Jamie Koonce's Staging Area

This race was a nice surprise considering all the restrictions because of Covid 19. The organizers did an amazing job making you feel like times were “normal” again. From the drive through packet pick-up to the specific time starts and smaller corrals – they did their best to accommodate runners. I stayed at the Gulf Park Hilton and would NOT recommend. It was over-priced and not accommodating to those participating in the race. The race was 80% through a swampy state park with the highlight seeing a real alligator watching us. It was sad not getting a medal when crossing the finish line (the medal was given during the packet pick-up) and I missed not having an expo. Overall it was a great race and so fun to participate with happy running people.

Loved this race – it was very well organized – course was mostly flat – scenery was just ok – sad that we didn’t run by the Alamo. The absolute best part was the 1/2 mile run through a park where about every 6 feet there was someone holding an American flag on both sides – also with pictures of veterans who had died from that area. Made me so proud to be part of such a great country – I could have run for miles through that! Best expo with lots of purchase choices. Host hotel was right at the start line. Only negative – the race finished at a park that was a little far from the start – had to walk a long way to get back to the hotel and no pre-race meal options. Overall it was a great race!