This was my 3rd First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon. It should have been my 4th, but I had a sinus infection last year and DNS. I was very happy to return this year!

WEATHER:
63 degrees at the start, and just 74 at the finish. I should mention there was 100% humidity, but we're all gonna sweat anyway, right? The race started at 6:30 am this year, which meant we ran in the cool darkness for an hour.

PACKET PICKUP:
Miami on Wednesday, then in Sarasota on Friday and Saturday. Packet pickup was available on race morning, too. I went on Friday and got my bib, beer bracelet, and shirt in under 5 minutes.

SWAG:
This year's shirt is bright neon green and super soft. I'll definitely wear it a lot. The swag included a First Watch Cafe coupon, protein bars, and a package of First Watch coffee.

PARKING:
Parking is easy if you arrive early. The race begins and ends at Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, and there is plenty of on site parking. Use the lot if you aren't in a hurry to leave after the race — you can't exit until 10 am. There are other parking lots and street parking nearby. Details were in the athlete guide.

This year there was road construction on Tamiami Trail and 10th Street, so traffic backed up before the race. But, everything moved along thanks to traffic volunteers and law enforcement.

RACE COURSE:
You run up and down the John Ringling Causeway bridge TWICE between miles 2-5. It's a definite challenge, but feels so, so, good going down. It's a scenic view from every angle on the bridge. Depending on your pace you'll run the bridge in the dark, or as the sun rises. It's fun both ways.

The course takes you around St. Armand's Circle, along the Tamiami Trail, and through older neighborhoods with mature shade trees, bay views, and beautiful homes. There were both warm and cool breezes along Bayshore.

This year the race added designated picture spots so runners could take selfies with views of Sarasota Bay.

There were plenty of aid stations on the course. Water and Gatorade Endurance were available. Volunteers did a great job of handing off drinks. Gatorade Endurance gel was available at mile 9.

FINISH LINE:
Due to construction on 10th Street, the course start and finish were different. The final half mile didn't have the same momentum as past years when we raced downhill then turned into the finish, but it worked! There were cheering spectators, photographers, and kind volunteers. I always appreciate when someone puts the medal over my head rather than just handing it to me — especially after a half marathon. Ice cold water and Gatorade were available after crossing the finish line.

RACE PHOTOS:
One thing First Watch Sarasota Half always gets right is the finish line photogs. There are a couple taking finish line pics, but then there are more photogs ready to capture your medal pic and group shots post-race. And, I saw at least 4 photographers on the course.

Everyone receives free race photos, courtesy of Athlinks. It's cool how you have your race results and photos all in one place online. You can download your photos.

POST RACE PARTY:
The Beer Garden offered Michelob Ultra, Spiked Seltzer and Truly Sparkling alcoholic beverages. The food tent had a buffet of bananas, cut oranges, mini muffins, yogurt parfaits, pancakes, etc. from First Watch Daytime Cafe. I had the yogurt parfait — it was the perfect mix of granola, yogurt, strawberries and grapes. The post race festivities are on the lawn next to the bay. Very nice.

MEDALS:
You get the "biggest bling on Florida's West Coast" when you run this race. Organizers said this year's sparkling teal blue was inspired by Sarasota Bay. It's sure is a shiny glittering beauty — 4 x 4.5 inches. (See photo.)

NOTEWORTHY:
First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay added a 10K distance this year. If you've always wanted to #RunSarasota, but weren't ready for a half, give the 10K or Relay a try. You get all the perks of sunrise over Sarasota Bay and a delicious post-race party. Plus, every finisher received the huge, sparkly dolphin medal.

http://www.thisoldrunner.com/2018-first-watch-sarasota-half.html

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