I've done this race a couple of times and in 2018 they changed the course and made it more challenging, and scenic. Everyone who runs in Florida knows we don't have hills, but this 5K gave me 75 feet of elevation gain...compare that to only 148 feet of elevation gain at the CHICAGO MARATHON. The new course adds several short, steep hills at the beginning and the end. The time of year this race is held can be hit or miss with Florida weather. While the race is always a Friday evening race, late March in Florida can either be warm or cool, so be prepared for anything. Overall, I recommend this as a fun family race.

I've done this race every year since it started in 2015 and it is by far my favorite race of the season. Partly because it's a hometown race, but also because it is so well organized. John, the race director, was the original founder of the NYC Triathlon, so he brought a boat load of experience to this race and it truly is a spectacular event from beginning to end. The price is low, the Florida weather in February is always perfect and the course entertainment really does make this race a party from start to finish. The course itself is super flat, except for a bridge you go out and back on at miles 2 and 4. Other than that, it's a super fast course where you could easily set half marathon PRs. And one of the best parts about this race is the crowd support. I've done many half marathons, and I can honestly say there aren't a lot of half marathons that have the crowd support this race has, mostly because the course has a relatively small footprint. Seeing your spectating family and friends multiple times is very common. On average, 2000-2500 people do the half marathon along with another couple thousand doing the 10k, so I'd say this is a pretty big race you don't want to miss!

2018 was my first time running the Aramco Houston Half and I was thoroughly pleased with the experience. Here are some highlights: 1) The expo is huge! Like NYC and Chicago huge! It could take you a few hours to truly experience all it has to offer. 2) The pre-race is incredible. You get to hang out in the warmth of the convention center until about 15 minutes before the race starts. And, all of the porta potties are indoors and incredibly organized. Perfect for when the weather is cold in Houston like it was in 2018. 3) The post-race is incredible. Right when you cross the finish line, you go right back into the convention center where they have free finisher shirts, a massive post-race meal, private changing areas and overall comfort while you wait for family or friends still on the course. 4) Getting in and out of downtown Houston before and after the race is a breeze and parking is very convenient to the convention center. 6) The race swag is really impressive, branded by Sketchers. 7) The course is super flat and fast.

I cannot recommend this race enough. I've only done the half marathon and 5k, so I can't comment on the full marathon, but if you're looking for a great experience to begin the year, sign up for this race!

I don't know, it's hard to recommend this race. Yes, it's a local half marathon for people in Sarasota/Bradenton, but it just feels like it falls short in so many ways, especially for the cost of the registration. The course is bland, partly because I train on that course regularly. The "floating mile" is kinda neat, but kind of one of those, "been there done that" feelings. There aren't enough aid stations on the course for a half marathon. The post-race is below average...picture large jars of peanut butter sitting open on a table with a plastic knife that anyone can use. Really, the only thing above average with this race is the official race shirt...it's super nice. But everything else about this race made it a "one and done" for me.