Marathon Details - "Running for the bay!" Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > FL > Apalachicola > "Running for the bay!" Marathon

"Running for the bay!" Marathon & 50K, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Apalachicola, FL USA

October 20, 2019

http://www.runningforthebay.com

Results:

2019 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010
Top 3 Finishers by Year

Contact Organizer

Name:	Race Director, Henderson
Address:	friends@runningforthebay.com
Phone Number:	770-555-3964
Email:	Email the organizers



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Reviews

Course 3.3

Organization 2.3

Spectators 1.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 27 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

M. R. from Alabama (3/29/2017) "Great Sunset - and that's it" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Be advised that most of the marathon is run on two concrete bridges, each with a huge hill (really it's a raise to let boats go underneath). The website will attempt to ridicule these hills, but do not underestimate them - the last one is at mile 25 and will take anything you have left. On the bridges, I passed two cases of water. I did not waste time attempting to open them. Therefore, dehydration is a problem. Also, post race food consisted of tangerines and Quaker bars. That's it. I recommended you choose another race.
B. R. from Atlanta, Georgia (10/27/2015) "Shocked at the waste of giving out water bottles" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 While this was a beautiful course, as one who cares about the environment I was shocked to see the waste of giving out entire bottles of water and powerade instead of cups like all other races. Most runners drank a couple of gulps of water and threw down the entire bottle after each water stop. Same for the entire bottles of power drink. What a waste. On top of that, runners had to pick up their own bottles often from a carton and then open the bottle which is not always easy while running. Was there no thought for the effect of disposed plastic bottles on the environment especially in a seaside setting. And it had to be more expensive to purchase all those bottles instead of cups!!!!
A. H. from Florida (10/22/2015) "Scenic as all get-out" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I thought this was a fine marathon, despite the negative reviews. Seeing the reviews was very helpful in setting my expectations however. Here's what you get: amazing scenery, cases of water laid out on the side of the road about every mile, running with traffic (which wasn't heavy), a large nice-looking medal, a non-technical t-shirt. There are about 18 miles of bridges on the course, and with some strong headwinds this year, that was challenging but expected. Under different conditions this could be a fast course, but I changed my pacing strategy to deal with the wind & I had a slow but satisfying run. There isn't much crowd support due to the layout of the course, but the volunteers were super friendly. Packet pickup was quick and painless the day before the race, and we didn't stick around after the race, opting instead to head to Up the Creek for some baked oysters & beer. I'd do it again for sure.
Chris Bassett from Athens, GA (3/2/2015) "One of the only on-road 50k's" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I ran this because it's very hard to find ultras in the southeast that aren't offroad/trail runs. The reviews have never been glowing, but I didn't have much choice in the matter. Good: flat, well marked, bottles of water. Bad: most importantly, despite what the website says, there are NO SNACKS on the course. I mean, ZERO! Some Gatorade, and tons of bottled water. That's it. If you're running the ultra, bring your own food. No expo to speak of. Packet pickup moved and I had to find that. Overall, organization pre-race is just awful. Course gets boring, fast traffic. Lots of negatives but you gotta do what you gotta do.
R. M. from USA (12/24/2014) "Great race! Great course!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 After many marathons it's one of the best, if not the best. Probably the most beautiful course I've ran. It's nice that it's not one of the big races, it give you a chance to enjoy it a little more. Lots of water and Gatorade. Race has a nice hometown feel. When you start out the moon is right in front of you and it's just starting to be daylight, it's spectacular. I would highly suggest it to anyone as a first race or to a pro. Good luck! Runningmantobe!
