This was my first time running the Echo Half Marathon and I was very pleased with the race. Since it's summertime in Florida we were all a little worried about the heat, but there were 12 water/aid stations along the route which helped immensely. At first I figured they would be each mile but early in the race I realized they were spread out by 2 miles. They made up for it after mile 8 with a water station every 1/2 mile!

The course was scenic and very pretty. Most of the race..I'd say about 9 miles, was covered by canopies of trees. There were areas that were not covered but it wasn't too much.

The race started at 6:30am and I think it could have even started earlier but I was still happy it started before 7.

I had a friend pick up my race packet so I can't comment on that but I know there was no "race expo". Since there was only around 1000 runners we really didn't expect an expo anyway.

Overall I was really pleased with the course, management, water stations, swag., etc... and the race medal is cool too. Definitely a race I will do again next year!

In the photo I am on the left and this was only about a tenth from the finish line. :)