Space Coast Half Marathon
Cocoa, Florida
Sunday, December 1, 2013

I race walked the Space Coast Half Marathon in Cocoa, Florida on Sunday, December 1, 2013. The temperature was around 65 degrees with mostly cloudy skies and a gentle breeze. The course was nearly flat out and back along the west side of the Indian River. The roadway was open to those who live along the route. I only saw two slow moving vehicles on the course during my journey. Water/Gatorade stations were located every 1 to 1.5 miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. There were quite a few spectators along the route cheering for the participants. The finish area was very crowded with spectators. The post-race food was very plentiful featuring pizza and a traditional pancake breakfast. Each finisher received a very nice medal and a Space Coast Beach Towel. The half marathon started at 6 AM and the marathon at 6:30 AM. This allowed most of the half marathoners to be finished before the marathoners used this part as their last 13 miles. The event had a very large time limit as the course did not close until 1:30 PM. The event was sold out and as normal was extremely well organized and fun. Jeff Galloway was a speaker at the prerace pasta dinner and helped at the finish line. Jeff is a former Olympic athlete who encourages participants of less experience to alternate walking and running to put less stress on the body. Former Astronaut Mike McChulley also helped at the finish line. I have done this event for many years as it is always enjoyable.