Journeys of The Key West Southernmost Walker: January 2019

Miami Half Marathon

Miami, Florida

Sunday, January 27, 2019

On Sunday, January 27, 2019 I race walked the Miami Half Marathon in Miami, Florida. Even though it was predicted to have showers at a 70% level for the entire event, the rain stopped 15 minutes before the start and it did not rain at all. I could see much showers around the area. The wind blew relatively strong out of the southeast making the 4 miles across the Mac Arthur Parkway to Miami Beach a little more difficult. There is a high level bridge just before mile 1 and the rest of the course is relatively flat on city streets that were either completely closed to traffic or had dedicated lanes that were completely closed to traffic. Numerous police officers were station with their squad cars blocking the intersections. Water/Gatorade stations were located approximately every mile; however, there were not enough volunteers or tables to keep up with the needs of the 14178 finishers in the half marathon and 2818 finishers in the full marathon. Cups of liquid disappeared faster than the volunteers could fill them so the participant either had to wait or skip many of the stations. I have done this event all 17 years that it has been held --- 7 marathons and 10 half marathon. My wife, Gerda, has done the first 16 years and was planning to do the 17^th edition; however, on Thursday, January 24 she seriously injured her leg muscle and was forced to not participate which disappointed her greatly. I really do not like the location that the exposition is held, Mana Wynwood in the Arts District which is filled with graffiti, barred windows and doors, as well as numerous out of business stores. I do not feel safe parking and walking through the area. The Miami Beach Convention Center or the Marlins Stadium were better locations used in the past.

The Exposition

Much of the Graffiti in the area displays much artistic talent

Before the Race

After the Race

Key West Half Marathon

Key West, Florida

Sunday, January 20, 2019

On Sunday, January 20, 2019 I did the Key West Half Marathon in my hometown of Key West, Florida. The race was delayed for 2.25 hours as two lines of rain and thundershowers were going to pass through Key West. When the race started at 9:15 AM the 4000 entries experienced misty rain, 15-20 mph winds and a temperature of 75 degrees. After 15 minutes into the event no further rain occurred and gradually the skies became partly sunny. It was a good decision to delay the race. I am really appreciative that the City of Key West let the event happen with the delay. Many of the other cities that I have done races would have forced the race directors to cancel the event. Most of the participants had traveled to Key West for the three day weekend. In fact there was entries from all 50 states and many countries. The highest natural elevation in Key West is 17 feet above sea level so as a result the course is very flat with no hills or high bridges. I am very appreciative that the numerous volunteers and police officers were able to stay for the entire event. All intersections had volunteers controlling traffic and major intersections also had police officers. Motorcycle officers also patrolled to keep traffic out of the dedicated lanes that were utilized by the participants. Water/electrolyte stations were located approximately every mile and had plenty of volunteers taking care of the needs of the participants. It was especially nice that stations had tables spread out to alleviate much of the crowding. A special thank you goes out to the numerous retired navy personnel and their spouses who represented more than 50% of the more than 300 volunteers. I have completed the Key West Half Marathon in 11 of its 21 years of existence and really appreciate how well organized and fun the event is as a result of the tremendous efforts of race directors, Barbara Wright and Evan Snitkoff, and their staff.

Packet Pick Up

Race Director

Evan Snitkoff

Volunteer,

City Manager

Jim Scholl

Volunteer

Jim Smith

Before the Race

After the Race

Beachside Half Marathon

Vero Beach, Florida

January 6, 2019

The temperature varied from 48 to 65 degrees with sunny skies and 5 to 10 mph wind. The course was flat except for crossing the Intercostal Waterway on two high level bridges on city secondary roads that contained almost no traffic with police officers controlling traffic at a few places that were likely to have cross traffic. Water/Gatorade stations were located every 1 to 1.5 miles with only half of them having Gatorade. There were plenty of friendly efficient volunteers at the stations taking care of the needs of the 305 finishers in the half marathon. There was also a 5k. This was the second consecutive year that I have enjoyed completing the half marathon which is extremely well organized and fun. In fact by the time I returned to my motel the results had already been posted on their website.

Packet Pick-up