Marathon Details - Five Points of Life Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > FL > Gainesville > Five Points of Life Marathon

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers Five Points of Life Marathon & Half Marathon, Relay, 5K, Kids Marathon

Gainesville, FL USA

February 17, 2019

http://www.fivepointsoflife.com

More Info:	News Press Releases
Results:	2019 \| 2018 \| 2017 \| 2016 \| 2015 \| 2014 \| 2013 \| 2012 \| 2011 \| 2010 \| 2009 \| 2008 \| 2007 \| 2006 Top 3 Finishers by Year
Course Maps:	View Course Map/Elevation Chart

Contact Organizer

Name:	Brite Whitaker
Address:	Five Points of Life Marathon 4039 Newberry Road, Gainesville, FL 32607
Phone Number:	352-224-1728
Fax Number:	(352) 224-1644
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 4.2

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.3

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Number of comments: 51 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

B. K. from Ohio (2/22/2019) "Good logistics. Hot weather." (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 There aren't many marathons where you can leave your hotel two minutes before race time and be at the front of the start without a problem. Stayed in the brand new Hotel Indigo and walked a hundred yards to the start, which was also the finish line. How convenient! Small expo, but adequate. Cotton t-shirt, which doesn't matter to me since I have so many tech shirts, but it probably won't be worn by many, especially by those who live in Florida, a state known for its humidity. Race began on time and, fortunately, the half-marathon folks started about half a mile ahead, though we eventually caught up with them and had to weave through them. Not a big deal since they split off at mile four. Nice route out and back down a busy road, but coned off well. No danger. Well policed everywhere. Two loops into forested trails and Hilton Head-like developments. Sometimes I had no one in front of me and had to trust the route. Never a problem. Lots of shade, too. Good finish line logistics. Medical tent first. Results posted nearby. Only complaint was the dinky plastic glass for those of us who won or finished in our age bracket. Cost is negligible for a nice plaque and a cheap prize leaves a sour taste, especially when the temperature climbs into the 80s, as it did. There are not many fans here, but it's really just you and the marathon, right? The volunteers and staff were wonderful and organized everything well. Now, if they could give decent awards.
R. V. from CA (2/17/2015) "Go Gators" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Nicely organized, super friendly people organizers were on top of it. Enjoyed the course through and around the U of F. Just one stretch down Williston that was a bit Zzz. Well organized & on time start, thank you! Easy packet pick up and race day parking was a breeze. Awesome course volunteers and the Gainesville police were super. Just one area that needed a little more attention that was at the very end near mile 26 there were two points where you needed to go right then left with no one to direct and no sign (no one to follow either). Good communication before the race. Overall well worth it. Congrats & thanks for a good and well race.
Matt Webb from Port Saint Joe, FL (2/16/2015) "A wonderful marathon!" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Five Points of Life Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 4th time doing this marathon and for good reason: I have enjoyed it immensely every time! The course is beautiful and clearly marked. The aid stations are very plentiful and are heavily staffed with friendly supporters (Gatoraid and water were offered at every one). The police did a very good job at controlling traffic. The tech shirt and finisher's medal are also nice. There was also plenty of food and drink left for the marathoners. My only complaint was that the distance was too long: 26.57 miles on my garmin. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I look forward to doing it again!
RRRICK Karampatsos from Florida (2/16/2014) "RRRICK LOVES THIS MARATHON!" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Marathon # 86 ( one done in every state and in DC) - This marathon rates in my top '5'! ~ They know how to put a marathon together for sure! MORE than enough water stations / Porta Johns -the police were WONDERFUL! Cheerful - and helpful - The volunteers were not only good stopping traffic at the side street BUT CHEERED US! - course very well marked - WONDERFUL finish line support and FOOD! I am looking forward to be a part of this NEXT YEAR already!
R. M. from New Jersey (2/28/2013) "Small, but nice" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
g. g. from florida (2/21/2013) "Great Marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (2/21/2013) "Friendly People, Pleasant Race" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
B. H. from Daytona, FL (2/21/2013) "Good Value, Easy on the Runners" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Five Points of Life Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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.
e. C. from FL (2/18/2013) "first time running a relay" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Five Points of Life Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.
B. H. from Daytona Beach, Florida (2/21/2012) "Smaller race, with good on course support." (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > ]

