Back to Space Coast Marathon Information & Reviews
L. R. from Plant City, FL
(11/26/2007)
"Great Half Marathon!" (about: 2007)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I did the half marathon for 2007. While I do live in the flatness of FL, I did not expect some of the (albeit small) hills as my area is flat as a pancake. GREAT organization, easy pick up, easy parking and access to the start and finish. Spectacular course. Low on spectatators on the course, but that is OK. I will be back next year for sure. | |
L. T. from Lake Mary FL
(11/26/2007)
"Great overall event!" (about: 2007)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Space Coast Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I ran the 1/2 yesterday and it was fantastic. The organization was great, the pre-race dinner and speakers were very good and inspirational, and there was beautiful waterfront course and a great send off with the shuttle lift off. I was a bit concerned when I found out the streets would not be closed, but it really wasn't an issue as it's a residential area early on a Sunday. It was really hot, but there was plenty of aid on the course, so that certainly helped. I can't wait for next year's! I highly recommend this event - great time. | |
M. R. from Orlando
(1/1/2007)
"GREAT LITTLE EVENT" (about: 2006)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Space Coast Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great little half marathon and marathon with superior organization. Pros: 1. The COURSE is along the river with trees shading the path. 2. Easy to REGISTER and pick race material. 3. Very nice MEDAL - unique to Florida's Space Coast. 4. GREAT food at the end of race - HOMEMADE banana bread and cookies, bagels, pizza, frozen fruit bars, oranges, bananas - I was full after the run. 5. Nice gathering area in the park amphitheater - allowed for sharing good times with other runners. 6. Park your car and get in line within 10 minutes - and that included a trip back to my car. 7. Wet towels at the end of the race. 8. Caring people at the aid stations. 9. Marathon runners started 20 minutes earlier than the half so it was nice to encourage each other as we passed each other on the out and back. Cons: 1. Some local cars pass but easily avoided. 2. Limited fans, which is common for small races - but the local residents came out a cheered from their driveways. You can count on me returning and I have told everyone else in Orlando about the race. Worth the one-hour drive as the sponsor treated every runner as if the event was held just for them. | |
David Shepler from Brandon, FL.
(12/7/2006)
"My first marathon will do it again!" (about: 2006)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Space Coast Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I have nothing but good things to say about it. The course was beautiful and nicely shaded. My fellow runner were so helpful and encouraging. The staff and volunteers were excellent. I really enjoyed Santa giving out words of encouragement at water stop #5. I did ask Santa for one early Christmas gift - to complete the race. Thank you, Santa, for granting it. If you're looking for a first marathon, I would suggest you pick this one. Small group, so more than enough space to run. | |
D. Z. from St. Pete Beach, FL
(11/28/2006)
"Great small race!!" (about: 2006)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I was concerned about the later start (7 a.m.) for Florida, the course (out/back loop twice), and the potential for heat and humidity in late November, but I loved this marathon. The heat and humidity weren't bad and the course was mostly shaded. The course was awesome - very picturesque. River to one side and beautiful homes on the other side. The configuration of the course allowed me to better plan for the second loop, which was hugely beneficial. I PR'd, so that has something to to do with my satisfaction with the race, but the organization and enthusiasm of the organizers and volunteers were great. This was my first small marathon and while the spectators were sparse, I didn't miss the huge crowds or competitors (I was mostly running against the clock anyways). I had heard great things about this marathon from others and they were right. This is a great marathon. Great job - I will definitely consider this race again. | |
A. A. from St Augustine, Florida
(11/27/2006)
"Wonderful" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Space Coast Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Great marathon! One of the greatest marathons that I had ever participated in. I highly recommend this to anyone. I wish that the marathon and the half marathon medal were different. That's my only complaint. | |
B. M. from Chicago, IL
(11/26/2006)
"Very Well Organized Small Race" (about: 2006)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Space Coast Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I very much enjoyed this race along a two-lane residential smooth asphalt road parallel to the Indian River. The wooded pathway and the river breeze helped in cooling as the day wore on. The road was NOT closed to traffic, but the traffic was very light. The volunteering effort at the aid stations was exceptional. But the stations should have been stocked with some food such as fruits and snacks. I was grateful that some spectators offered me some food when they heard me asking at one of the aid stations if any food was available. The pre-race day pasta dinner was excellent and the presentation by Mr. Yasso was very entertaining. I only wish that it had started a little bit earlier. | |
C. M. from Anderson, Indiana
(1/2/2006)
"Flat course where everybody knows your name..." (about: 2005)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Space Coast Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Loved the bibs with name printed in large letters - allowed me to cheer on other runners and volunteers to interact with runners more personally. Well-organized race - extremely small expo but meeting and conversing with Bill Rodgers - who could ask for more? My first marathon and I was pretty pleased - have done several halves, most larger races. As mentioned by some others, the weather was hot this year - but water and Gatorade were readily available and the cold towels were great at the finish. But beware, it can be very warm despite average temps. The wind off the river was a bit overwhelming during my 2nd trip out. The out-and-back twice for marathon was not a big issue - lovely scenery and allowed me to see other runners. It was flat as promised. Would have liked a bit larger or different color medal to differentiate between half and full but it was nice and distinctive. We stayed at Wakulla Suites - lot of room for the money. Great experience for me - I am hooked. I highly recommend this race. | |
K. S. from Chicago, IL
(12/5/2005)
"Great race for a 1/2 marathon PR!" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 2 Space Coast Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran this race 3 years ago when it was held closer to Melbourne. The Cocoa Beach locale is much more scenic and festive. This is what contributed to my PR: 1) No-fuss, low-key pre-race organization. Easy parking. As another rater said, it's great to just walk up to the start 60 seconds before the race without any issue. 2) An out-and-back course helps you to plan your race strategy for the last 6 miles. 3) I loved the names on everyone's race numbers. With the spectators being sparse, it was nice to be able to cheer on your fellow marathoners or 1/2 marathoners. 4) There was plenty of water. But the Gatorade flavoring was not very good. 5) The post-race treats were great. Especially the cold towel for your head. 6) Downfall for this race - it was unseasonably hot for this year's race (especially for a Chicagoan!). The start time could probably be pushed up a bit for the 1/2 marathoners (we started at 7:45 AM, marathoners at 7 AM). | |
A. H. from Orlando
(11/30/2005)
"Small, runner-friendly race" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Space Coast Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the half marathon this past weekend and had a great time. I have run ten half marathons so far this year (2005) and this race ranks as one of the best. Very organized, easy packet pickup, not crowded, nice scenery, good crowds at the finish to cheer you home and enough water and food to go around. I prefer to run in races that are smaller, because the organizers focus on the runners and usually go all out to make sure the runners enjoy the experience. This race is a prime example of that. If you are in the central Florida area, or even south Florida, I would recommend this race. Great job!! |
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