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☰
Clearwater Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Clearwater Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.1 
Organization 3.8 
Spectators 3.1
Number of comments: 170 [displaying comments 11 to 21]
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David Weiss from Bay Village, Ohio
(2/25/2014)
"Very pretty, flat course; w a couple flaws" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Clearwater Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Overall a good marathon experience for me... The good... -Beautiful weather (I'm from the north where the winter has been brutal); a 40ish start and low 60s finish felt spectacular -I felt like the course was pretty much flat; the only 'hills' being climbing several bridges; also the scenery, especially at sunrise time running over the first big bridge and near the beaches, etc; nice scenery -cool medals at finish w the starfish on it -people out supporting the race were very friendly -many aid stations on the course -the police, etc out there did a great job controlling traffic on the course for us runners -easy parking on race day fairly close to start/finish -lots of music, chairs to sit in, etc after finishing ...the bad -no expo, not a tremendous amount of goodies in goodie bag -race shirt, just ok; although having an option of a long sleeved one was cool ...the ugly -a couple of organizational flaws...first, on Saturday I went down to the park about an hour after the website posted time for packet pick ups; and there was a huge line; and it appeared that there was only 1 station handing out race packs; and others were just beginning to set up over an hour after race pack pickup began.....because they weren't ready; t I waited about 30-40 minutes to get my race pack....then I thought strangely the volunteers told me I'd pick up my timing chip the morning of the race...more on that in a second -race morning-this was marathon number 20 for me; big races, small races and medium size races; first race Ive been a part of that didn't give out timing chips with the race pack and did that separately morning of the race....this caused a nightmare race morning; I arrived at the park about 30-40 minutes prior to the scheduled start and there was a giant line of people trying to get their time chip; many people were not able to enjoy the pre-race time because they were getting time chips, and there was not very good signage, etc to notify runners of the process....when I got to the front of the line, it seemed very unorganized, and I ended up having to get a new bib number and taking more time to pin on a new bib because they couldn't find the time chip assigned to my bib number....I also heard another runner ask a man who appeared to be a race organizer 'sir, why are you guys doing the time chips separately the morning of the race and not with the race packs?'...and the man responded in a very curt manner 'Because that's how we decided to do it'....all of that stuff caused the race to start I'd guess somewhere 20-30 minutes later than the scheduled time...I'm guessing this is why some of the slower racers had problems with them taking down course markers prior to the promised 6hr time....All of that confusion and disorganization could be a very quick, easy fix; and I hope they do so! Overall, nice weather, flat course, good scenery; if the couple of organizational issues are fixed, a nice little race. I enjoyed the run, and the weekend getaway to Florida....and hey; having a brew and hot wings served to me by a calendar girl at the Original 1st Hooters restaurant in Clearwater after the race wasn't too shabby either! | |
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G. M. from New Jersey
(2/1/2014)
"Great marathon to BQ" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Clearwater Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 If your single focus is a BQ, this is a great marathon for you. This was my first time running this race, and my 4th BQ (Marine Corps., Richmond, Boston). Clearwater is a small (466 runners in the marathon), no-frills race that is fast and flat. The route has three bridges over intracoastal waterways, and 3-4 small bridges over other roadways. The course was marked with orange cones, and ample police assistance controlling traffic at roadway crossings. There was no expo, and old-fashioned time chips were distributed the morning of the marathon. We had a nice choice of tech tee or long sleeve cotton tee. I was not prepared for no food or water available before the start. However, you are able to park within 100 yards of the start/finish, so it was great to hang out in the car. It was 40 degrees at 7:00am and reached 67 degrees at 10:30am, fairly average temps. There were no clocks on the course, so a watch is a necessity. Very small crowd support, but I noticed many enthusiastic friends and family of runners easily maneuvering around the course with their cars. There were 18 water/gatorade stations, and it seemed every mile during the second half had a station. A few stations were short on volunteers when I passed by. The last 10 miles or so is along a paved pathway with some areas shaded by large trees. I ran mostly by myself at this point, but I was focused on my time and pace, so it didn't matter. The finish area was in a park next to a marina. Plenty of grassy areas and folding chairs to relax, and there was ample food, water and beer for the marathoners, even with the 1/2 marathoners, 5-mile runners, and fitness walkers there first. I'm strongly considering returning next year. | |
