The Space Coast Half Marathon was a race on our bucket list and it did not disappoint. While we signed up due to the space theme of the race and potential for seeing some hilarious costumes along the route, the route itself was the beautiful surprise of the whole event. 

Expo
The race expo was held at the Radisson Convention Center at Radisson Resort on the Port. The resort was also the race's host hotel and apparently the hotel of choice for those leaving from the nearby cruise terminal. Needless to say, parking was in short supply, but someone had hired parking lot attendants to direct traffic and find parking spaces for people where there were none. We were instructed to double park behind cruisers as they wouldn't be returning to their cars before the expo's conclusion. 

After a short invigorating walk to the convention center from our parking spot, we arrived 90 minutes before the closing of the medium sized race expo. There were no lines to pick up our participant guides and race bibs, and though the line to pick up our long sleeve technical t-shirts was long, it moved quickly. We were disappointed to discover that neither of the shirt sizes we had ordered were available. Note to runners of this race: if you want the correct size shirt, be sure to arrive at the expo early or take advantage of the week-long packet-pickup option at the Running Zone, a local running store. Luck was with us in the end as the men's small fit my long arms perfectly (Note to female runners with long arms, don't order women's sizes. The sleeves are always too short!) and the volunteers found a box of men's larges and yelled for Justin to come back for the correct size. 

We spent about fifteen more minutes browsing the expo, mostly at the one vendor selling GU and official race merchandise. There were some fun photo opportunities at the expo. We recommend donning your space race shirt, posing with the astronaut statue, and snapping some pictures.

Accommodations
We put a small amount of effort in, in attempt to find a hotel within walking distance to the start, but there were none to be had. We opted instead for the race's host hotel, the Radisson, which offered free shuttles to the starting line on race morning. The race also offered shuttles from other area hotels (14 of them, including all the usual hotel suspects like Marriott, Hampton Inn, Best Western, and more). Locals had the option to park at Merritt Square Mall and take a shuttle to the race start. 

Though the Radisson was bursting at the seams with guests, plenty of staff members (garbed in Space Coast Marathon t-shirts) were on hand to accommodate everyone. After a sound five hours of sleep on one of the hotel's Sleep Number beds, we woke up in time to catch the 5 am shuttle to the 6 am start in downtown Cocoa Beach. 

Places to Eat
Mere steps from the Radisson was Kelsey's Restaurant & Pizzeria. We ventured out towards the starting line the night before the race, just to investigate. Along the way we found Merritt Island Square Mall and a bevy of chain restaurants like Olive Garden and Carraba's. If you sit outside at Carraba's you can avoid the long wait required for an indoor seat.

Course & Fan Support
The course began and ended in Riverfront Park, an ideal location for a number of reasons. Sufficient port-a-lets were lined up along one side of the square, far enough away from the action to not be an eyesore, but close enough to the race start to be convenient. The park's restrooms with flushable toilets were also open and available for anyone who wanted to brave the extra long line. Bag check was located in a tent in the middle of the park, manned by volunteers in NASA costumes. This was the first time we took advantage of a bag check and we found it to be super easy. After stuffing a clear drawstring bag with dry clothes, we stuck a sticker with one of our bib numbers on the outside and left it for pickup at the end of the race. 

The park's stage was set up for the awards ceremony later in the day, and circling the stage was paved pavilion whose circumference would later act as the finish of the race. 

The out and back course began a block from the park on Brevard Ave. Because it was still dark at the 6 am start, it was easy to see the giant screen displaying a shuttle liftoff that started the race. After a quick exit from downtown Cocoa Beach, the course took us along Rockledge Drive and the Indian River. All runners were treated to sunrise over the river on the left and some beautiful Cocoa Beach homes on the right, many of which were twinkling with Christmas lights. Aid stations were located about every two miles and were stocked with water and Gatorade, and with GU at mile 8. Many volunteers were dressed for the race's theme, and we were handed waters from astronauts, superheroes, Star Wars characters, and some regular (and generous) earthlings. One private home was throwing a tailgate party, and cooking eggs and bacon and passing both out to runners. Fans could also be found throughout the course, holding signs and cheering runners on. It wasn't a problem for one fan to bike the course and cheer on his people every mile or so. Due to the out and back nature of this course, frontrunners  like Justin got a ton of support from fans and runners alike. He declares this race to have one of  the friendliest running crowds.

Post-Race Party
After turning around at mile 6.5, all half marathoners ran back along the river and into downtown Cocoa Beach. We circled the pavilion and crossed the finish line where the race announcer called out names of finishers. Volunteers handed runners impressively large Challenger finisher medals and we proceeded onward toward water, a photo op, and all the post-race party had to offer. Justin had already taken advantage at the Racejoy tent and learned he had placed first in his age group. As we waited for the 9:30 awards ceremony to begin we snapped photos of ourselves with more astronaut statues, refueled with the pizza, egg, and pancake breakfast, washed down with a Coke for me and a beer or two for Justin. We cheered on the first few marathoners to cross the finish line and from there made our way to the stage. Bart Yasso and former astronaut Mile McCulley presented Justin and the other award winners with framed Challenger photos and water bottles. 

From there we proceeded to the shuttle area where we boarded a bus back to the Radisson. While we did not wait at all for our shuttle, there was apparently a long enough wait earlier that people were complaining about it via Twitter. We recommend leaving the post-race party around ten if you want to avoid any wait time.

Final Verdict
This race is worth traveling to for many reasons. It's a medium sized race with big race perks, like Bart Yasso, all-you-can-eat post race food, costumes, and a fun theme. The course is one of the most beautiful we've run; the 6 am start time probably exists for a number of reasons, but surely one of them is to allow runners to watch the sun rise over the Indian River. 

