Half Marathon of the Palm Beaches
West Palm Beach, Florida
Sunday, December 4, 2011

Sunday, December 4, 2011 was the eighth edition of the Palm Beach Marathon Festival in West Palm Beach, Florida. I did the event each year - the marathon the first 5 years and the half marathon the last 3 years. This year’s event was very poorly done when compared to the previous 7 years. My biggest complaint was that 4 out of 5 water stations beginning after mile 7 had no water available to the participants by the time I arrived at them. This is unforgivable, especially on a day when the temperature was between 72 and 77 degrees the entire time. Three of these stations still had over 500 marathon participant to serve. I was so concerned about the safety of the marathoners that I contacted the medical people at the finish line to explain my concerns. They told me they were aware of the problem and were trying to rectify the situation. Another major problem was the places where the 10K, half marathon, and marathon separated. There was only one very tiny sign at each place and no course marshals to direct the participants. Needless to say, many participants missed the turns. The age group awards consisted of a small medal and a ribbon which said age group winner without stating the actual age group, sex, or place. I guess what bothers me the most is that the eighth edition of the event was so poorly done after the first seven years were so outstanding. There were positive aspects to the event which featured a nearly flat course on a mostly sunny day with a steady 20 mph wind, gusting to over 30 mph, in the mid 70 degree temperatures. The police did an excellent and friendly job of keeping the course completely cleared of traffic. The volunteers at the water stations were enthusiastic, cheerful, and efficient. Also at the stations where water ran out, the volunteers were extremely apologetic and genuinely concerned as they realized how important it was for the participant to remain properly hydrated. The spectators along the route cheered enthusiastically. Of the 135 marathons and 73 half marathons that I have completed since 2002, the eighth edition of the Palm Beach Marathon Festival holds a rank near the bottom near the bottom of the list.