First Watch Half Marathon
Sarasota, Florida
Sunday, March 17, 2013

Sunday, March 17, 2013, Saint Patrick’s Day, saw me race walk the First Watch Half Marathon in Sarasota, Florida. The race started with a temperature of 52 degrees, a gentle breeze, and a mostly clear sky. By the time I finished the temperature had climbed into the upper 60’s, the wind remained gentle, and the skies were mostly cloudy. The course was mainly flat; however, a high level bridge had to be crossed between mile markers 1 and 2 and re-crossed between mile markers 4 and 5. The road was closed to traffic; however, some automobiles forced their way across the course in places where no police or volunteers were stationed. Water/Gatorade stations were located approximately every 2 miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. The event was well organized and fun to do.