I had eagerly anticipated the Gasparilla half marathon since 2022 when I first ran an 8k at this event. I was focused on the long-sleeved tech shirt, and my excitement … MORE
I had eagerly anticipated the Gasparilla half marathon since 2022 when I first ran an 8k at this event. I was focused on the long-sleeved tech shirt, and my excitement ran high coming into the event.
We arrived on Saturday at 1 p.m. to pick up our bibs. The convention hours were listed until 3 p.m., but it was astonishing how many booths had already been vacated.
On the event day, volunteers with signs ensure that runners can easily reach their destination. There were no corrals to separate runners this year, so the line-up was a free-for-all. The weather was gorgeous, and running as the sun rose was always a treat.
Fewer supporters were along the route during this Gasparilla race than in previous races. This difference was noticeable—however, the friendliness of other runners on the route made up for the lack of spectators. At the finish line, the organizers handed out dry towels, different from previous years when the towels were dunked in ice-cold water and were an instant hit. I am trying to understand why this change was made. The medal was great, and the long-sleeved tech shirt met my expectations. However, volunteers at the finish line kept everyone moving, so don’t expect to be able to wait for anyone behind you. Additionally, it wasn’t easy to access the after-party.
This race checked off Florida. Unless you have a compelling reason to run it, consider exploring other options.
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Expectations clash with reality.
I had eagerly anticipated the Gasparilla half marathon since 2022 when I first ran an 8k at this event. I was focused on the long-sleeved tech shirt, and my excitement … MORE
I had eagerly anticipated the Gasparilla half marathon since 2022 when I first ran an 8k at this event. I was focused on the long-sleeved tech shirt, and my excitement ran high coming into the event.
We arrived on Saturday at 1 p.m. to pick up our bibs. The convention hours were listed until 3 p.m., but it was astonishing how many booths had already been vacated.
On the event day, volunteers with signs ensure that runners can easily reach their destination. There were no corrals to separate runners this year, so the line-up was a free-for-all. The weather was gorgeous, and running as the sun rose was always a treat.
Fewer supporters were along the route during this Gasparilla race than in previous races. This difference was noticeable—however, the friendliness of other runners on the route made up for the lack of spectators. At the finish line, the organizers handed out dry towels, different from previous years when the towels were dunked in ice-cold water and were an instant hit. I am trying to understand why this change was made. The medal was great, and the long-sleeved tech shirt met my expectations. However, volunteers at the finish line kept everyone moving, so don’t expect to be able to wait for anyone behind you. Additionally, it wasn’t easy to access the after-party.
This race checked off Florida. Unless you have a compelling reason to run it, consider exploring other options.
Great weekend of running in very hot and
I ran all 4 races-the Ultra-which consisted of a 15K and 5K on Saturday, and a 1/2 marathon and 8K on Sunday. The course is essentially the same for all … MORE
I ran all 4 races-the Ultra-which consisted of a 15K and 5K on Saturday, and a 1/2 marathon and 8K on Sunday. The course is essentially the same for all 4 races. To start: communication was good leading up to the weekend. Plenty of emails and a live talk online. The expo was very smooth. Since I was running all 4 races, I got 4 shirts and a jacket. Those were all given out at the expo. The weekend was very hot and humid (maybe more so to me because I had come from an area that had been experiencing snow and negative windchills right before this weekend). All of the races were crowded at the start, but things spread out fairly quickly. I didn’t feel like there was a lot of crowd support throughout the race; but I’m happy running by myself so it didn’t bother me. There was no shade, but there were plenty of aid stations. And while there wasn’t a ton of crowd support, the volunteers at all of the aid stations were probably the most supportive and helpful I’ve ever come across. The 1/2 marathon started at 6am, and this was great because that gave us about 1 hour before sunrise.got to high-5 Meb both days on course, so that was kind of cool. After each race, you get your medal, but then you get a race specific towel that has been dunked in a garbage can of ice water! Very welcome—especially when you were turning around and running a 2nd race within a few minutes. For those running the Ultra, they had a medal “holding station” where you could drop off the medal you earned from the first race and pick it up after you finished the second race. That was a nice touch. I thought it was a very well run weekend of races. The 1/2 marathon medal and the additional medal you got for running all 4 races were nice. There were plenty of hotels within walking distance of the start and finishes. I definitely would consider doing this again.