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RRRICK Karampatsos from Longwood, FL
(1/28/2014)
"Looking forward to run this one again" (about: 2014)
50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 OK - the hills were a bit too long for my tired legs (had already run 8 marathons since Christmas) but I did enjoy doing this marathon! Knowing the course I know that I will do better next year on it! I'll also be one marathon away form marathon '100'! | |
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K. A. from Georgia
(1/21/2014)
"Not the best first marathon experience" (about: 2014)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Clearwater Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 First let me start by saying that despite the pitfalls, this was a beautiful run for me. It was my first marathon so no matter what, I'm leaving with a sense of pride. This was a challenging course for sure but it was beautiful none the less. I was disappointed, however, at the lack of runner support before/during/after the race. Having to stand in line to get my timing chip (which could have been given to me at packet pick up) was frustrating to say the least. I would've liked to experience the pre-race festivities but there was no time. Also, we were told there would be fresh oranges at every water station. However, I only saw oranges at the first one. By the time I got the all of the other aid station, they were out. I understand having a few run out along the race, but every single station? I would up having to ask a fellow runner to spare some goo. Lastly, we were told the course would be open for 6 1/2 hours. I finished at 6:13 despite having gotten lost due to the course being closed early. If you're going to start pulling support, you need to have signs or something telling runners where to go. I can't speak for anyone else, but that alone made me feel like I wasn't worthy of having done a race with the faster runners. | |
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M. F. from Ellenton, FL
(1/20/2014)
"Complete lack of consideration" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Clearwater Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 2 I finished this race and went back on the course to find my friend who was still running. Once I found her she informed me that every aid station past mile 17 had ran out of oranges, and some had no people running the water/gatorade stations. These are minor offenses and only slightly inconvenient. However, the cones marking the course were removed somewhere around 5.5 hours into the race (well ahead of the 6.5 hour guarenteed time the course would be open), and not a single turn of the last mile (there were 3 street changes in this last mile) was marked. Since I had already completed the course I knew where to go, and my friend and I had to chase down people going the wrong way. They were the lucky ones who had someone tell them they were going the wrong way. Others were not so lucky. It is one thing to not mark a 5k course properly, but it is extremely dangerous to let people get lost after having already ran 25 miles, especially when they probably havent had food or drink for the previous 8 miles because of poor race organization. It is the next day and I am still very upset about this. It is not hard to put signs up that tell participants which way to go, and the fact that the course was closed an hour before it should have been (I'm guessing it had somethign to do with the race starting 30 minutes late?) is unacceptable. | |
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Ryan Miller from Detroit, Michigan
(12/20/2005)
"Great Course - Good Time!" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Clearwater Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 It was a great day for a run! Minus the 40-50 MPH wind gusts... they helped for the first half of the run... the second half was not as nice! Few spectators, but the ones who turned out really kept me going with their clapping and shouting! VERY FRIENDLY! Still waiting for my certificate of completion to be sent out and it has been nearly 1 year now since I ran the race! Overall: Great race, beautiful course, friendly people! | |
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Katrina Fontanet from Melbourne, Florida
(6/18/2005)
