I first ran the half marathon course for this race in 2008. I returned to this race after running the full (my final voyage) in 2013. And subsequently I have run the half marathon in 2014 & 2015. The swag is amazing. They started the Big Bang medal series in 2013- the year I ran my last full marathon for this race. The series runs from 2013-2018 and each year runners receive a different shuttle medal. If you run 3 out of 5 years you get the Milky Way medal in addition to the regular shuttle finisher medal. If you run all 5 years, you get each shuttle medal (5, one each year), Milky Way medal and the five year Intergalactic medal! I'm on course for all five years so far! Everyone seems to love the long-sleeve tech shirts with the space shuttle design and you also receive a beach towel at the finish too! Nice unique swag touch for this event. I'm not nuts over the space program- I grew up watching all of the shuttle launches- but it was amazing to receive the Challenger shuttle medal in 2014. I saw the tragic launch in person as a kid and earning that medal was very special.

If you are wanting to run the full marathon there's no rush to register on the day registration opens, but if you're interested in the half marathon you best be at your PC the second registration opens because it sells out in just minutes! This is because of the Big Bang medal series. If you're a past participant in the series you're given access to register 24 hrs early- and most repeat because they want the extra bling. So the general public and those who have not run this race previously, have just minutes to take the few spots left.

Definitely prepare for any kind of weather this time of year in FL. I'm a native and grew up just about 30 minutes south of Cocoa Village where the race takes place. I've run both distances four times now and usually by the time the sun comes up it's hot out- even if the morning temps are cool. There's some shade on the course, but you're running by the water and it can be bright out. The half marathon starts 30 min prior to the full marathon and heads south, unlike the full marathon course which starts out heading north. The lead time on the half marathon is nice as most full marathon runners will encounter only the back of the pack jogger/walkers by the time they circle back, pass the start/finish line and begin the second half of their race on the half marathon course. I typically see the lead marathon runner on the southbound course as I'm heading north passing mile 10 or so on the half marathon course.

The fan support, esp on the second half of the course, is awesome! I remember running by a guy standing at the end of his driveway drinking a beer- it must have been before 7am!- cheering us on. It's a space themed race so don't be surprised to see runners, volunteers, race staff, etc. dressed up as such. You name it, it's out there! There's always a homeowner who has lots of friends at the end of their driveway with food, shots, etc. I haven't ever stopped, but there's a lot of stuff to check out on the course. And the scenery is awesome! It's a beautiful run along the river.

There are plenty of aid stations, port-o-lets, gu, water, etc. on the course. They don't cut corners here. And the post race party is full of food, beer, and more food! Lines are not too long either.

I haven't yet attended an expo for this race as I stay with family local to the area. Given it's a holiday weekend I usually stop by the Running Zone (local run shop that manages the race) for their early packet pick-up and spend Saturday with my family instead of going to the expo. As I stay with family, I drive myself to the race and have never had any issues finding parking, but I definitely arrive early.

This is an excellent destination race as it's convenient to both the beaches on FL's east coast and Orlando for those wanting to check out the theme parks. There's lots to do in the area, especially if you're a nature lover.