Great race but very HOT.
Overall this is a fun and exciting event that is well executed but... 1. Too many people allowed to start at one time. 2. Hot day and during this run … MORE
Overall this is a fun and exciting event that is well executed but…
1. Too many people allowed to start at one time.
2. Hot day and during this run there is next to no shade but they did have many water stations so that was a great thing
3. Looking up results was not easy. It took me 24 hours to find them
4. The medal was nice but for this event, it should be better.
5. Post party was not good. Banana & a bag of chips. Banana was good but who wants a bag of chips???? Some type of fruit cup . Was warm so I did not take one.
6. Check-in process was very good.
7. I guess their system allowed me to pay twice and enter twice and they would not let me defer my 2nd entry to next year. That is bad business.
8. Red shirt was yuk but I asked for a blue one and they gave me one so that was nice of them.
9. Everyone is real nice that helps out with the race.
Swashbuckling good time
This was a really fun race. I showed up to the expo in the last hour of the last day, so I didn’t get my hat 😔 and there were … MORE
This was a really fun race. I showed up to the expo in the last hour of the last day, so I didn’t get my hat 😔 and there were also no course maps or parking guides, but it’s all on the website. The communication leading up to the race was great and the course was nice, the early start was great as it was already a bit humid. I love love love the Medal, the cool towels at the end and the pirates for pictures. The on course support was fantastic as were the volunteers. I’d do this one again.
This is event was very good but in 2021
This event is always good but in 2021 they changed the event to Virtual so they could pocket everyones money and cheat the runners out of the race and in … MORE
This event is always good but in 2021 they changed the event to Virtual so they could pocket everyones money and cheat the runners out of the race and in my case 2 races. I do not like them and they only care about money.
In 2020 the event was ral good but I don’t like what they pulled in 2021. It was not about safety, they wanted to be greedy and buy themselves something nice with all the profits.
Great run!
The course is flat and fast but head winds can be a factor to consider. Bayshore is such an iconic location in Tampa so the opportunity to run the whole … MORE
The course is flat and fast but head winds can be a factor to consider. Bayshore is such an iconic location in Tampa so the opportunity to run the whole thing during a race is so unique and awesome!
Wonderful Race
This was a great event. 100% PERFECT. I ran in this race with my Wife and we had a great time. I always thought the vendors and the entire event … MORE
This was a great event.
100% PERFECT.
I ran in this race with my Wife and we had a great time.
I always thought the vendors and the entire event was amazing and now i AM GOING back to write this because they went virtual in 2021 and stole everyones money.
Hard to Beat Bayshore Blvd!
In it's 43rd year - and my 6th year of running it - this race runs like a well-oiled machine. The expo is set up well, with the packet pickup … MORE
In it’s 43rd year – and my 6th year of running it – this race runs like a well-oiled machine. The expo is set up well, with the packet pickup in the back, shirts (gendered) on either side, and then tables in teh middle. I feel like the Expo has gotten more and more boring every year, so we probably won’t even wander next year unless I specifically need something like Clif or Honey Stingers.
In the a.m. there are PLENTY of Tampa PD directing traffic, you can reserve parking in a very close garage, and the start line is well-defined.
The course is a very easy out and back along Bayshore Blvd, which is beautiful along Tampa Bay / Channelside.
Afterward, the finish chute is well organized with Finisher towels, bottled water, cups of Gatorade, then your medals and photos, then snacks at the end (snacks this time were Special K poptarts, bananas, Dole fruit bowls, Cheez-Its, Yasso bars, and cups of Coke). If you were running the 5k after, they had a place to drop your 15k medal and gear so it wouldn’t get lost.
You Have To Do This Race
This organization is awesome - great expo - very well organized group - great course - great food & drink (I mean how many races do you get diet coke … MORE
This organization is awesome – great expo – very well organized group – great course – great food & drink (I mean how many races do you get diet coke and beer! – great sponsors – nice swag – beautiful city!
Well organized race with awesome bling!
This just might be my favorite half marathon yet. A super well organized race with a fun theme, nice race shirts, huge medals, flat and scenic. So glad I picked … MORE
This just might be my favorite half marathon yet. A super well organized race with a fun theme, nice race shirts, huge medals, flat and scenic. So glad I picked this race for Florida
Race #4 of the Challenge.
