This was the 3rd annual Sarasota Music Half, and it sold out for the third time.

THE WEATHER: 56 degrees at the start, and about 58 at the finish. Last year we had gale force winds. This year there was an incredible amount of fog. Lots of cloud cover. It was good weather for running, but we missed out on the beautiful sunrise this time.

THE COURSE: The race begins at Van Wezel Hall Performing Arts Hall on Sarasota Bay. Runners cross the oh-so-steep Ringling Bridge TWICE. It's a test! The course goes around St. Armand's Circle, past the famous Kissing Statue, along tree-lined streets in historic neighborhoods and through Selby Botanical Gardens.

THE PEOPLE: The city of Sarasota and its residents embrace this race. There are spectators and volunteers EVERYWHERE along the course. A priest from a local church blessed runners with Holy Water. (It was Sunday morning, after all.) Race management for this event is top notch.

AID STATIONS: Aid Stations were well stocked with water and Gatorade. The signage was bright and easy to see. Glukos chews and gel around mile 8. There was a Girl Scout Cookie station with a generous selection of cookies. The Beer Station at mile 12.5 offered light and dark beer.

THE MUSIC: I haven't even mentioned the bands yet! There was live music to encourage, and boost your pace on every mile of this course. I saw a few spectators playing random music on their own instruments. Kudos to the guy riding his bike with the sound system — he came along at the right time for me.

POST RACE: After 13.1 miles there is a delicious after party with a buffet breakfast, beer, more live music and awards. You could sign up for next year at the post race party for the race weekend price of $49. That price was gone at midnight Sunday.