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!

This race never seems to disappoint year after year. I've run this race (5 miler once and the 1/2 marathon) 5-6 times. It's one of my favorite races to repeat annually!

This race offers multiple distances- 5 miler, 1/2 marathon, marathon and ultra- so there are all levels of athletes on the course. My star rankings are based on my overall experience at this race for the many times I have participated. The 2016 race encountered difficult weather with storms moving in early am of race day. We had a group of 5 friends running the half marathon course and only two of us, including myself, showed up on race day because of the weather. Sadly, the marathon and ultra courses were not safe as parts of the course were under water and high winds of up to 35-40 mph gusts meant that everyone running longer than the 5 miles wound up running only the half marathon. Communication of this change was not well-announced at the starting line which was already delayed by one hour due to the weather conditions and many athletes found out about the course closures en route after the race began. Having run the 1/2 marathon race many times, this is definitely a blow for the athletes and race director who spend months training and planning for this event. It created a more-than-usual crowded course for the half marathon, but even still it was very manageable given the extra number of runners crowding the roads on the same course. Yes, the weather was absolutely an issue for everyone out there- course markers were obsolete as they could have become dangerous flying objects if picked up by the wind; the wind gusts in-between the buildings on the beach were so strong they picked up my legs and I tripped over my own feet 2-3 times; hitting 30-35 mph winds on the 3rd overpass head on and succumbing to walking up the bridge was more than frustrating in a race that I pride myself on for running ALL of the FOUR overpasses/bridge inclines (out-n-back, 2 bridge course); runners who were registered for the full or ultra received their respective medals even though they only ran the 1/2 marathon course- this is understandable as I'm sure the race director did not have enough 1/2 marathon medals on hand at the last minute to accommodate for the increase in the number of runners who ended up being shifted to the 1/2 course.

BUT... even with all of the weather issues we are STILL talking about this race every time we show up to run another race that might even have the slightest weather issues citing, "If we could run Clearwater, we can do this!". It's almost like a badge we wear that we conquered the unexpected and unpredictable curve ball Mother Nature threw at us that day. There was definitely a lot more camaraderie on the course- I was wind blown into a couple of runners, but I'm sure they understood! Volunteers were AMAZING- and they STILL showed up despite the weather. And having 35mph wind gusts to my back up and down a HUGE overpass/bridge in the last mile of the race helped me run a 9:30 mile 13 pace- I've never run the last mile of a 1/2 marathon that fast before in my life (see picture!) and it more than made up for the walking on the previous bridge! I usually stick around for hours after I finish this race to watch and cheer on the full and ultra marathoners finish and enjoy the awesome water-front views, music, post-race food and BEER, but this year the weather just didn't cooperate for that fun :(

The t-shirts are gender sized and are a nice dri-fit material. They fit true-to-size as well, and don't run small. The medals are HUGE and have a very nice stained glass look to them. This race always comes to the table with great medals year after year.

Aid stations are well-manned with fun, energetic volunteers and there's enough to get by on this course.

The scenery is AMAZING!!! The views of the beach and surroundings from atop the course's bridges are unbeatable. I will say that's one of the main reasons I keep running this race year after year and why it's my zen run even when there's not a race taking place!

Expo- I take advantage of the early packet pick-up option at a location near where I live so I usually do not attend the expo. There are always a good selection of vendors on hand at the venue on Race day as well.

Elevation- yes, there are two overpasses in the half marathon. These bridges are not small and are quite steep. And you get to run each bridge twice on the out-n-back course.

Parking- I've never had any issues with parking at this venue. I've always been able to park right next to the venue without any problems. You just have to show up a bit early and you'll find plenty of parking and short port-a-potty lines too!

Race management- FREE RACE PHOTOS! While I usually don't like many of my race photos, this race does offer them for FREE so this year I really tried to be funny (given the weather, why not!?) and I took advantage of it and got some great pictures!

Overall, if you're looking for a great winter race and to escape the cold, harsh northern winters in mid-January check out this race! It's also a great race for locals who are seeking a challenging course (some FL hills!) with great views of the beaches. I'm proud to claim myself as a "wind runner" and to have participated in this event in 2016. I was signed up for another race in the same area the following weekend and again Mother Nature screwed it up, but the subsequent event was cancelled! I feel very lucky and am happy that the 2016 Clearwater Distance Classic was still able to offer two of the four races this year. I look forward to this race every year and can't wait to run it again in 2017!

I've run this race, either the 5k or the 10k, 5-6 times. This race offers a very flat and fast course for both the 5k & 10k. These two races are run on Saturday with different start times- the 10k usually starts earlier. You can also run both the 5k & 10k on Saturday for the challenge. They also offer a 1/2 marathon race on Sunday (I have not run this course). My friends and I look forward to this race every year and will typically register during the early-bird discount offer. This is a local race for us and the weather is usually quite cold in January- which is nice for racing!

The t-shirts have much improved over the past few years going from a drab long sleeve COTTON tee to a nice long sleeve tech. The 2016 race shirt was probably the best one yet! The medals are ok- nothing too exciting, usually just their race logo. But they are different for each race including the 5k/10k challenge.

The aid stations are always well-manned and there are no issues.

The Course is fun with lots of spectators, but is on open roads with no shade at all. So if the temps are a little warmer than usual it can get hot quickly for the 5k race.

The expo is small with some local merchants, but quaint and easy to access for packet pick up. Many opt to wait until race day to pick up their packets. I've done both- race day and the day prior. Either way there's usually not a long line to complain about.

Likely the biggest issue overall is parking. I usually park at a friend's house and we walk (nice warm up!) about .75 miles to the start line. Just be careful where you park as some lots WILL TOW (i.e.- do not park at Publix!) and some are metered so be sure to put $ in the meter to avoid a parking ticket.

Overall the best part about this race is the after-party as it's at a resort directly on the Gulf beaches and makes for a fun time for all! Great post-race food/drinks (BEER!) and atmosphere!

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.

I had originally intended on signing up for the half marathon, but procrastination got the best of me and it sold out. Desperately wanting to participate in this event, I hit the button and registered for the FULL marathon instead. At first my temptation was to cut-out and just run the half marathon, but my conscience got the best of me. And that plan wouldn't have worked anyway. Come to find out on race day, the course had changed since the last time I ran the 1/2 marathon race in 2008 and you can't really "cut-out" as the full marathon course heads north while the half marathon course heads south at the start. So I trained smart, having been injured the previous two full marathons from over-training, and set my goal time of 4:45-5 hrs. Knowing the course is relatively flat this goal was definitely attainable if I were healthy/uninjured at the starting line.

Definitely prepare for any kind of weather this time of year in FL. I'm a FL 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 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. The slower half marathon finishers just add to the cheering crowds that line this 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.

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), three 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 theme- 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.

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. Oh, and I got my goal time... I was on pace with the 4:45 pace team through mile 17, but then I tapered off. I managed to push out a 9:30 pace mile 26 to beat the 5 hr chip time and finished at 4:58:28. I may have had to throw some elbows in the finish line chute to get past a few people, but it was worth it!