Jim Allen's Staging Area

This was my first half marathon several years ago, and I have run it several times since. This year the weather was breezy and a bit on the warm side (starting temp 72). The scenery is unequaled in my opinion—from the cruise ships along the MacArthur causeway, to Ocean Drive on South Beach, across the Venetian causeway, back through downtown Miami and Bayfront Park. The medal is always stunning and unique.

Florida is flat and this race is no exception, but Florida’s weather is predicatbly unpredicable. Although the day was sunny, there also were 3-4 foot swells in the ocean and a strong wind out of the south, which greatly affected the last segment of the bike. It was due to this unpredictable weather that I chose to sign up for the duathlon. (The race also included an aquabike and sprint and olympic tris.) Much of the bike ride is very scenic–either along beaches of Fort Lauderdale or in Hugh Birch State Park. The run portion of the races is all along the coast as well. The medal was up to multirace’s usual high standards, and the event was very well managed.

I was scheduled to do this race last year, but had to defer due to injury. (Very easy to defer.) This year we were threatened by a storm front blowing through but it cleared just before the start. Luckily most of the parking was in covered garages very near the start line. The race organizers gave us good advance notice of the possibility of a delay due to lightning but none materialized.
The race course is entirely residential through some posh Naples neighborhoods. Hydration stations (Gatorade and water) and portapotties were plentiful. Several out and back cul-de-sacs allowed you to repeatedly see friends both ahead of and behind you. Photos excellent although not free 🙁
Finish line, medal, and post race great with free beer!