Race for Research Half Marathon
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Saturday, March 23, 2013

I race walked the Race for Research Half Marathon in Port St. Lucie, Florida on Saturday, March 23, 2013. The approximately 400 participants found conditions to be somewhat different than was predicted a few days before the race at the original prediction called for low 60’s, clear skies, and 15 mph winds but the start of the race saw a temperature of 70 degrees, calm winds, and clouds with light fog. Thus, the last half of the race became hotter than desired when the fog burned off and the skies became partly cloudy with little breeze. Water/Gatorade stations were located 1.5 to 2 miles apart and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. The course was flat and consisted mainly of a dedicated lane that for the most part contained no traffic. Intersections were controlled by friendly police officers. Parking for the race was in a mowed field and were directed by the local police explorers group that handled the traffic as efficiently as Disney does at its theme parks. The race was very well organized and enjoyable. The Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies hosted the event.