Journeys of The Key West Southernmost Walker: February 2014

Tampa, Florida area white pelican

Tampa, Florida area white herons

Tampa, Florida area pelicans

Tampa, Florida area night herons

Tampa, Florida area ibises

Tampa, Florida area flowers

Tampa, Florida area doves

Tampa, Florida area cormorant

Tampa, Florida area blue herons

Some of the Half Fanatics at the Tampa Gasparilla Half Marathon in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, February 23, 2014

Tampa Gasparilla Half Marathon
Tampa, Florida
Sunday, February 23, 2014

On Sunday, February 23, 2014 I race walked the Gasparilla Half Marathon in Tampa, Florida. The temperature was near 70 degrees with no breeze and overhead fog during the entire event. The approximately 10000 participants followed a nearly flat route for five miles through Davis Island and the rest of the distance along the bay front on roads that were completely closed to traffic. Many police officers ensured the safety of the participants. Water/Gatorade stations were located approximately every 1 to 1.5 miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. Spectators were located along the bay front in large numbers and enthusiastically cheered for the participants. My friend, Bart Yasso, from Runner’s World magazine was at the exposition on Friday and the finish line on Sunday. The event was very well organized and fun to do. In addition to the half marathon there was an 8K on Sunday and a 15K and 5K on Saturday. The races were scheduled in such a way that people could do any or all of the races. Actually there were many participants that completed all four races.