Active Community: Message List - Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:11:20 GMT

Great first-year event. Pensacola Beach should feel lucky to have such a top-notch RD come to the area with a half-marathon distance event during one of the most beautiful times of the year.

From top to bottom this event blasted many others out of the water. The marketing, website, registration, t-shirt, and finishers medal were all beyond expectations.

The few comments regarding course support will, I am sure, be addressed next year. There was no shortage of finishers food or beer for me. I even went back out on the course to cheer in some friends of mine and did not make it to Flounder's until about 3.5 hours race time.

Excellent parking.

MOre than enough restrooms.

PA system and music were easy to hear.

Water-stop competition for charity donation was fun. Capt'n Fun Runners rocked.

Packet pick-up was easy.

Bibs were fun. Very cool to have our names on them, usually don't see that but for IM-branded events.

Start and finish chutes were well-adorned.

Too many good things to keep listing them all. Sign up for next year for sure!

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 05:08:05 GMT

Everyone should try a 1/2 marathon. This ranked right up there with some of the important life events. I don't typically cry, but I was so proud that tears just started flowing. It's a feeling like no other. The course was easy and the water stations gave me something to look forward to. Hula dancers, disco crew, and bikers were some of my favorite.

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:22:18 GMT

Great race! Alot of fun! Well organized, beautiful course with plenty of water stations with inspirational volunteers. Missed/needed water around mile 9- I think (only had gatorade) and a volunteer ran up next to me and handed me a water! Thank you again volunteer! Found out about voting for the best aid station for charity until later.

Excellent post party location and food. Need to work on more pre race porta potties.

Thanks for a great race! See ya next year!

Keith Johnson

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:20:37 GMT

Excellent post party location and food. Need to work on more pre race porta potties.

Thanks for a great race! See ya next year!

Keith Johnson

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:42:14 GMT

This was my first half and I had a great time! i didn't train like I should have but I made it! I am looking forward to my next one. Thank you!!

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:47:05 GMT

This was my first 1/2 marathon and I had a great time! I am hooked and am already training to beat my time. The location and time of year was perfect. My only issue if I have to have one is that we had to walk through a church service to go to the after party. Can't wait until next year!!!!!!

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 23:45:52 GMT

Great crowd! Had a great time. I got a little hot on the way back in, would like to start the race a little earlier. Also, a couple of the water stops tasted like it was straight out of a garden hose and I couldn't drink it. I was expecting a better time since the course was flat but I didn't take into consideration running against the wind for the first 6 miles. Overall it was a good race.

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 22:52:38 GMT

Great race! Great weather! Great everything except my time! The 'finisher' medal was awesome. How you gonna top that next year? I love the quality of the ****. It was nice getting one that wasn't white, thanks! Look forward to this run next year. I'll be sure and skip the 5K I ran the Saturday before though, LOL!

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:37:11 GMT

It was a great location for a 1/2 marathon. By the time we made it to Flounders (after stretching) the food was gone and there was no beer. Also, most races I've been to have fruit and water set up before the race. I was prepared, but if you've come to expect it, I could see that as an issue.

It was a great race, though and thank you for putting it one.

Re: Gulf Coast Half Marathon @ Pensacola Beach Reviews

guest — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:22:08 GMT

My first half marathon, and I don't think I could have asked for a better one. Super friendly and helpful staff, beautiful weather, flat course, not too crowded, available parking...i could go on and on with listing the wonderful things about this race. Can't wait for next year!