I ran the Ultra Challenge (All 4 races). This was Race #4 of the 4. At this point, after running a half in 85+ degrees and full sun, I was … MORE
I ran the Ultra Challenge (All 4 races). This was Race #4 of the 4. At this point, after running a half in 85+ degrees and full sun, I was toast. But I managed to pull off a 20 Second PR (full disclosure – my only other 8K was over 10 years ago)
I’m not a fan of HUGE races. This certainly falls in that category. But the whole weekend was organized and managed very well. Aside from $20/day for parking (which is ridiculous!), I enjoyed this race series.
EXPO: Really big and crowded. I got in, made one pass through the booths, and got out.
COURSE: The courses are all the same (except for an extra loop for the Half), an out and back on Bayshore Blvd. Very pretty area with big houses. BUT, by the 4th race, I had memorized the order of houses and all the cracks in the pavement. :/ All four races had the same finish line, but the starting lines were all different (within 5-6 blocks or so.) Navigation was easy as there were lots of volunteers to point you in the right direction. Each race had corral areas well marked and manned with volunteers. I finished each day’s 1st race with enough time to walk to the car, refresh my bottle, grab some more GU and sit for a minute. Out on the course, there were a healthy amount of spectators and aid stations. They also had sprinklers which were most welcomed on Sunday (the hottest of the 2 days!) Plenty of toilets and volunteers.
POST-RACE: The post race food at the finish line was water, Gatorade, bananas, fruit, fruit snacks, coke products. The post race party had more food options, but I didn’t go (it was in an adjacent park). After running 2 races each day in the HEAT!, I was done and just wanted a shower and rest. If it was closer, I would’ve probably walked through.
MEDALS: Medals for each race were nice and colorful, as was the challenge medals (walked away with 5 medals for the weekend). The race had a table set up near the finish for challenge runners to “check in” their medals and retrieve them after the 2nd race. This was a nice touch, especially for those who were finishing race 1 and then quickly lining up for race 2.
BOTTOM LINE: I enjoyed the races, but didn’t enjoy the crowds! (The 5K was the largest race) I hate feeling like I’m in a cattle herd waiting in the corrals.
The event is a bit expensive ($200 for all 4 races), but I feel like I got my money’s worth. You get a shirt & medal for each race and a cold sweat towel at the finish line as well. With the Ultra Challenge, you also get a Challenge Jacket.
Would I do it again? Maybe.
Longest of the 4 races.
I ran the Ultra Challenge (All 4 races). This was Race #3 of the 4, held on Sunday morning. I'm not a fan of HUGE races. This certainly falls in … MORE
I ran the Ultra Challenge (All 4 races). This was Race #3 of the 4, held on Sunday morning. I’m not a fan of HUGE races. This certainly falls in that category. But the whole weekend was organized and managed very well. Aside from $20/day for parking (which is ridiculous!), I enjoyed this race series.
EXPO: I went on Friday. Really big and crowded. I got in, made one pass through the booths, and got out.
COURSE: The courses are all the same (except for an extra loop in a different neighborhood for the Half), an out and back on Bayshore Blvd. Very pretty area with big houses. BUT, by the 4th race, I had memorized the order of houses and all the cracks in the pavement. :/ All four races had the same finish line, but the starting lines were all different (within 5-6 blocks or so.) Navigation was easy as there were lots of volunteers to point you in the right direction. Each race had corral areas well marked and manned with volunteers. I finished each day’s 1st race with enough time to walk to the car, refresh my bottle, grab some more GU and sit for a minute. Out on the course, there were a healthy amount of spectators and aid stations. They also had sprinklers which were most welcomed on Sunday (the hottest of the 2 days!) Plenty of toilets and volunteers.
POST-RACE: The post race food at the finish line was water, Gatorade, bananas, fruit, fruit snacks, coke products. The post race party had more food options, but I didn’t go (it was in an adjacent park). After running 2 races each day in the HEAT!, I was done and just wanted a shower and rest. If it was closer, I would’ve probably walked through.
MEDALS: Medals for each race were nice and colorful, as was the challenge medals (walked away with 5 medals for the weekend). The race had a table set up near the finish for challenge runners to “check in” their medals and retrieve them after the 2nd race. This was a nice touch, especially for those who were finishing race 1 and then quickly lining up for race 2.
