Gasparilla Distance Classic in Tampa Bay?

[DisneyRunnerGirl]

Has anyone done any of the races that are part of this weekend? My niece was thinking of signing up for either the half or the 15k at the end of Feb, but we were looking for feedback from people who have participated in the past.

Sounds likes lots of distance choices and lots of people over the 2 days, but as most of us know race management can be all over the place and it can make or break your event.

Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

 

[FireDancer]

The first race I ever did was the Gasparilla Classic 5k. I was planning on doing the half this year but a co-worker's wife is expecting a baby around that time and I'm going to have to cover for him while he is on paternity leave. Unless the quality has gone down since I did it in 2005 I think it is well run and a race I'd recommend.

 

[suzannews]

I did the 1/2 this past March. I thought it was very well organized, stocked water stops and the volunteers were very encouraging. I am a back of the packer so I need all the positive energy I can get!! They had a very nice and surprisingly big expo, nice long sleeve tech shirt and fantastic skull and cross bones medal!! We stayed at the host hotel just over the bridge so I could walk to the expo and the start.

 

[geaux_half]

I plan on doing the 15k this coming February and also signed up to volunteer for the Princess 1/2 the next day.

 

[chris84bond]

I'm signed up for the Mic Ultra Challenge so I'll see you guys there! Didn't run it last year due to injury but looking forward to it this year!

 

[guava]

If I hadn't done the Disney half marathon 7-8 weeks before, I might have liked it better, but with Disney as my one and only comparison I was actually a little disappointed in Gaspirilla last year. I liked the part after the crowds cleared a bit and we were running on Davis Island. I also liked the fit of the shirt and the medal but I felt the entertainment and overall energy level were lacking.

 

[kaf7878]

As a Tampa girl, I know zillions who have run this event (including my husband). It's a large event and very well organized. The shirts and bags were super cool this past year

As for scenery, I would say it's decent. Like Disney, some areas will be very scenic and some will be just boring roads. I haven't looked at the course map this year but you usually run along Bayshore which is quite beautiful.

If I survive the Disney Half this year, I'm thinking of keeping the streak alive and running Gasparilla. There is also another half a couple weeks before Gasparilla--the St. Pete Rock n Roll marathon--that got pretty good reviews.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I'm running the St. Pete R 'n Roll Half but since Princess is the same weekend as Gasparilla I'm not doing that one (though sounds fun!)

-em