Women’s Half Marathon & 5k

As a spectator, it would have been more helpful to have information on good «view points» or where there weren’t any organized groups cheering people on. Apparently there was a lot of confusion with the route shift this year too. It was difficult for us to get from one part of the course to the other without driving all around the St. Pete area. The starting line and after party area were PHENOMENAL! Great job Women’s Running :)

Women’s running events are my jam. I’ve run this one twice, once in 2011 and this year. I participated both times in the half marathon and have nothing but awesome things to say (Except one thing. The band at the end. Please never again.)
The expo started on time, was quick and they gave out all information online and through email so that there was never any guessing as to where to park or where to go. There were plenty of bathrooms to use before the race however there may have been some volunteers needed to let runners know where the second set was. The lines were pretty long at the porta-​potties nearest to the starting line were packed. The other set of porta-​potties (which there were tons) had no lines and as soon as I spotted those I ran my little butt over there. Nothing makes a girl have to pee more than a starting line.
The volunteers were excellent, the crowd support was amazing (AMAZING), and the whole course was well planned and interesting. Can I move to St. Pete now? It is so cool! A great way to showcase it’s new restaurants and shops.
The after party had fresh Natalie’s juices (oh good Lord) and frozen banana slices covered in dark chocolate. That was the best post race food I’ve ever had. Chocolate and grapefruit juice. Strange, but oh man, so great.
A great race and even better if you can sign up earlier and save some money, this one gets pricey.

This is going to be an odd review, as I did not actually participate, but instead tangentially worked it as part of a traffic detail.
As far as marathon’s go, this one has some of the friendliest people around. Everyone had smiles, there were no problems as far as people being upset. The course is a great winding one along the waterfront of St. Pete and then through downtown around the Trop. Great scenic trip and I’d recommend anyone interested in just walking St. Pete to consider printing the course map and just walking it for fun.
If I didn’t always have to work the marathon, I would definitely consider joining in, seemed like a ton of fun.

I participated in the inaugural half marathon in 2009, and again in 2010. I am super amazed at how organized and well run this event was pulled off both years. Organizing so many people cannot be an easy task.
The route is scenic with a lot of interesting views as you make your way through the course. A plethora of bathrooms are available at the start and finish line as well as throughout the course. Different musical groups sometimes play along the course.
I love the finisher’s medals here as well. The ½ marathon and the 5k metals are not the same, so if getting the metal is important to you, make sure to find out which one you will be receiving. The metals are unique in that they have a removable charm you can use on a necklace or bracelet after wards. Overall this is a great group adventure and exciting. Some people even walk the entire way and that is acceptable as well – they are not super strict about times at this event.
The first event was so huge additional cities have been added. The Women’s half marathon is now being held in St. Petersburg as well as Nashville, Scottsdale /​Tempe, and Bloomington, MN. The expo has really great merchandise and is not to be missed!