Location: Deep Creek, Punta Gorda, Florida

Race Size: Approximately 400

Registration: I registered online for $65. The price went up the longer you waited to register and got up to $90 day of.

Parking: Parking was not great. There wasn't much room to park at the starting line so they had us parking a few miles away and taking a trolley. Problem was there was only one trolley and there was traffic so it took the trolley quiet some time to go back and forth. I arrived at 6AM and had not picked up my packet yet and was anticipating I would be able to do so before the race started. I did end up getting my bib and shirt and still had time to use the restroom (because they delayed the start time by about ten minutes). But I did not have time to go back to my car to leave my packet so I stashed it in the corner. I'm happy to report it was still there when I got done with the race. Next year, I think they should have a packet pick up in the parking lot so that people could pick up and then leave it in the car and then head over to the race. It would also be helpful if there were more than one trolley running too.

Restrooms: Fair amount of restrooms. There were three stalls in one area, three stalls in another area and then several portable bathrooms at the start line as well. On the course I only saw one. They could have used a few more.

Aid Stations: I did not actually see any aid stations but there were multiple water stations. I would have liked to have gatorade or powerade or something like that available in addition to the water. There were a lot of water stops in the beginning but toward the end they seemed to be stretched out more. Could have used a few more toward the end, especially because it was starting to get pretty warm and sunny.

Awards: Very disappointed as far as age group awards-- there were none! They only did overall male and female and then masters and grand masters. There were no age group awards at all, which was disappointing to me since I took second in my age group. Next year I would recommend some kind of age group award. The money raised from the race goes to charity so I understand not wanting to spend a lot of money on trophies or medals, but some kind of recognition, even just a ribbon, would be appreciated.

Race Packet Contents: Fair. Included in the packet were: a nice moisture-wicking t-shirt, some information about upcoming races, a pen, a Chic-fil-a coupon, and a few other little things. I love free stuff so if they could get some more free stuff in there it would be awesome! Maybe a sample sized energy bar or something like that?

Post-Race: Mediocre. Food was not great - bagels, bananas, granola bars. There was no coffee or anything other than water. I love those races were you get an actual breakfast - like eggs and pancakes. But I know that isn't possible at every race. Would have liked to see a few more things to chose from though, or at least some coffee! They also had an area set up for vendors but there was only about five tables. I did get a free stress ball, some information about massage, and $5.00 off an upcoming race. But I would have liked to see some more activities, more games and give-aways.

Weather: Great weather! Start at a cool (for Florida) sixty two degrees in the morning. Before the sun came up it was very pleasant. When the sun started to come up it got pretty warm, but I was already around mile 9 by then so it wasn't too hot to handle.

Course: Flat, no bridges, easy course. Some people were complaining because we ran through some neighborhoods, and some sections had us run up one street and then back down the next one over. I didn't mind it. Plus there were some people who came out and cheered us on from there driveways. There was one part where you ran to the end of a street and did a u-turn and ran back. That was fun because you could see people running the opposite direction and cheer them on.

Other: This was their first year doing a half marathon here. They have done the 5K for several years (9 years I think). I was happy to see the addition of a half marathon because there are no other half marathons in Port Charlotte. The money raised goes to a great cause - autism work in the area schools. There were a lot of volunteers on the course helping direct the runners and helping at the water stations. They were cheerful and helpful and very much appreciated. All in all, there were a few kinks they need to work out - mainly the parking situation - but I can say I will be back next year and would encourage other runners to participate as well! Oh, and did I mention I got a new PR!!