P. K. from Georgia (11/1/2014) "Still needs improvement" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 The Good: This was a scenic course, and the sunrise over the water as we crossed over the bridges at the start of the race was lovely. There was plenty of water and friendly volunteers. As this was a very small race, parking was available close to the start/finish area. The finishers medal was a nice two-sided spinning one. The Not So Good: There was very little pre-race information/communication from the organizers. I received a total of one email in the weeks before the race, and that one informed me there was still time to sign up. Note that I was already signed up and that is how they had my email... Packet pick up was not where we were told it would be so there was some wandering around before finding it. The mile markers were off from the beginning. I had 1.33 miles on my watch before we came up to the Mile 1 sign. It seems all the mile markers after that were placed based on this as we consistently hit the mile signs .33 miles off. Then around miles 18/19 I somehow lost a mile?? That is, my garmin would be showing 20 miles, the mile marker said 19. This continued up through mile markers 23/24 (I had stopped looking at them by then). I never saw a marker for mile 26. Found out afterwards that there was a mixup with the mile signs, and there were possibly two mile 18 signs. And while I finished with 26.23 showing on my watch, imagine trying to run those last miles not sure of how far away the finish was or if you'd end up having to run 27.2. Post race food consisted of water, powerade, orange slices, gummies, and granola bars. No bananas, muffins, or bagels.
C. F. from Florida (10/28/2014) "Never Again" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 "Running for the bay!" Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Just majorly screwed up. The expo was moved, but the wrong address was still on the website, so had to hunt for it. No real expo, just a packet pickup, bib & shirt only. I did not hear the national anthem played before the start. Did I miss it? The course is advertised as USATF qualified, but the course was changed, so the certification was lost for this year. No Boston qualifier, and a couple of friends got a useless BQ time there. (http://www.usatf.org/events/courses/maps/showMap.asp?courseID=FL10040EBM) The mile markers were a mile off starting at mile 8, where the volunteers skipped a mile, then starting leaving signs. Mile 24 sign with one mile to go was a little demoralizing. RD, the items above are Your Responsibility to verify, and Yours Alone! The self service water stops held me up, not used to stopping, and bending down, ripping open a case, or drinking from a bottle while at race pace. Cramping ensued after one such stop in the last miles. Still no age group hardware, or anything for masters', only the top three M & F. How are masters (and grand masters) runners supposed to compete with the 25 y/olds for that hardware (that we paid for)? The volunteers that were there were great, as were all of the law enforcement personnel that were out. Thank you!
k. t. from Georgia,USA (3/8/2014) "Not such a good race" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 "Running for the bay!" Marathons COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Pros. Very scenic,most of the people are friendly. Cons. Over priced,cheap shirts,very under staffed,running with traffic(Dangerous), very little after race snacks, no age bracket awards.
M. R. from Orlando, Fl (1/26/2014) "Small race mainly on causeways" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This race is an out and back on two long causeways. Thus you are in the open without shade for over 20 miles with no shade, but I knew this going in. Small race with decent organization. Self serve water stations on the causeways but thay have to for safety reasons. Some cars bu not bad they knew we were out there. GREAT spining medal, good shirt, so if you like small races where you are out on your own for most of the miles this is your race.
C. C. from Atlanta, GA (4/17/2013) "Fast, scenic race" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 "Running for the bay!" Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great, flat course in a beautiful area. Not sure where some of the negative reviews come from. I have run this race twice and loved it.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

