Space Coast Half&Full Marathon Nov. 2009

[dsnyfan21]

Hey WISHers!

I knew that some of us were talking about doing the next Space Coast Half or Full Marathon.

I just checked the website and the latest information is now posted.
http://www.spacecoastmarathon.com/

Some information from the website.
Date: Sunday Nov.29th
Start: 6am
Entry Fees
Pay By Date Mar. 1 - Aug. 31 Sept. 1 - Oct. 31 Nov. 1 - Nov. 28
2009 Marathon $80 $85 $90
2009 Half Marathon $65 $70 $75

Running Zone and Space Coast Runners welcome you to the 38th running of the Space Coast Marathon and Half-Marathon – Florida’s oldest marathon. We invite runners and walkers alike to experience one of the most beautiful USATF certified waterfront courses on the east coast.

Both races start in the historic and quaint Cocoa Village, and finish with a lap around the Riverfront Park amphitheatre where family and friends can cheer and watch your finish live and on the JumboTron.

As our race is held within the shadow of the Kennedy Space Center, the entire event revolves around a space theme sure to delight and energize our participants.

As part of the celebration of the Space Coast, here are some of the amenities planned this year:

Custom “Astronaut” Medal and a “Space” Certificate to recognize and commemorate their accomplishment of all finishers
Start your race to the roar of a Space Shuttle countdown and liftoff on the Jumbotron
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex admission discounts to participants
“Space” Props along course and at finish line area
“Space” Themed Water/Aid Stations all along course
Volunteers in NASA-like uniforms and hats
“Space" Photo opportunity with astronauts walking around the pre-race dinner and race site
Opportunity to win a dinner for up to four people to “Dine with an Astronaut”



Who is thinking of participating?? Who has participated before and how did you like it? Any tips about the race/area and where to stay?

I will keep a list of who is signed up/ for which race and where your staying.

Definately:
Tracy (dsnyfan21) - Half - Radisson Resort
(syko) - Full-Hank Crank Class
Brandie (mickeysurfer) -? - Radison Resort
Liz and Patrick - ? - Radisson Resort
Wendy (getnthinr) - Full - Radisson Resort
Vic (Big Vic) - Half - Radisson Resort
Stacey & Jeff - Half - Radisson Resort
Lynn (Sidestitchwalker)- Half - ?

Possible:
Suzanne (SuzanneNews)
Tricia (TnTsParty)
Mel (chimera)


Racey Tracy

 

[syko]

I'm not signed up wait a bit because of $$ but I am going to do it, they even have a hand crank class.

 

[suzannews]

I saw this one last year but wanted Disney to be my first 1/2 marathon. I'll put this one on my maybe list for this year!! Looks like I have until the end of August to decide and get the cheaper registration price.

Thanks for the info Tracy!!

 

[TnTsParty]

I would like to do this one too (most likely the half not the full) I would like to combine a Disney trip for my bday on Nov 27th with this since they aren't too far apart. Just have to figure out if I will be able to do the training this year or not. So I most likely will be waiting to sign up - like Suzanne looks like I have until Aug to decide before the price raises.

It does look interesting though - especially being the oldest marathon in Florida. I would have like to do the Marathon of the Palm Beaches half the next weekend but I heard that it was sold to a some what not so reputable company - best bet is to stay away until I hear better things

 

[syko]

Tricia Please could you let me know what you have heard about West Palm Beach marathon??
As I was planning on doing that one too, but if there is a problem with it I will not waste my $$$$.

 

[surfermickey]

Tracy: I was thinking about doing this one as well. So put me on the list, and we will see what happens as it gets closer. Liz convinced me to go to Chicago in August for the RNR so depending on how things are with school and work will make up my mind for me.

 

[TnTsParty]

Tricia Please could you let me know what you have heard about West Palm Beach marathon??
As I was planning on doing that one too, but if there is a problem with it I will not waste my $$$$.

I really would have liked to do the Marathon of the Palm Beaches since its only 15 miles away and would be my "home" marathon.

