Flat, fast, and friendly describe the third annual Sarasota Marathon, held on March 2, 2008. 530 runners finished the marathon while 1,949 completed the half-marathon. Both events started in the dark at 6:00 am at the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Temperatures this time of year can range from the 50 to 80 degrees. For this reason, the race director intelligently starts the race early enough to ensure that most runners won't be on the road during the heat of the day. The race course wound its way south through residential neighborhood with views of Sarasota Bay. At mile 3.5, runners continued to race south along US 41 (Tamiami Trail), a very busy road. While traffic was blocked on one side of the highway, this was not the most scenic part of the race.
Between miles 5 and 6 (John Ringling Causeway), the marathoners and half-marathoners parted ways. While marathoners had fewer runners to socialize and cluster with, this was a benefit to most marathoners in my opinion. Our counterparts at that point were only other marathoners, not speedier halfers that didn't have to endure the full 26.2 miles. This helped with pacing and psychologically I understood that we had a long way left to run.
Miles 6 through 11 took us south along Bayfront Drive and in a loop through quiet neighborhoods south of downtown Sarasota. By this point, the sun was above the horizon, trees, and buildings. Little shade was left and it was beginning to get hot. Around mile 11, marathoners began their climb up the John Ringling Causeway Bridge. The climb was noticeable but not brutal and was actually a welcome change from the otherwise flat course. Runners were greeted with spectacular views of the Sarasota Bay on both sides. The light blue sky melded seamlessly into the sailboat-dotted turquoise-colored bay. The Causeway was about a mile long so we were able to truly experience and enjoy these views. The Causeway led us to Lido Key, one of the barrier islands off Florida's west coast.
Miles 13 through 19 wound through Lido Key. We ran past resorts and hotels, the Gulf of Mexico, Mote Aquarium, Longboat Key, and St. Armand's Circle. Miles 20 through 21 took us back up and over the Causeway again. This side of the bridge was noticeably steeper. Also, runners faced a strong headwind making the climb more difficult. At mile 21, runners were back on the mainland and heading to the finish. We headed north back up US 41 and were greeted by the first noticeable groups of spectators along the course. At mile 24, the course headed west again through a quiet neighborhood along the Bay. At mile 26, the course entered the Ringling compound to the finish.
The Sarasota Marathon race director put on a first class event. High temperatures and a consistent headwind likely resulted in slower finishing times for most runners. Regardless, runners were provided water and Gatorade at least every 2 miles, which was necessary given the high temperatures. The course was scenic, flat, fast, and fun. Volunteers and police were everywhere leaving no confusion about any part of the course. The Sarasota Marathon/Half-Marathon were laid-back and low-key events where distance runners could enjoy running without the frantic fanfare associated with larger events. The race, however, was just large enough to make you feel like you were a part of something. The Sarasota Marathon/Half-Marathon is the perfect end-of-winter getaway for those that love the simple pleasure of running and the ocean.
Other runner's comments about the Sarasota Marathon can be found at www.marathonguide.com.
