The 2013 marathon in Gainesville made Florida my 25th state in my quest to run a marathon in all 50 states. Gainesville may seem like an odd one for me to choose to cross Florida off my list, but I went to UF for grad school many years ago, and decided it would be nice to go back to my old hometown.

Most of the other comments are spot on, so I can't add much there. What I will add is that I've never run a marathon with fewer 50 Staters and Marathon Maniacs. In fact, I didn't meet a single person in either group. I guess it makes sense. If you just want to cross Florida off your list, you probably want to go to more of a vacation spot like Orlando or Miami. So almost everyone I met was a local. I don't know if that fact should matter to anyone considering this race, but it's the one thing I can add.

Overall, I think it was a very good race for such a small one.

It was a great course. There are some hills mixed with the flats, on the full marathon course. The course was well marked and traffic control was fantastic. Plenty of food and beverage at the finish line. My only complaint is that ther needs to be more food on the course. This is a must do marathon. Will be there next year.

I agree with previous posters regarding the course--good first half, uninspiring second.Hillier first half than I anticipated, but very manageable. As stated earlier, traffic control was great and the police were very friendly, as were aid station volunteers. Easy logistics for both the packet pick up and race, with free, close parking. T-shirt and medal were solid, and there was plenty to eat after the race.

My only suggestions are: put more fluid in the cups, and have an aid station volunteer handing out the Clif Shots. I only saw them on a table at the aid station only because I had stopped to walk, otherwise I would have missed them. Also, please open the package on the Clif Shots, they are a bear to open on the run.

Overall, a very solid race with very nice people.

This is my second time at this event. The biggest attractions are it's price and ease of use. I can get in for less than a hundred bucks, pick up my packet race morning, and park for free right next to the start.

Sure, less than 200 people do the full, so once the halfs turn off you're alone a lot. But, the aid stations and police are awesome and keep you going on a very safe course.

If you need crowds and a party look elsewhere, but for a good value and good support you can't go wrong.

I have run this half marathon two times in the past and have always enjoyed the course. This year I was part of a relay team. I was fortunate enough to run the second leg of the marathon relay. Our transition spot was by an Aid station on 16Th. The only downside was that there were no bathroom facilities available. We runners drink lots of fluids and I for one like to take off on empty. Most people waiting at this transition took to the woods. (not easy for us galls and not much fun when it is 27 degrees outside. You get my point... This was poor planning. The closest port o potty was at mile 8. Other than this minor complaint I really enjoyed the relay.(I do think the second leg(mile 5-10) is the best leg) The Gainesville PD does a fantastic job with traffic control. I plan to sign up for the half in 2014.

Other reviews are still accurate. The first half is nice, interesting, and open. The half marathoners turn off and you're a lot more lonely. The last half is split among bike paths, and the bike lane on a 4 lane road. Add in some hills and it can be tough.

The volunteers and police were awesome the whole way.

After recieving my medal, I found the last banana, two bottles of water, and headed for my car. The food was gone and the music was over.

The title says it all. The first half of this race is fantastic. It's one of the best half marathons you will find. You get such a wonderful tour of UF and the surrounding area. However, once the half and full runners split at mile 13, the story totally changes. Many of the late miles for the full marathon are run on a 4 lane road with cars zipping past. I don't want to lead you to think that the course isn't safe. Runners have a very wide area to run plus the sidewalk. However, this part of the route stinks! Who wants to be surrounded by a ton of traffic? Plus, this part of Gainesville is not very scenic. The race directors need to put in the effort to be more creative with this portion of the course. The potential for improvement is there. Also, upon reaching the finish line, there was NO FOOD remaining. Just water and Gatorade. Horrible! I know the half is the bread and butter of the day, but as long as the RD continues to include the full distance, those runners must be considered. On the plus side, the traffic control was outstanding. There were not too many spectators but the ones that came out were enthusiastic. Getting to the start is hassle-free. These are all great pluses. My recommendation is to do the half. It's worth the trip for 13.1. I don't recommend the marathon until the route undergoes revision.

Half marathon course, spectators, and organization were super. After the split, very few runners which made it a mental challenge. Big head winds (no ones fault) made it a physical challenge. All in all - a good day. Set PR.
Very happy with # of water stations.

I did the full and had 26.59 on my GPS in spite of running tangents and tight corners. My husband did the half and had 13.4 on his. I am sure the course is mis-measured. No shirts of our size when we arrived Saturday afternoon. Information runners get is weak as is communication from the race. Course is challenging and only slows you in a couple of hills (it's still fast); I ran a PR in spite of it. Start was well organized, with plenty of port-o-lets and aid stations; and spectators and volunteers were wonderful (unless you need hordes of spectators). Warm weather this year. Has potential.

I live here in Gainesville and enjoy this annual event. I have only the done the half-marathon previously, but this year I did the full. The weather was warm, and parts of the course in the latter half of the marathon were without shade...so it was tough! BUT, I found the race to be very well organized and very well supported. I am slow, but had full support throughout the event. The course was well marked. The police and volunteers on bicycles assisted me with traffic and staying on the course. Water, Gatorade, and porta-potties were plentiful. Thanks to all the encouraging volunteers, especially Jim E. on his bike! AND, the tech shirt and medal are both great! Thanks again, Gainesville, for a great marathon experience!