I have been looking forward to this race since I registered in April for $5 with the Best Damn Race (BDR) crazy registration blitz! I was originally slated to run 13.1, but after I had to change race plans this fall, I transferred to the full a few weeks before race day (with no issue).

I had never been to Cape Coral, but according the Google maps, it was about 1.5 hours from home, so it made for a nice, not too long drive. We arrived the evening before for bib pickup (the expo was outdoors, and lasted til 7 PM) and it was in and out and on our way without any stress.

Race Notes
(+) The swag for this race rocked! Nice shirts, awesome bling, and great sponsors made for a pretty sweet race bag (a can of Redbull? Sweet!)
(+) Course support was great - fantastic, positive volunteers and very enthusiastic ones at the aid stations!
(+) Loved NUUN being at each aid station! And my favorite Salted Caramel GU!
(+) Amazing participants! I did not encounter one unfriendly runner. Many of us were out there encouraging each other as the sun started to get warmer, and I met lots of nice people at the post race party, too.
(+) Great support on social media and email.
(+) FREEEEEEE photos!

The only Cons?
(-) Course itself was kind of boring. Good for running fast, but residential/resort areas weren't super exciting to look at. With a medal featuring a boat, I had hoped for a few water views.
(-) Beer at finish line was Mich Ultra. I still drank it (LOL), but after 26.2, I'd love something that didn't taste like water ;) Haha!

Really, even finding a second CON is a reach because this really was a fantastically well-run event/=.

This was to be my 2014 goal marathon - and though it didn't quite pan out that way, I could not have been happier with my overall experience of my first World Marathon Major!

From the huge, yet completely orderly and exciting expo, to the organized corral system and finish area, it was incredible to see such a large event go so flawlessly. Each aid station was lined with dozens of enthusiastic volunteers who truly lifted our spirits each time we passed - I was sure to thank as many as possible, as well as the wonderful spectators on course!

Walking away (well, more like hobbling, right? LOL) from this race, the only CON I saw was unfortunately from fellow runners. Perhaps due to the size of the event, it may draw more first timers, but I experienced quite a few episodes of very rude runners with no race etiquette (spitting, throwing cups down, not calling out to pass, etc) and that was a bit of a turn off.

I really enjoyed this race; it was a bit of a last minute registration for me, but it worked out well to squeeze in a half marathon near the end of the Florida racing season.

This race was my first experience at an all-female event, and it was definitely something new! I loved the swag, and though I did race day pickup, I found the organization to be very smooth, and was impressed by the ease of accessibility to the starting village.

Since this was not a goal race, I took advantage of running with the front of the pack for about .75 of a mile, which was pretty cool! Soon enough, however, I dropped back so I could pace myself up and down the many causeways and bridges that dot this course - a more challenging race for Florida, for sure!

I'd recommend this race to any women looking for a harder race, with lots of gorgeous views.

I ran this race in 2014 - I was so excited to run it, as I had registered for it almost a whole year before!

I enjoyed the ease of packet pickup at Fit2Run; and loved the tent sale even more! I picked up two pairs of Brooks shoes for less than $100! Plus, I liked the participant shirt, bib and nice 'First Watch' water bottle.

As a local, I was delighted to be able to drive to the race early in the morning, and secure a great (free!) parking spot at the Van Wezel. The staging area was well organized, and there were plenty of portapotties before the race started.

The course itself is fantastic - running over the causeway is breathtaking - both in its challenge and beauty! Beside the bridge, however, its a flat and fast course with shade offered on the return back.

There is also a relay option for this race, and although I worried that would cause congestion, it just wasn't the case. Everything went smoothly.

Post race was just as well-organized: great food (First Watch yumminess) and a beer garden! Wish there were more beer options, but free beer always tastes good after 13.1 ;)

The only "con" I had was that the starting area was a little tight - for the race's size, I was surprised that there were no corrals. Even if there weren't corrals, I wish there was an aisle, or even walkway to get through the crowds - I feel like people weren't seeding themselves correctly, which created a little bit of congestion for the first mile of the race.

I ran the 26.2 with DONNA this year - it was my 9th marathon, and quite honestly, was the most emotionally charging experiences I have ever had in my life.

You see, I had fundraised for the event, as part of the 2014 DONNA Ambassador Team, and heading out to run 26.2 miles was just the icing on the cake - and what sweet icing it was! From the big expo, to the spectator-lined race and fabulous post-race celebration, it was a race weekend to remember.

Pros - very organized race; corrals very efficient; excellently placed and staffed aid stations; great medals.

Cons - race started late; chartered busses were given insufficient directions to race site - our bus driver got lost both to/from race and host hotel.