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B. K. from Ohio (2/22/2019) "Good logistics. Hot weather." (about: 2019) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 There aren't many marathons where you can leave your hotel two minutes before race time and be at the front of the start without a problem. Stayed in the brand new Hotel Indigo and walked a hundred yards to the start, which was also the finish line. How convenient! Small expo, but adequate. Cotton t-shirt, which doesn't matter to me since I have so many tech shirts, but it probably won't be worn by many, especially by those who live in Florida, a state known for its humidity. Race began on time and, fortunately, the half-marathon folks started about half a mile ahead, though we eventually caught up with them and had to weave through them. Not a big deal since they split off at mile four. Nice route out and back down a busy road, but coned off well. No danger. Well policed everywhere. Two loops into forested trails and Hilton Head-like developments. Sometimes I had no one in front of me and had to trust the route. Never a problem. Lots of shade, too. Good finish line logistics. Medical tent first. Results posted nearby. Only complaint was the dinky plastic glass for those of us who won or finished in our age bracket. Cost is negligible for a nice plaque and a cheap prize leaves a sour taste, especially when the temperature climbs into the 80s, as it did. There are not many fans here, but it's really just you and the marathon, right? The volunteers and staff were wonderful and organized everything well. Now, if they could give decent awards.
R. V. from CA (2/17/2015) "Go Gators" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Nicely organized, super friendly people organizers were on top of it. Enjoyed the course through and around the U of F. Just one stretch down Williston that was a bit Zzz. Well organized & on time start, thank you! Easy packet pick up and race day parking was a breeze. Awesome course volunteers and the Gainesville police were super. Just one area that needed a little more attention that was at the very end near mile 26 there were two points where you needed to go right then left with no one to direct and no sign (no one to follow either). Good communication before the race. Overall well worth it. Congrats & thanks for a good and well race.
Matt Webb from Port Saint Joe, FL (2/16/2015) "A wonderful marathon!" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 4-5 Five Points of Life Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my 4th time doing this marathon and for good reason: I have enjoyed it immensely every time! The course is beautiful and clearly marked. The aid stations are very plentiful and are heavily staffed with friendly supporters (Gatoraid and water were offered at every one). The police did a very good job at controlling traffic. The tech shirt and finisher's medal are also nice. There was also plenty of food and drink left for the marathoners. My only complaint was that the distance was too long: 26.57 miles on my garmin. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I look forward to doing it again!
RRRICK Karampatsos from Florida (2/16/2014) "RRRICK LOVES THIS MARATHON!" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Marathon # 86 ( one done in every state and in DC) - This marathon rates in my top '5'! ~ They know how to put a marathon together for sure! MORE than enough water stations / Porta Johns -the police were WONDERFUL! Cheerful - and helpful - The volunteers were not only good stopping traffic at the side street BUT CHEERED US! - course very well marked - WONDERFUL finish line support and FOOD! I am looking forward to be a part of this NEXT YEAR already!
R. M. from New Jersey (2/28/2013) "Small, but nice" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
g. g. from florida (2/21/2013) "Great Marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
B. B. from Pittsburgh, Pa (2/21/2013) "Friendly People, Pleasant Race" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.
B. H. from Daytona, FL (2/21/2013) "Good Value, Easy on the Runners" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Five Points of Life Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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.
e. C. from FL (2/18/2013) "first time running a relay" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 2 Five Points of Life Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 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.
B. H. from Daytona Beach, Florida (2/21/2012) "Smaller race, with good on course support." (about: 2012) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Five Points of Life Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 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.

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Marathon Details - Five Points of Life Marathon