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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 51 to 61]
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N. S. from Naples, Fl.
(2/25/2007)
"Loved the support and scenery!!" (about: 2007)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My first time to run Tampa, and I will be back!! Everyone was upbeat, and the aid station volunteers were wonderful!! Lots of different terrain to run on, from pavement to cobblestones to bridges to a track. Kept my interest and mixed it up a bit. Thanks for a great race!! | |
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B. B. from Los Gatos, California
(2/24/2007)
"Fast Course, Superb Logistics" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran the 2007 B of A to qualify for Boston, which I accomplished. I wanted a fast course, small field and flawless logistics: registration, port-a-potties; on time start, reliable gear drop off, well-trained aid station volunteers, lots of aid stations. I got what I wanted. Since this is part of a big four-race weekend, there is a lot of effort to enact good planning and race-day logistics. The 908-person field was a good size. The combined half/full marathon start was not as crowded as I expected. The course is flat and fast. A lot of turns but not an impediment to a good time. The second half is more scenic than the first half. I would not call it super scenic, but adequate to relieve boredom. Having a 6 a.m. start does not get you a lot of fans, if that is important to you. This year, 2007, was quite windy, as a cold front passed through in the night before race start. I have run 50+ organized races and the runner support was as good at this race as any I have ever done. Plus, I got to hear a great talk by Dick Beardsley at the pre-race pasta dinner. Great food, too. | |
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M. H. from Jacksonville, FL
(2/24/2007)
"Very good race" (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon. My first was Cleveland. This was far better. The course was scenic the whole time. There were four gel stations and several areas where a prototype Gatorade product in plastic pouches was being distributed. There were not many spectators, but all volunteers at the aid stations were wonderful. The only negative comment I have is regarding the host hotel - the Hyatt. It was a disaster. When we arrived on Saturday at 4, they had no rooms ready. We had to ask them to clean our room on Sunday at 4. The concierge was wholly unhelpful and a real grouch. Get a better host hotel, and this could be Florida's premier marathon. | |
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F. H. from Olympia, WA
(2/23/2007)
"I love this marathon" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 3 Gasparilla Distance Classics
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Did I read somewhere in the comments that it's possible there will not be a 2008 race? Please don't discontinue the event; I love this race. I had a PR in 2006 - and I am trying to qualify for Boston and would like to try again at Tampa. After one Hops Marathon and two Bank of America Marathons, I could not make it for 2007, due to work obligtations. I ran the ING Miami Marathon instead in January, and greatly prefer the Tampa event over Miami. | |
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M. M. from Gambrills, Maryland
(2/23/2007)
"Wonderful!" (about: 2007)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The weather could have been warmer and much less windy, but that is beyond the control of the race organizers. What they did control they did exceptionally well. This was my first race in Florida, and it was quite enjoyable. The low number of marathon runners is disappointing, since the race is very well run, the volunteers did a terrific job, and the course is nice, especially along the waterfront. I hope this marathon survives as it deserves to continue. I highly recommend this marathon, especially if you seek a flat, fast course. | |
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D. S. from Orlando, FL
(2/23/2007)
"First marathon, great experience" (about: 2007)
First Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Having never run a marathon or attended one I don't have any basis for comparison, but I used this site when researching which marathon to run so I want to maybe help others as I have been helped. The marathon seemed very well organized to me. For first-timers (the only group I can relate to), I recommend running this one. The volunteers and fans were all friendly and encouraging. A special thanks to the lady around mile 18 who was handing out Creme Savers, and the lady around mile 21 who was handing out Jolly Ranchers. The only complaint I can think of is that the website said energy gel would be passed out at miles 17 and 21. I didn't see any being offered at mile 17 (maybe I just wasn't paying attention) and I could have used some. | |
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S. O. from Clearwater, FL
(2/22/2007)
"Gets better every year..." (about: 2007)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Gasparilla Distance Classics
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is my 6th running of this marathon and every year it gets better. This year was the best so far. Everything was very well organized with plenty of great volunteers. The race shirts were excellent this year!! I also loved the new course - running around the park around mile 19 was so fun. The new Gatorade pouches are the best. I'm hoping to see them at more future races!! I do agree that finishing on Bayshore can be brutal and seemingly long, but it's also the place where the most spectators are so that makes it fun. Post-race food was great - LOVED Columbia and also loved the coffee, since it was chilly out!! This race is a must for me every year. I'm so surprised it hasn't grown larger yet. | |
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c. s. from Tampa, Florida
(2/22/2007)
"All in all, an amazing experience." (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This is my first marathon, so I have nothing to compare it with. I felt the organization was great and there were PLENTY of aid stations. I did suffer a knee injury that slowed me from my predicted finish of 4:00 to 5:20. I mention this because at the finish, there were basically NO refreshments. My wife had to ask someone to get water out of a truck and the only thing was bananas, which I love, thank goodness. But that was it. Please, more food for the slowpokes. :) | |
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T. P. from Florida, USA
(2/22/2007)
"Great relay and awesome course!" (about: 2007)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I only did part of the relay, and I was impressed with the organization of the course. I hope that the marathon will continue to be run next year and the years following! | |
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T. W. from Milwaukee, WI
(2/22/2007)
"Well Worth It" (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Gasparilla Distance Classic
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon and I loved it. Coming from out of town, it went very smoothly. Stayed at a hotel within walking distance of the start and didn't need a car. Good expo, and I even bought a pair of shoes. The organization was outstanding and the pace group helped a ton. Fast course. Beat my first marathon time by 23 minutes and qualified for Boston. The wind was strong, but since the course turned so much, it wasn't always in your face. A few turns were a bit too sharp, but overall I loved it. If someone is looking for a PR, this is for them. Not crowded, great timing and mile markings, and water stations were good too. Could use a few more fans, but can't complain. If I wanted cheering, I would run the NYC. I wanted to BQ, so this worked. |
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