BOTTOM LINE: I enjoyed the races, but didn’t enjoy the crowds! (The 5K was the largest race) I hate feeling like I’m in a cattle herd waiting in the corrals.
The event is a bit expensive ($200 for all 4 races), but I feel like I got my money’s worth. You get a shirt & medal for each race and a cold sweat towel at the finish line as well. With the Ultra Challenge, you also get a Challenge Jacket and medal.
Would I do it again? Maybe.
Absolutely one of my favorites!!!
This was one of the most fun, best organized, rewarding and memorable races ever!!! From the medals, to the shirts, start line to finish, this race was one of the … MORE
This was one of the most fun, best organized, rewarding and memorable races ever!!! From the medals, to the shirts, start line to finish, this race was one of the best. I got to meet and get photos with Meb Keflezighi, “Johnny Depp” pirate, Tampa Bay Buccaneer and a Gecko. The race was so well run.The swag, jackets, shirts, medals and finish food were amazing. Simply Outstanding! Thank you Tampa Bay, Gasparilla and Publix <3
HUGE Crowd! But well organized
I ran the Ultra Challenge (All 4 races). This was Race #2 of the 4 and by far the largest! This event was on my bucket list for a while. … MORE
I ran the Ultra Challenge (All 4 races). This was Race #2 of the 4 and by far the largest! This event was on my bucket list for a while. After finishing 50 states, I’ve begun to knock off these races. I’m not a fan of HUGE races. This certainly falls in that category. But the whole weekend was organized and managed very well. Aside from $20/day for parking (which is ridiculous!), I enjoyed this race series.
EXPO: Really big and crowded. I got in, made one pass through the booths, and got out.
COURSE: The courses are all the same (except for an extra loop for the Half), an out and back on Bayshore Blvd. Very pretty area with big houses. BUT, by the 4th race, I had memorized the order of houses and all the cracks in the pavement. :/ All four races had the same finish line, but the starting lines were all different (within 5-6 blocks or so.) Navigation was easy as there were lots of volunteers to point you in the right direction. Each race had corral areas well marked and manned with volunteers. I finished each day’s 1st race with enough time to walk to the car, refresh my bottle, grab some more GU and sit for a minute. Out on the course, there were a healthy amount of spectators and aid stations. They also had sprinklers which were most welcomed on Sunday (the hottest of the 2 days!) Plenty of toilets and volunteers.
POST-RACE: The post race food at the finish line was water, Gatorade, bananas, fruit, fruit snacks, coke products. The post race party had more food options, but I didn’t go (it was in an adjacent park). After running 2 races each day in the HEAT!, I was done and just wanted a shower and rest. If it was closer, I would’ve probably walked through.
MEDALS: Medals for each race were nice and colorful, as was the challenge medals (walked away with 5 medals for the weekend). The race had a table set up near the finish for challenge runners to “check in” their medals and retrieve them after the 2nd race. This was a nice touch, especially for those who were finishing race 1 and then quickly lining up for race 2.
BOTTOM LINE: I enjoyed the races, but didn’t enjoy the crowds! (The 5K was the largest race) I hate feeling like I’m in a cattle herd waiting in the corrals.
The event is a bit expensive ($200 or so for all 4 races), but I feel like I got my money’s worth. You get a shirt & medal for each race and a cold sweat towel at the finish line as well. With the Ultra Challenge, you also get a Challenge Jacket & medal.
Would I do it again? Maybe.
Fun race, LOTS of people, Well organized
I ran the Ultra Challenge (All 4 races). This was Race #1 of the 4. This event was on my bucket list for a while. After finishing 50 states, I've … MORE
I ran the Ultra Challenge (All 4 races). This was Race #1 of the 4. This event was on my bucket list for a while. After finishing 50 states, I’ve begun to knock off these races. I’m not a fan of HUGE races. This certainly falls in that category. But the whole weekend was organized and managed very well. Aside from $20/day for parking (which is ridiculous!), I enjoyed this race series.
EXPO: Really big and crowded. I got in, made one pass through the booths, and got out.
