I have run the Gasparilla 1/2 marathon about 5 times in the past 7-8 years, including two Ultra Challenges completing all 4 races (15k, 5k, 1/2 and 8k). This year's 1/2 race went along like clock work and was exactly what I expected for Tampa in mid-February. The temps at this race are a crap-shoot. Some (well most...) years it's warm and humid- even though the weekend before or just after will have temps in the 40's or 50's, it never fails to happen! So you just have to plan accordingly. The course is super flat and the race does start early- 6am- so that will help with the warmer weather. There is little shade so you're best to wear a hat and sunglasses as the second half of the race is on Bayshore and the sun can beat down on you at times.

The shirts have gotten MUCH better over the past few years and this race FINALLY started offering gender size options too! I absolutely LOVED my 1/2 marathon shirt this year. It was a tough call to post a picture of me in the shirt or the race medal for this review. Speaking of medals, this is annually one of my favorite race medals with a skull pirate complete with the moving jaw (see picture). I can't wait to see what kind of swag Gasparilla comes up with for their 40th Anniversary in 2017!

There's plenty of water/aid stations on the course- my only issue is that I wish they were marked better as the course is so flat it's hard to see them coming up. I sometimes find myself running across a very wide course road to the other side at the last second to grab some water.

The scenery is almost all waterfront property and the course is mostly out-n-back along Tampa Bay minus a quick 5+ miles around Davis Island at the beginning of the race. If you are running one of the challenge events (multiple races) the course repeats A LOT and it can become repetitive.

This race offers an AMAZING expo experience with extended hours for packet pick-up too. My group always takes advantage of the Friday night expo hours and we stick around to enjoy the city for dinner and pre-race carb loading! There are so many vendors at the expo and tons of give-a-ways and freebies too. Be sure to pick up your Sunday race bib (1/2 marathon or 8k) by Saturday as there's no Sunday morning race bib pick-up.

There's plenty of parking in downtown Tampa- street, lots, etc. I used to live two blocks from the starting line so I just park in that neighborhood on the street every year and haven't had one problem with finding parking. Just arrive early as there are street closures to deal with.

This race has been going on for a long time in Tampa Bay and the management teams runs it like clock work every year. Race communications and materials are excellent. Website is very thorough.

Looking forward to running the 1/2 (maybe more?!) in 2017!