"Highly recommend this one" (about: 2005)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Clearwater Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 In spite of some negative comments posted for previous years, I decided to do this for my 3rd marathon. So glad I did! Thanks for the Early Start group--it was fun being in the lead for just a few miles...The markers were easily visible and encouraging. The course has a really neat variety although that one trail seemed to go on forever. It did begin (mile 15?) with that super park with REAL restrooms and ended with the lovely lake! The traffic directors were plentiful & pleasant. I loved the last part where we ran downtown. My favorite thing was the orange slices--didn't know I liked them that much! Medal is so fun to show people. The no-hands massages aren't necessary and that's the only suggestion I have for this super marathon! | |
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R. D. from Bradenton, FL
(5/15/2005)
"great 10K" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first time running the Gulf Beaches 10K (which is the same morning as the marathon & marathon relay). The course was great, despite the incredible headwind almost the whole way! Organization was OK at the 10K start - needs some improvement. The finish line area for 10K and marathon were topnotch, with great organization, music, food & drink. The 10K awards were very nice, as were the T-shirts. My winning time was slow, but with all that wind, it was inevitable. I hope to improve my time in 2006. Thanks for a great race! | |
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B. G. from Oklahoma City, OK
(3/17/2005)
"Don't miss this one!...Very cool medal to boot!!" (about: 2005)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Clearwater Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 WOW! Great marathon! Information is plentiful and easy to access via the web site. The expo is small but very efficient and the Belleview Biltmore Resort (race HQ and expo site) is very nice. Last year?s comments had me a little concerned. However, this was an AWESOME marathon. Whatever problems they had last year were corrected this year. Chris Lauber did a great job. He had to adjust how the start and finish area were set-up due to the high winds. The water stops were well manned and had plenty of fluids, post-race party had lots of good food, and the volunteers were very courteous and helpful. (Also, the porta-potty lines were not too long.) The first half of the course is very scenic. You cross several bridges, run along the coast, and then cross the inland waterway and head for home. However, if you need crowd support you are out of luck ? especially on Pinellas Trail. Pinellas Trail can be very isolating. For the most part, the only people are other runners, people walking their dogs, and the water stop volunteers. Taylor Park is very pretty with a nicely manicured trail around the lake. Other than the bridges, the is a flat and fast course. Even with the wind, I was able to PR by 5 minutes! The weather was cold and WINDY!!! (I thought I was back in OKC!) The start was in the 50s with a 20 mph wind with 30/40 mph gusts!!!!! The wind was out of the north and west, so the first half the wind was to our backs. However, it was a loop course, so the last 10 miles were directly into the wind. The wind chill was wicked. I was exhausted... It was so cold at the finish, the live band at the post-race party were all bundled up! On a positive note... it did NOT rain (there was a 40% chance), and it was cloudy most of the morning. This was an awesome race. This was the first marathon my family attended. So, I put them to work! They were my crew... had a good time and helped the volunteers while waiting on me at each location. According to them, ?Marathons are NOT a spectator sport!? :) The medal and the t-shirt make it all worthwhile! Chris, thank you for a great marathon! Volunteers, thank you for being there. Without you this marathon would not be possible. And to my family (who drove down from Atlanta, GA just to ?be spectators?)... a big THANK YOU for a great weekend and supporting me! If you have the opportunity to run this marathon ? ?DON'T MISS IT!!? | |
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r. m. from Raleigh, North Carolina
(3/3/2005)
"a very well organized and supported race!!!" (about: 2005)
11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Chris, Having been former residents of St. Petersburg, it was a joy to visit friends and relatives still living in the area AND run another marathon. My wife and I ran our first marathons in the Tampa Bay area and many years later thought it would be 'fun' to do a circle and come HOME to do a nice flat marathon. Quite different than the Grandfather Mountain marathon I ran in July, 2004, in Boone NC... We were thinking about heat and humidity and got STRONG breezes and cool!!! This was my 12th marathon and thought it was one of the most well organized races I have run. The amenities, such as the packet and the goodies at the end of the race, were outstanding... it seems in the last couple of years the price of the races have increased but not the quality; yours was different and exceptional in this respect. We told all our North Carolina running friends how great the race was (except for the wind!!!) and you may be seeing them next year!! Best to you and your crew in the next marathon... Randy and Sue Mellott |
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