Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Overall, a well organized, well produced race.
The race organizers have good taste: from the medal to the race shirt, to the scaffolding and signs, to the website, and information, maps, and tents.
However, one logistics issue was the bus that takes racers back to Pier 60 (Clearwater Beach hotels) after the race; it was hard to locate and stopped running before most of the marathoners finished. I had to get a rideshare back to the hotel, which ended up taking 30 minutes longer due to race-day traffic.
The course was nice and had variety, including ocean views, two "hilly" but scenic bridges, a ritzy neighborhood, golf course, city view, and a greenway/coastal bike path.
The toughest parts were (1) the bridges, especially the one to the south, which coincides with miles 10 and 23, along with (2) the last 5K stretch on the curb, which is quite narrow and cambered, so you can't pass anyone unless you move over to the sidewalk or onto the road.
Lastly, January weather in Florida is unpredictable.
Can be 50s or 70s, always humid, often windy as you're on the coast, and the sun is always hot, so if you're trying to BQ here, be extra prepared or look elsewhere.
Pacing - as with any double-loop marathon, ignore the pace of the half marathoners on the first loop! Let them pass you as you run your "slower" race pace and save up for the challenging 2nd loop, which is often warmer, hotter, more humid, windier, lonelier, and has less crowd support.
The hilly segments were concentrated to the bridges, and when combined with the heat can cause you to cramp or hit the wall.
If it's feeling difficult, consider walking the hilly parts of the last bridge at mile 23 to save your legs for the flat 5K.
Use sunscreen
As with any race, get there 1.5-2 hours early to get parking right by the venue. It's paid but fairly inexpensive.
Three of us went, and my niece took 1st Place Overall Woman. None of us will return next year because of how poorly this event was set up.
1. At the start of the race, there was a turn right after the start of the race, and people were tripping on each other.
2. Bridge that runners went up, down, back up, and then down, and the bridge was large, but that is life.
3. No awards at the end of the race, and they had it advertised. I just found out that they gave a clear cheap coaster that said the same thing on all coasters to the winners, I guess.
4. No Awards as promised for the 1st thru 3rd Place winners of the race.
5. The only snacks that were at the end of the race were unripe bananas or crackers.
6. This was a big event and not cheap, yet the race was set up terribly, and no nothing at the end of the race. Within 10 minutes, the event was cleared out, and runners were very disappointed.
Millennium Racing Events put this on, and I suggest not doing their events.
We will not return next year, and many other runners said the same thing
Unlike in the past (see older reviews) they will hold this race in the rain, from what I believe is due to a new director. I was fearing the worst when bad weather was in the forecast this year ('19), but we were able to race anyway.
The course is relatively tough with 7 large bridge crossings, but it is a beautiful place to run a race.
Due to the rain, my time suffered, but that is mainly due to me not training in the rain more! Overall, I would run this race again, but not for PR.
Book a condo south of Clearwater if you're trying to cut cost. Most importantly, before and after the race, get a slice of key lime pie at Sunset Grill in Clearwater!
Horrible history of last minute race cancellations. The city of Clearwater may quickly pull the permits if there's any chance of bad weather.
Wait until race weekend to register. The entry fee may be higher, but it's better than losing your entire entry fee due to cancellation.
Have run it 3 times. Good race. Good scenery the first half. In 2016 they cancelled the full while we were standing in the corall due to water on the course and made everyone run the half.
Mostly Flat BUT with 6 bridges, two of which are steep and course can be very windy. Not the place to PR or BQ but a fun race.
Start up front. there are walkers and 5 mile runners all over the course.
The 3 bridges on the 2nd half are
short but tough and there is a downhill curly Q roundabout at mile 26 which they need to get rid of. Course actually measures 26.5....
Enjoyed the perfect race day weather. Sunny and very comfortable with views of the water. The bridges during the first 4 miles can take a bit of the kick out of your legs early on, so pace yourself for the back half. The back half has three pedestrian bridges to cross at Mile 18, 21 and 23, so save your energy. The water stops were about ever two miles along the course, so if you need water more frequently than that, bring your own.
Pace conservatively for the first half. The bridges are on the first half and pedestrian bridges are on the late back half. Try to settle in with a comfortable pace on the very flat course from Mile 4 - Mile 15. Weather in Florida this time of year is mild with very low humidity.
There are plenty of hotels to accommodate the runners. Parking is very easy, but arrive early.