COURSE: The courses are all the same (except for an extra loop for the Half), an out and back on Bayshore Blvd. Very pretty area with big houses. BUT, by the 4th race, I had memorized the order of houses and all the cracks in the pavement. :/ All four races had the same finish line, but the starting lines were all different (within 5-6 blocks or so.) Navigation was easy as there were lots of volunteers to point you in the right direction. Each race had corral areas well marked and manned with volunteers. I finished each day’s 1st race with enough time to walk to the car, refresh my bottle, grab some more GU and sit for a minute. Out on the course, there were a healthy amount of spectators and aid stations. They also had sprinklers which were most welcomed on Sunday (the hottest of the 2 days!) Plenty of toilets and volunteers.
POST-RACE: The post race food at the finish line was water, Gatorade, bananas, fruit, fruit snacks, coke products. The post race party had more food options, but I didn’t go (it was in an adjacent park). After running 2 races each day in the HEAT!, I was done and just wanted a shower and rest. If it was closer, I would’ve probably walked through.
MEDALS: Medals for each race were nice and colorful, as was the challenge medals (walked away with 5 medals for the weekend). The race had a table set up near the finish for challenge runners to “check in” their medals and retrieve them after the 2nd race. This was a nice touch, especially for those who were finishing race 1 and then quickly lining up for race 2.
BOTTOM LINE: I enjoyed the races, but didn’t enjoy the crowds! (The 5K was the largest race) I hate feeling like I’m in a cattle herd waiting in the corrals.
The event is a bit expensive ($200 for all 4 races), but I feel like I got my money’s worth. You get a shirt & medal for each race and a cold sweat towel at the finish line as well. With the Ultra Challenge, you also get a Challenge Jacket.
Would I do it again? Maybe.
Great fun Challenge
My first year doing this race. I ran the challenge (15K, 5K and Half). The expo was awesome (spent $$$) the bling was gorgeous and love the challenge jacket. The … MORE
My first year doing this race. I ran the challenge (15K, 5K and Half). The expo was awesome (spent $$$) the bling was gorgeous and love the challenge jacket. The weather was great this year (2018), a but warm but overall cant complain. The negatives would have to be that all 3 races ran up and down Bayshore – would have liked more variety. Also, the food at the finish was super crowded but the beer and music was at a completely different location 2 blocks away. Much more room to move at the party. Would do it again.
Great flat race w/fun swag!
The race starts in the dark so you get to have an amazing sunrise. Firebreathing jugglers, rock-n-roll music, and cheering squads throughout the race. Best part was the amazing brunch … MORE
The race starts in the dark so you get to have an amazing sunrise. Firebreathing jugglers, rock-n-roll music, and cheering squads throughout the race. Best part was the amazing brunch served by Columbia Resturant (best Cuban food ever). Never finished a race with such food. Oh did I mention the SWAG. Best medal earned next to my MCM medal!!
Great Course, Lousy Weather!
I'm sure some people loved it, but for someone who lives and trains in New England, the 90% humidity and temps in the 80's made for a tough race, especially … MORE
I’m sure some people loved it, but for someone who lives and trains in New England, the 90% humidity and temps in the 80’s made for a tough race, especially the last three miles. The course was great, mostly flat and nice scenery, although with a 6:00am start time we didn’t see much for the first 30 minutes! You can’t control the weather so I’m looking forward to running this race again next year with different results. And oh, they have one of the coolest finisher medals!!
Tons of Fun
My first year doing this race. I ran the challenge (15K, 5K and Half). The expo was awesome (spent $$$) the bling was gorgeous and love the challenge jacket. The … MORE
My first year doing this race. I ran the challenge (15K, 5K and Half). The expo was awesome (spent $$$) the bling was gorgeous and love the challenge jacket. The weather was great this year (2018), a but warm but overall cant complain. The negatives would have to be that all 3 races ran up and down Bayshore – would have liked more variety. Also, the food at the finish was super crowded but the beer and music was at a completely different location 2 blocks away. Much more room to move at the party. Would do it again.
Fun race fast course strong wind
Alot of fun during festival week. Music, pirates, arts. It's a lot of fun. The course is flat and fairly fast though there was a strong cross wind running out … MORE
Alot of fun during festival week. Music, pirates, arts. It’s a lot of fun. The course is flat and fairly fast though there was a strong cross wind running out and back along a point on the water. Not a fan of flat courses but the scenery is nice and it’s festive! Always good to hit warm weather in the winter. 🙂