This is my third year running Gasparilla but my first time running the 8K.
The weather is always unpredictable. Last year was gorgeous, this year was hot and humid. If you are ever doing a race in FL make sure you check the dew point!

Expo - Gasparilla always has an awesome expo. Lots of vendors that sample everything from food, new products, to things you know and love. It is 2 days and has easy to attend hours. There is parking at the convention center but it is easy enough to part at the Ft. Brooke Garage or any of the downtown meters and just walk over to the expo.

The swag for the races all varies. I love the 8K race shirt because it is short-sleeved. I did the 8K as part of the lime challenge and that means I also got a Lime challenge jacket. If you do the half marathon you get a long-sleeved shirt. They also give you a weekend themed tote bag, which is also great to grab cheer supplied and samples!

Race Day parking is usually easy. It was quick and easy to drive into the Ft. Brooke garage. Be aware, it is a $10 fee to park and you have to pay in advance. They take credit but cash is totes quicker!

The Gasparilla race courses are some of the most scenic. The course usually has a decent breeze, which isn't always in your favor, and there is a ton of course support. Ample water and Gatorade on the course. This year, due to the heat, they added mister fans at every aid station which were AWESOME! The 8K begins at 9:15am so prepare for really hot, super sunny, and zero shade!

The finish line area was much improved this year! You finish and they hand you a SUPER COLD washcloth as you walk a little ways up to where they have water bottle and Gatorade. Then you keep walking to pickup your medal. Then photo areas right after. It is never over crowded and you never feel like you are being ushered away. Then you walk around to the other-side of the convention center to get post-race food and such. On our way there we saw the new Dick's Sporting Goods P "arrrrrh" bell (get it, Pirates, Arrr)!

This year's logo was updated to be a really cool looking octopus. So the 8K medal had that as well. I really like it!

If you are in Tampa on Gasparilla race weekend you don't want to miss out!!