I've run this race at least four times as I live in Ft. Myers. When I was awaiting the hotel bus after a recent marathon in another part of Florida, two ladies asked me about this half marathon. They were interested, but were a little hesitant because of the name. I want to write this to assure everyone this is a solid race that everyone can enjoy. Several of my friends with children run the relay with them. Sure, there are Hooters waitresses at the finish line party, and beer is served. The young women have on lots more clothing than most people you can see at the beach: shirts and shorts. The beer is kept in a roped-off area and they check who they are serving carefully.

The proceeds go to one of our local hospitals. Hooters sponsors it; originally, the course was between the Fort Myers Beach Hooters and the Cleveland Ave Hooters, hence the name. Now the beach one is not involved; the course includes scenic McGregor Blvd, where Thomas Alva Edison wintered and planted some beautiful palm trees, and an out and back over the Caloosahatchee River.

Lots of town folks turn out for this one, so there is decent crowd support. The finish line party is worth sticking around for, especially if you are a wings fan. There is a lot of more traditional post race food as well, and the volunteers are outstanding. Shirts are gender specific and nice enough to wear on a weekend, if you wear your race shirts for casual wear.

Cute age group awards and medals for all finishers. Come run with us! Ft. Myers Track Club.

One of the great things about this race is that it is ALL ABOUT the half marathon. It's not part of a full marathon. The total focus is on the half, which is a super experience. In fact, I'd recommend this for a first time half marathoner. There is lots of crowd support and the course is interesting and varied, well, as varied as we get in central/south Florida! No real elevation issues, but there are the bridge crossings to provide a bit of challenge. Race is very well organized, lots of all the necessities: aid stations, porta potties, mile markers, food afterwards and views throughout. You see some different neighborhoods and landmarks in Sarasota and the sunrise over the Gulf. I've run it more than once, and drive up over an hour the day of the race. There is plenty of parking, but as in anything in life, if you cut the timing too close, you may well regret it. Get there early: there's a large spread of vendors and you can warm up or stand in line for the bathrooms. You'll appreciate the early start as once the sun rises, it can get hot. Dress accordingly! Really appreciate being able to pick up my number the day of the race.
Another nice new feature is AG winners can pick up their awards at the timing verification tables. For folks who have to get on the road home, this is big.
Experienced half marathoner or first timer, you really can't go wrong with this race. The relay is also handled very well; I've known a number of runners who've participated in it and they all give it high marks. The addition of the relay only makes the race better for those of running all 13.1 miles. Their hand-off is of course about midpoint for us, so there's a lot of support right when you can use it. That verve really gives you a boost and headed out for your last half of the race with some real positive energy. Beautiful finish by the shore and lots of room to celebrate your finish. Great photo ops abound!
They're not kidding, by the way; the race seems to sell out every year, so sign up asap or you may regret it!

I've run this four years in a row. The Race Team are experienced and know how to put on a race. Start time is early, which is good as this is SE FL, so it gets warm once the sun is up. You watch the sun rise over the ocean, end up on a bike path for a while before ending on the streets, which are marked well and patrolled. The worst traffic issue is when you're finishing; if you're sub 4 hours, you'll be encountering slower half marathoners, which is only an issue when they walk 4 abreast. When you're at mile 23 and 24, every extra step going 'round folks is given grudgingly by most of us! Just be aware--most folks are very kind and scoot out of the way.
Huge medals if you're into that, and I know lots are: you'll be very happy with this race. Unique, usually with movable parts. Fantastic spread of food and fun at the finish, which is right at the beach. You can cross the finish and be in the ocean a few minutes later, depending on how much speed you have left!
The expo is tricky, as it's in a building right at the port where cruises dock and leave from, so the traffic/parking scene there is involved. You also have to pay for parking. It's hourly, so not bad, just FYI.
This is a good first marathon and a fantastic vacation marathon. February in Florida! Come on down!

When I first started running a few decades ago in Massachusetts, I often ran during my lunch hour. My job as a Family Law Coordinator called for me to spend most of my time in an open area in the county courthouse. It was rather like a study hall, where I advised “pro se” litigants, i.e., folks who were representing themselves because they couldn’t afford lawyers.

One of my colleagues, Brennan, was an experienced triathlete. He was very generous with his knowledge and time, encouraging me in any number of ways. I’d gotten into the habit of peeking into Brennan’s office before heading out at lunch to check on the weather. My work station was not near a window, and he had a good view of the street. Whenever he caught me at it, he’d shoo me out with the proviso: “Get out there. They don’t cancel the race on account of rain.”just run

This past Sunday (February 7th), I ran a marathon in Melbourne, Florida–aptly called “The Florida Marathon.” I ran it last year and loved it. There are so many reasons: it’s a delightful course, has spirited volunteers, a strong organization and then there’s the music. Live bands and some solo musicians are featured all along the course–including a pianist with his gorgeous white grand piano on one of the bridges. Just like Big Sur, and I’ve run that one, so the comparison is genuine.

Pianist, melbourne
Pianist, 2015 Marathon in Melbourne

The weather on Race Sunday was cool, mid 40s, and windy. No rain, but really windy–20 mph winds with gusts. Signs and some of the races fences were blown down, along with a balloon display. So that made it feel colder than the temps indicated. Not ideal, but when do you get ideal? At least it wasn’t raining, I thought as I layered up in the dark morning and trotted down to the start.

While it was somewhat arduous, it was a great run. The good news was that it’s a 2 loop course, so you were getting the wind in different directions. The not-so-fabulous part was that the wind was in your face as you crossed the second bridge at mile 12-13. Meaning: you were forewarned about what to expect in the last miles of the marathon.

My plan was to just keep moving, even if in a speed-walk to the top of the bridge, and then rely on gravity to bring me down the other side and over the finish line. It didn’t work that way; when I leaned forward to start my descent, the wind whipped me upright! Somehow I managed to hurl myself ahead and cover that last stretch to my medal.

Afterwards, I was surprised to learn that about 400 registrants (half and full combined) failed to show up for their races. Sure, there are always some folks who get hurt or whose travel plans fall through, but some of the AWOL runners had to have stayed away due to weather. And that’s too bad.

Finishing a distance race gives you a sense of accomplishment. Doing so under challenging conditions embellishes that feeling. Once you get a tough one under your shoes, no one can take that away from you. You come out stronger and are a better runner for it.