The city of West Palm Chamber of Commerce use to own the marathon but then I heard they wanted to sell it and that the people who put on the Rock N Roll Marathon's wanted to purchase it. I guess things didn't work out - the RNR people wanted to move it to March instead of Nov and other problems etc. Then I found this article that the race was sold to a guy who's company has a shakey track record - not paying vendors, winners etc. and then another article that said that the race director since the beginning will not be staying on for this year.

I would never discourage someone to not do a race and I hate to invade the Spacecoast Marathon thread but since I mentioned it in my post and you asked I figured others that might be considering the Marathon of the PB should know what I read and make their own opinion. As for me I will keep my ear out to see if I hear any better news and/or the 2009 will turn out wonderful. Then hopefully by 2010 I will be able to do my "home" marathon.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/local_news/epaper/2009/02/24/0224marathon.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=76

 

[syko]

Tricia Thank you for the information, I will wait to hear more befor I decide......i'm just glad RnR did not get it as they do not allow hand cranks in any of there races.

Now back to Space Coast talks.....................................

 

[FireDancer]

I was seriously considering this race for the fall but ended up doing one a little close to home to save on the travel expense. The course looks amazing...and by amazing I mean flat.

The Space Coast, WDW Full, and Gasparilla in Tampa are on my must do list for marathons.

If anyone does the Space Coast make sure to do a report, I would be interested in the crowd participation and race organization.

 

[TnTsParty]

If anyone has any insight on where to stay for the Space Coast race I would like to know. I see that there are 2 hotels listed and that there is a free shuttle from those hotels just not sure on which on is better - they seem to both be at the same price. I am going to do more research - if I find anything out I will post what I find.

If things work out I may even think of doing the full on this one. Yikes - have I gone crazy?

 

[suzannews]

I have a friend who lives in Merritt Island, not too far from the race site and sent her an email to see if she knows anything about this race or anyone who has done it in the past.

 

[syko]

Thanks Suzanne That info will be helpful.

Tricia Can't help with the hotels as we will be driving over on race morning to save $$.

 

[TnTsParty]

http://www.marathonguide.com/races/racedetails.cfm?MIDD=1506081130

I found this link that has reviews of the full and half from previous years. Sounds like the half is the way to go - the full seems to be pretty lonley after the the first half. Not very many spectators or runners.

 

[syko]

Thanks for the link, I will be going full as I need to do one before the Dopey.

 

[twoWDWfools]

Tracy: I was thinking about doing this one as well. So put me on the list, and we will see what happens as it gets closer. Liz convinced me to go to Chicago in August for the RNR so depending on how things are with school and work will make up my mind for me.

Oh sure, blame me for making you do Chicago......well guess I can work on talking you into this one and take the blame for it too!

Tracy - put Patrick and I down, please. Not sure on distance yet. Oh and would you like me to convince you to come to Chicago as well? Have one more couch open.

We're staying at the Radisson Resort at the Port Thur thru Sun then heading over the WDW for couple days (at Pop).

 

[surfermickey]

Oh sure, blame me for making you do Chicago......well guess I can work on talking you into this one and take the blame for it too! QUOTE]

Yes well, I would have never thought of that one on my own. I will blame Tracy for Space Coast. Since I have a job now, I can use my money for all these races. Because what better way to spend money that you make at the running store.

 

[dsnyfan21]

You can blame me all you want for this one!! I saw something about it last year and it caught my eye!

Spacey Tracy
(when is the chicago?)

 

[chimera]

I am shooting for this one, though being Thanksgiving weekend, our plans are not finalized yet.

 

[sue2]

I did the Space Coast full last year and really liked it. Great organization and support....great shirt, medal and beach towel too!! And they have kept the cost reasonable. I'll be there again this year!

 

[surfermickey]

Tracy: Chicago is Aug 2nd. I found some cheap airline tickets from Southwest and there is a $15 off code for the race registeration. Sounds like a good trip to see everyone again, and a different part of the country. Besides I am always up for a vacation