Tampa Gasparilla Half Marathon

Tampa, Florida

Sunday, February 24, 2019

On Sunday, February 24, 2019 I race walked the Tampa Gasparilla Half Marathon in Tampa, Florida.  The two day gathering had more than 31000 entries in the four events --- the 15K and 5K on Saturday and the half marathon and 8K on Sunday.  Both days saw warm temperatures, 73 to 83, mostly sunny skies and gusty wind between 5 and 12 mph.  All the courses are on city streets that were completely closed to traffic and was very flat with no elevation higher than 25 feet above sea level.  Police controlled traffic and water/Gatorade stations were located every 1 to 1.5 miles with Gatorade first and water second with every station having plenty of friendly enthusiastic efficient volunteers taking care of the needs of all participants.  The event has been held for 41 years and I have participated 12 times --- 6 marathons (no longer included) and 6 half marathons.  The event has always been extremely well organized and fun for all.  My friend, Bart Yasso formerly of Runners World, and Meb Keflezighi were the celebrities featured at this year’s event.

The Exposition

Chris Lauber with me

Before the Race

Bart Yasso with me

After the Race

Bart Yasso

Daytona Beach Half Marathon

Daytona Beach, Florida

Sunday, February 10, 2019

On Sunday, February 10, 2019 I race walked the Daytona Beach Half Marathon in Daytona Beach, Florida.  There was a 60% chance for rain but none showed up.  The winds were 10-15 mph with higher gusts and completely cloudy skies.  The race started on pit road in Daytona International Speedway and did an almost complete lap of the track.  After exiting the Speedway the course generally headed east for 5 miles to the Atlantic Ocean.  Most of the way was exposed to the strong head wind including a climb over a high level bridge over the intercostal waterway.  The next quarter of a mile was on beach sand; however, the solid sand where cars are allowed to drive was covered with waves making the journey challenging on soft sand.  The rest of the course returned the 783 finishers to the finish line which was across the street from the speedway.  In the past the finish line was inside the speedway; however, because auto racing was scheduled for the speedway on this date, it was not able to happen.  Police were located at all intersections controlling traffic to allow participants to traverse unimpeded and traffic to pass during gaps.  Water/Gatorade stations were located approximately every 1.5 miles and were manned by plenty of friendly efficient volunteers taking care of the needs on the participants.  This is the fifth time that I have completed this event which is always well organized and fun.  Two NASCAR drivers completed the half marathon.  48 year old Travis Hannack completed the race in 1:44:10 with was sixth in his age group.  43 years old star Jimmy Johnson was very impressive on Sunday as he completed the half marathon in 1:34:18 which was first in his age group.  At 12:30 he placed third in the time trials for his start position in next week’s Daytona 500.  At 3:15 he competed in the Advance Auto Parts Clash which featured the top 20 NASCAR drivers racing 75 laps of the 2.5 mile Speedway.  After two short rain delays on lap 55 Jimmy made a move to get the lead.  Almost immediately afterwards a 15 car pile-up caused a yellow flag to occur.  Under the yellow 5 more laps were completed before a major shower caused the rest of the race to be cancelled.  Under the rules Jimmy Johnson was declared the winner since he was leading.  I saw all this auto racing action because Kate, the race director, gave a ticket to the event to each of the half marathoners would wanted to attend. 

Daytona 500 Pole Qualifying

Advance Auto Parts Clash