Sarasota Grouper Marathon
Sarasota, Florida
Sunday, February 15, 2009

As I started to race walk the Sarasota Grouper Marathon on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota, Florida, the temperature was 64 degrees with almost no wind and very cloudy skies. The humidity was more than 90 percent. The course was almost flat with two crossings of high level causeway bridge. Police and volunteers did an excellent job of keeping the course clear of traffic. Water/Gatorade stations were located every two miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. Some spectators were to be found throughout the course which highlighted much of the sights of the Sarasota area. During the few times the sun broke through the clouds, the race became very hot; however, fortunately the heavy clouds remained most of the time and made the race more bearable. It was a well organized event during which I enjoyed myself.