, but due to the lack of hydration, this wasn't such a big problem! It was a nice race, one I thought was supposed to be walker-friendly, but a lack of water is inexcusable, I feel.
J. R. from New Jersey USA (2/27/2004) "This is a best kept secret among small marathons" (about: 2004) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Clearwater Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Excellect course overall. The directors, spectators and fellow runners were all super helpful and friendly. Parking, registration and the host hotel were excellect. If you plan to run this marathon, I suggest you take a mini-vacation and plan an extended weekend as there are many worthwhile attractions in the area. I'm hoping to run this marathon again next year.
D. L. from New Port Richey FL (2/27/2004) "A nice small marathon" (about: 2004) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Clearwater Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 This was my forth marathon and I really enjoyed it. The expo was small, nice, and well organized. I enjoyed speaking with the pace setters at the expo to get tips; they were very knowledgeable. Parking for the race was great. The race is small enough that it opens up well within the first 1/2 mile, which allows you to get into your stride quickly. Traffic control was topnotch; there were police and crossing guards everywhere. There was ample opportunity for spectators to see and interact with the runners. In fact, several people running in my group had their spouses meet us five times during the race for provisions like sun screen and sun glasses. My group finished around 4:15 and there was plenty of Gatorade/water during the race with that pace - though I understand they ran out for the slow pace folks. This would be a problem since the weather was warm and humid. The start was at 7:05 with a temperature of 58. We finished at 11:20 and the temperature had climbed to 74. The end of the race was fun. They announced everyone's name as you came to the finish and there was plenty of room for supporters to get great photos. Things for improvement would be more water and Gatorade since they ran out and more portolets. An earlier start could lessen the heat; however you would miss a great sunrise over Clearwater.
v. s. from wellington,florida (2/27/2004) "Race day too hot" (about: 2004) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I loved the marathon, but I think that it should start at 6 am and that you should try an earlier weekend, because the weather was very hot and humid.
A. G. from Pennsylvania (2/25/2004) "Great Course" (about: 2004) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Course was great with very good traffic protection in a dense area. There were police at every intersection and about 10,000 cones! I did not experience the lack of Gatorade as I was in the top half. Amenities at the end were a little lacking and spectators were sparse, which I expect at a smaller marathon. I really enjoyed the race and would do it again.
Havin Fun Race Walkin from Brooksville, Fl (2/24/2004) "What a wonderful event... we are so fortunate" (about: 2004) COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I have read all the comments and will be first to admit that the world is not perfect... and yes more portolets would assist in easing the 'pressure'. But since I saw comments from last year, I was as prepared as possible for such contingency... and with a little forethought, most participants can also ease the congestion - at least partially. For the males, at least, it is really not that difficult to leave the #1 problem at your vehicle; truckers have done it for decades. Though this was my first marathon... and I?m only a couple years into the whole road race scene (and I don't even run, I'm race-walking), I perhaps have a different take on such events. I felt treated 'first class' by all I dealt with, from sign-up to finish. Though I may be new to these events, I am familiar with the problems of getting such venues up and going, especially getting and keeping volunteers, which is key to success of these events. Hats off to all... everyone involved, they did fantastic. I hope they enjoyed their duties. They may have been there for our benefit, but without them, there would be no event. Spectators were sparse... but they were definitely supportive/enthusiastic (more than I would expect). Watching the race pack might be fun, but by the time I came through, it had to be exciting as watching snow melt ? but they were still rooting us on. The water/Gatorade stations were always on the top of their game, yelling out to us what they had to offer. Logistical support, police etc. were always right there coordinating traffic concerns. I was impressed, especially for a relatively new event...only 5 years and much to be proud of...yet probably planning at this moment how to correct and improve for next year. I guess one thing nice about coming in at 5:15 is that they had plenty of time and space to see you coming. It was certainly a nice touch to hear them announce your arrival by name and hometown, and even recognize I was a race-walker, another example that this is a race trying to pay attention to the 'little things'. Those little things sometimes mean a lot. Oh yeah... thanks for cutting up those huge bagels... there were still a bunch to munch on for us late arrivals. Thanks for your efforts on making this a fine event, and keep up the good work. If I decide not to do the GBM next year, then you'll have another volunteer. But I'm recovering nicely and I may just have to do it again, and this time may be able to stay tight with that 5hr pace group. Oh yeah, I was going to ask you to order about 10-15-degree cooler weather next year so it would still be cool at the noon hour, but I decided to leave well enough alone since we only missed a major, big-time, daylong, flooding downpour by less than 48 hours and a few miles.
T. L. from Tampa (2/24/2004) "No excuse for running out of water or medals" (about: 2004) COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 For the slower runners there was no water at the first and second water stop... You need to be hydrated and in a long run you do not miss hydrating at every stop. To wait 6 miles before 1st water puts your body at an immediate deficit... no excuse. The slower runners are probably more at risk of dehydration and lack of water compounds the risk. Cannot believe they ran out of medals for the late relay teams and did not stay long enough to see of they ran out for the slower marathoners... sad and inexcusable. The course is not spectator friendly because to see your runner you almost have to run the marathon. There doesn't seem to be any way to crisscross the runners unless on a bicycle or motor transportation.

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