The race kicks off with Tampa PD SWAT members rappelling off the police department wall holding the American Flag for the National Anthem (you can imagine the emotion). It is an easy, flat course, partially on the water for a nice view. My only complaint about the course was the lack of extra water for such a hot, humid morning.

The T-Shirt was a great design, and nice quality. I saw some of the previous year's shirts as people were walking around, and it appears that they are consistently a cool design - wearable after the race. The celebration area after the race was well-stocked with food and drinks, and lots of vendors giving way company swag.

A can't miss of the race was watching the Tampa PD officers finish the race as a group chanting about teamwork. It was really cool to watch.

Bottom line - this was an affordable and fun 5k, and the money goes to a great cause. I'll be coming back.

Florida Road Races always organizes a great event, and this race didn't disappoint. This was an easy race to travel to, with smooth morning-of packet pick up. The race shirt is a dri-fit tank top, which is a unique addition to a closet of shirts.

Parking is ample at the park, so there is no stress about the arrival. Plenty of bathrooms were available, and the race began right on schedule. The 15k was a flat, scenic run perfect for running hard and evaluating gains made over the summer.

The crowd is a perfect mix of runners, and everyone had a great time. The crowd, including volunteers at water stops, is supportive. The beginning of the race was special, as the RD uses American flags that were given to him by hero friends, and he has a runner sing the national anthem (pre-planned, so a good singer).

The medal is a unique every year, with the Florida Road Race starfish on a different background. I was really pleased with both the medal and tank design. The finish is right next to the beach, so it's fun to walk out post race and snap some photos. Fort DeSoto is also a cool attraction (free) to check out after the race.

This was a great race if you're a Star Wars fan and just want to have a good time. The corrals are packed as always - even in B it took us a long time to get some room around us (us = husband). The course was more scenic than previous Disney halfs, as the course started at EPCOT and ran to ESPN Wide World of Sports. This made it a great decision - and a terrible decision. At the completion of the race, runners and spectators alike had to wait for chartered buses to transport back to EPCOT to their cars - terrible experience.

Shirts for DIsney races are always awesome - I love the V-Neck Women's cut no the Champion shirts. The designs were great and they shirts themselves last forever.

As far as seeing Star Wars characters - this race didn't disappoint. Upon entering Hollywood Studios, a line of at least 30 characters were there for high fives, selfies, and interaction. Bottom line? We'd run it again - the force is with us!

From the moment you crest the St. Armand's bridge and see the sunrise, you know it's going to be a great 13.1 miles! The race route is gorgeous - beautiful Sarasota homes, Selby Gardens, and St. Armands make for fun scenery that makes the miles fly by. The crowd was happy and having a good time - we continually passed local bands playing music and shouting words of encouragement. Best of all - the race director celebrates inclusion, and I ran this one with Ainsley's Angels!