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Gasparilla Distance Classic Runner Comments
Back to Gasparilla Distance Classic Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.6 
Spectators 3.7
Number of comments: 182 [displaying comments 101 to 111]
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R. P. from Cold, Iowa
(2/9/2005)
"Beats running in Iowa in February" (about: 2005)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my fifth marathon and the first in February. It was great to run outdoors in shorts and a singlet. Beautiful course and great aid stations. 1000+ marathoners made this a good-sized group, where you were always with other runners. Thank you to all the organizers and volunteers. You made for great memories! Starting in the dark was different, but it was nice to be done before 10:00 AM! Great event. | |
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N. T. from Metro DC area
(2/9/2005)
"An excellent choice for snowbird marathoners!" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I truly enjoyed this marathon and associated races (15K and 5K the preceding day) and will recommend it as an excellent warm-weather winter alternative to the Disney expensive mega-mess races in January. I'm really surprised these races aren't bigger than they are. Pluses: * Outstanding expo. As good as any in the country, including some of the biggest marathons. * Beautiful course with lots of water views. * Flat, flat, flat with the exception of a couple of manageable overpasses. * Super course support, particularly medical teams and frequent water stops. * Positive, happy crowd having lots of fun on the course. * Lots of race options - 15K, 5K, half, full, relays, triple challenges, something for everyone. * Good promotion of masters' racing by excellent prize money * 6AM start for marathon and half means cool temps for the race Negatives: * Runners are diverted to the sidewalk at 5:50 (NOT 6:00) and main finish line moved to sidewalk, even though roads are not opened for another 1:10 at least (!?!?). * If you're doing the triple race challenge (15K/5K/half or full), be sure you know how to find the 5K start - some missed it, you are in a huge crowd, and no one is directing triple challenge runners * Chip mats are taken up quickly - if you miss the start by a few minutes don't count on start mats being there. * 6AM start for marathon and half means little sleep! * Wind can get strong in places | |
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Ki Gang from Vernon Hills, IL
(2/9/2005)
"Happy & Relaxed Run for a World-Class Event!!" (about: 2005)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Nice scenic course; a little bit windy and warm for the ideal run, but it was better than expected. People are great and very kind with warm supports as possible. My first visit and attempt at a marathon in Tampa. I wish run here again and recommend it highly to all runners. It has almost everything to accommodate all your demands. | |
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M. L. from Tampa
(2/8/2005)
"Post-Race Was Very Disappointing" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 Gasparilla Distance Classics
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my 9th marathon and my 4th in Tampa. I did not care for miles 14 - 16, constantly running around the slower half-marathoners. I'm doing 7 m/m while they are doing 11 m/m, not a lot of fun at this point. All aid stations were well stocked and had plenty of great volunteers. The second aid station was much too dark, it created a bit of chaos trying to get around. Crowd support is always minimal because of the popular 15k and 5k from Saturday, and the early hours on Sunday. But the few were very supportive. I do like the course changes from 2004, but I would encourage the race committee to delete the brick-road portion near miles 19 and 21 and make this the turn-around point. My final comment is the post-race food - or the lack of it. I finished in the top 100, but found no bagels, muffins, Gatorade, and there were no bananas in sight... I had to ask. There were chips of some kind, and the Smoothies are always great. Overall the post-race was very disappointing... after running 26.2 you look forward to replenishing and revitalizing your body. It's a nice small race, and is still a work in progress. Hopefully, Bank of America, the new sponsors, will make it right. | |
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C. H. from Hermosa, California
(2/8/2005)
"Great Race..." (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 There really isn't anything to complain about with this race. Excellent, flat course. Great temperatures (the sun wasn't up until about an hour and a half into the race), aid stations were perfectly located, a very nice pasta dinner and by far and away the best marathon shirts (the medals are great too). I only wish there were more spectators out there to help urge us on, but with a 6 am start, I wasn't expecting much. I highly recommend this race. | |
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R. S. from Louisville, KY
(2/8/2005)
"A great race!" (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my second marathon and I'd definitely do it again. There were enough participants that you were never alone, yet it wasn't too crowded. The course was flat and fun, with one exception: the out-and-back from 14 to 26. All I could think about were the runners on the other side of the road b/c they were that much closer to finishing! There was plenty of water and energy gels on the course, but I was disappointed in the food/refreshments at the end. All in all, a great race and fantastic weather. Thanks Tampa! | |
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J. K. from Gladstone, Michigan
(2/7/2005)
"Outstanding" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I can't say enough good things about this race. This was my first time running the Gasparilla and I loved it! The expo was much bigger/better than I expected, plenty of quality hotels at the start/finish area (would highly recommend the Marriott), more than enough port-o-potties at the start, plenty of lighting at the start and other dark areas (apparently fixing the main complaint from last year), BEAUTIFUL course, awesome aid stations and overall a blast. My husband planned to pace me the last half of the race and had no problem finding me on the course. Speaking of pacing... the course is FAST and definitely PR material (I managed to squeak out my second best time and qualify for Boston again). Overall it was a great experience and a top-notch race! PS. In addition to all of these things, about a month prior to the race I emailed the Gasparilla people to find out some info about the course and hotels near the start/finish. Not only did I get a timely response but the RACE DIRECTOR was the person who responded! She (I think it was a she) was so helpful and accommodating and wrote at least twice to make sure I got all the info I needed. I was totally impressed. | |
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S. O. from Clearwater, FL
(2/7/2005)
"Another great marathon..." (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 4-5 Gasparilla Distance Classics
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my 4th running of the Hops Marathon (Now the Bank of America Marathon). Each year, this race gets better and better. The expo is one of the best I've ever been to. The race shirts were great, medals were awesome, and the course was as beautiful as ever. This year, the course was changed and I enjoyed the change. I loved running through the downtown area where you see some of the cool buildings. Volunteers were great and I think the # of spectators is growing each year, which is nice. The temp was absolutely perfect, although a little windy. Looking forward to next year! | |
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K. K. from Chicago, IL
(2/7/2005)
"Perfect winter marathon" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great to be able to wear shorts in February! Starting in the dark was a bit disconcerting and I really had to focus on the road, but it was not a major impediment. The water stop people we just wonderful and very supportive. The police blocked every intersection and it was a totally blocked off course--safety is a big issue for me. The run along the shore was beautiful and soothing. I definitely would run this course again. The dry fit shirt and huge colorful medal were a definite plus. The expo was very big considering the size of the races. Next time, I'll try the challenge--run the 5k, 15k on Saturday and the 1/2 or full marathon on Sunday. | |
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F. F. from Charlotte, Michigan
(2/6/2005)
"Clearly a first-class marathon." (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my 12th marathon, and it was one of my most enjoyable, yet. The course was great, and the organization was even better. The views, the speakers at the pasta party and the well-organized event were all first-class. There was a headwind for the last six miles but I still PR'd and had a great time in Tampa. This race is highly recommended. |
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