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M. R. from Alabama (3/29/2017) "Great Sunset - and that's it" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Be advised that most of the marathon is run on two concrete bridges, each with a huge hill (really it's a raise to let boats go underneath). The website will attempt to ridicule these hills, but do not underestimate them - the last one is at mile 25 and will take anything you have left. On the bridges, I passed two cases of water. I did not waste time attempting to open them. Therefore, dehydration is a problem. Also, post race food consisted of tangerines and Quaker bars. That's it. I recommended you choose another race.
B. R. from Atlanta, Georgia (10/27/2015) "Shocked at the waste of giving out water bottles" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 While this was a beautiful course, as one who cares about the environment I was shocked to see the waste of giving out entire bottles of water and powerade instead of cups like all other races. Most runners drank a couple of gulps of water and threw down the entire bottle after each water stop. Same for the entire bottles of power drink. What a waste. On top of that, runners had to pick up their own bottles often from a carton and then open the bottle which is not always easy while running. Was there no thought for the effect of disposed plastic bottles on the environment especially in a seaside setting. And it had to be more expensive to purchase all those bottles instead of cups!!!!
A. H. from Florida (10/22/2015) "Scenic as all get-out" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I thought this was a fine marathon, despite the negative reviews. Seeing the reviews was very helpful in setting my expectations however. Here's what you get: amazing scenery, cases of water laid out on the side of the road about every mile, running with traffic (which wasn't heavy), a large nice-looking medal, a non-technical t-shirt. There are about 18 miles of bridges on the course, and with some strong headwinds this year, that was challenging but expected. Under different conditions this could be a fast course, but I changed my pacing strategy to deal with the wind & I had a slow but satisfying run. There isn't much crowd support due to the layout of the course, but the volunteers were super friendly. Packet pickup was quick and painless the day before the race, and we didn't stick around after the race, opting instead to head to Up the Creek for some baked oysters & beer. I'd do it again for sure.
Chris Bassett from Athens, GA (3/2/2015) "One of the only on-road 50k's" (about: 2014) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I ran this because it's very hard to find ultras in the southeast that aren't offroad/trail runs. The reviews have never been glowing, but I didn't have much choice in the matter. Good: flat, well marked, bottles of water. Bad: most importantly, despite what the website says, there are NO SNACKS on the course. I mean, ZERO! Some Gatorade, and tons of bottled water. That's it. If you're running the ultra, bring your own food. No expo to speak of. Packet pickup moved and I had to find that. Overall, organization pre-race is just awful. Course gets boring, fast traffic. Lots of negatives but you gotta do what you gotta do.
R. M. from USA (12/24/2014) "Great race! Great course!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 After many marathons it's one of the best, if not the best. Probably the most beautiful course I've ran. It's nice that it's not one of the big races, it give you a chance to enjoy it a little more. Lots of water and Gatorade. Race has a nice hometown feel. When you start out the moon is right in front of you and it's just starting to be daylight, it's spectacular. I would highly suggest it to anyone as a first race or to a pro. Good luck! Runningmantobe!
P. K. from Georgia (11/1/2014) "Still needs improvement" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 The Good: This was a scenic course, and the sunrise over the water as we crossed over the bridges at the start of the race was lovely. There was plenty of water and friendly volunteers. As this was a very small race, parking was available close to the start/finish area. The finishers medal was a nice two-sided spinning one. The Not So Good: There was very little pre-race information/communication from the organizers. I received a total of one email in the weeks before the race, and that one informed me there was still time to sign up. Note that I was already signed up and that is how they had my email... Packet pick up was not where we were told it would be so there was some wandering around before finding it. The mile markers were off from the beginning. I had 1.33 miles on my watch before we came up to the Mile 1 sign. It seems all the mile markers after that were placed based on this as we consistently hit the mile signs .33 miles off. Then around miles 18/19 I somehow lost a mile?? That is, my garmin would be showing 20 miles, the mile marker said 19. This continued up through mile markers 23/24 (I had stopped looking at them by then). I never saw a marker for mile 26. Found out afterwards that there was a mixup with the mile signs, and there were possibly two mile 18 signs. And while I finished with 26.23 showing on my watch, imagine trying to run those last miles not sure of how far away the finish was or if you'd end up having to run 27.2. Post race food consisted of water, powerade, orange slices, gummies, and granola bars. No bananas, muffins, or bagels.
C. F. from Florida (10/28/2014) "Never Again" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 "Running for the bay!" Marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 Just majorly screwed up. The expo was moved, but the wrong address was still on the website, so had to hunt for it. No real expo, just a packet pickup, bib & shirt only. I did not hear the national anthem played before the start. Did I miss it? The course is advertised as USATF qualified, but the course was changed, so the certification was lost for this year. No Boston qualifier, and a couple of friends got a useless BQ time there. (http://www.usatf.org/events/courses/maps/showMap.asp?courseID=FL10040EBM) The mile markers were a mile off starting at mile 8, where the volunteers skipped a mile, then starting leaving signs. Mile 24 sign with one mile to go was a little demoralizing. RD, the items above are Your Responsibility to verify, and Yours Alone! The self service water stops held me up, not used to stopping, and bending down, ripping open a case, or drinking from a bottle while at race pace. Cramping ensued after one such stop in the last miles. Still no age group hardware, or anything for masters', only the top three M & F. How are masters (and grand masters) runners supposed to compete with the 25 y/olds for that hardware (that we paid for)? The volunteers that were there were great, as were all of the law enforcement personnel that were out. Thank you!
k. t. from Georgia,USA (3/8/2014) "Not such a good race" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 "Running for the bay!" Marathons COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 Pros. Very scenic,most of the people are friendly. Cons. Over priced,cheap shirts,very under staffed,running with traffic(Dangerous), very little after race snacks, no age bracket awards.
M. R. from Orlando, Fl (1/26/2014) "Small race mainly on causeways" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 "Running for the bay!" Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This race is an out and back on two long causeways. Thus you are in the open without shade for over 20 miles with no shade, but I knew this going in. Small race with decent organization. Self serve water stations on the causeways but thay have to for safety reasons. Some cars bu not bad they knew we were out there. GREAT spining medal, good shirt, so if you like small races where you are out on your own for most of the miles this is your race.
C. C. from Atlanta, GA (4/17/2013) "Fast, scenic race" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 "Running for the bay!" Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great, flat course in a beautiful area. Not sure where some of the negative reviews come from. I have run this race twice and loved it.

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Marathon Details - "Running for the bay!" Marathon