Tips for a Successful Space Coast Half Marathon

1. Register for this race early; it sells out.
   
2. As a nod to the space theme, consider wearing anything from a NASA t-shirt to alien sunglasses  to a full-on costume. It was lots of fun to see how different people gave their own nod to the Space Coast.
   
3. Be prepared for a very early start. It means you won't need sunglasses for the first two hours of the race, but you will be running in the dark. I was glad to be wearing my Nite Beams visor which lit the path ahead.
4. Don't worry about staying close to the starting line. The shuttles from any of the area hotels will get you to the race just in time.
   

For more information on the Space Coast Half Marathon visit www.spacecoastmarathon.com.  

This half marathon was a must-do for us for two reasons. First, it was held in St. Augustine, Florida, which (in our opinion) is one of the prettiest cities on the east coast. Second, it would be my last chance to run a half marathon on my birthday for seven years, so I figured I'd best seize the opportunity when it presented itself. As it turned out, this was a great race to run for many reasons and we'd highly recommend it to anyone. 

Packet Pickup 
The St. Augustine Half marathon was actually part of a weekend of running events which included a 5k and 10k on Saturday, and then the half on Sunday. As a result, the race expo began on Friday at noon and continued through Saturday, closing at 5 pm. The expo was held at Francis Field, which was a parking garage away from the city's visitor center. We were too cheap to pay $12 to park in the garage, so we found a spot nearby that allowed us to park for free. We arrived at the expo about thirty minutes before closing time, where it looked a bit like a ghost town. Needless to say, there was no wait to pick up our bibs and unisex tech shirts, which were both handed to us in bright yellow reusable shopping bags. Two vendors were left at the expo, one selling running shoes and a few other running supplies, the other selling beet recovery juice. We snapped a few photos of the finish area and inquired about parking for race day (which was free in the garage as long as runners arrived before 7 am). Francis Field was a brilliant spot for both the expo and the race finish as there was ample parking for all race participants (thanks to the visitor center garage) and it was in close proximity to downtown St. Augustine. After leaving, we took a little while to walk around downtown. If you've never been to St. Augustine before, take a day or two to enjoy all the oldest city in America has to offer. 

For those that couldn't make it to Saturday's race expo, packet pickup was available on race morning. 

Accommodations & Places to Eat
Accommodations were available all over St. Augustine, and even weeks before the race there were still reasonably priced rooms available within two miles of the race start and finish. Anyone booking early may have been able score a coveted room at the Best Western Bayfront Inn, which was mere steps from the start and a few blocks from the race's finish. 

We stayed at a Sleep Inn located about a mile from the race start on Anastasia Ave., just over the Bridge of Lions. As it was right on the half marathon course, we passed it twice on our run. We drove in on race morning and encountered no traffic on our way to the parking garage. 

Also available weeks before the race were a Days Inn and Holiday Inn on North Ponce de Leon Ave. Both would have also been convenient places to stay.

Dining options were practically limitless. Anyone staying downtown could have dined at one of the local restaurants, with no need to drive anywhere. We had to drive to a nearby Marshall's for an emergency armband and found a Carraba's located just next store. Shopping and chain dining options were plentiful in this area. 

Course & Fan Support
We had heard horror stories from friends who ran this race the year before of the two bridges along the course. Runners take note, there is nothing to worry about. If you live where there are hills, these bridges will be no problem. If you live like us in the Land of No Hills, as long as you are running some inclines (we run our local bridges) you will be fine. One bridge is barely even a hill!

When runners weren't running one of the two bridges, the course was entirely flat. After the turnaround point, runners were directed through Anastasia State Park and past the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum. The start and the finish in historic downtown St. Augustine were the most picturesque, and watching the sunrise at the start of the race made for some great photos. 

The course made it easy for spectators to drive to multiple spots where they could cheer on friends and family members. As a result, a handful of individuals could be found at most major intersections, and most were holding funny signs. I passed one man holding a sign that said, "I'm cheering for two hot blondes" at least three times, so he was getting around (pun intended). 

Aid stations were located approximately every mile or two and offered water and Gatorade. Volunteers were friendly, helpful, and enthusiastic. There was little chance of anyone getting lost due to the clearly marked course and vocal volunteers. 

Post-Race Festivities
Runners finished under an archway reminiscent of St. Augustine's Castillo de San Marcos. An announcer, who had enough talent to be a New York City DJ, was entertaining those crossing the finish line and those already done. Volunteers draped the biggest finisher medals I've ever received around our necks and from there we proceeded onward to enjoy the post race offerings. The Columbia Restaurant, the race's main sponsor, provided post-race food and Michelob Ultra offered a beer to each finisher. There were port-o-lets and port-o-sinks available at Francis Field, as well, though we never saw a long line at any of these, either pre or post race.

Though neither of us had earned any awards, we stuck around for the awards ceremony and were glad we did. The St. Augustine Half Marathon presents all the typical awards, but also has a neat tradition. The oldest male and female finishers are given the honor of drinking water from Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth. 

Final Verdict
For any marathoner in the southeast, add this race to your bucket list. It was the second race we'd been a part of in two days that was impeccably organized, had skilled volunteers, and was just a great event to be a part of. 

Tips for a Successful St. Augustine Half Marathon

1. Register early. This race is capped and will sell out. 
   
2. Run some hills before the race so you can feel comfortable on the out and back trip over two of St. Augustine's bridges.
   
3. Wear sunglasses and/or a visor. On a clear day you will be running into the rising sun for a good portion of the race. 

For more information visit staugustinemarathon.com. 

We couldn't resist signing up for the inaugural Sweet Tea Half Marathon, even though we were already registered for the St. Augustine Half Marathon the following day. As it is only hours after Sweet Tea and we haven't yet run St. Augustine, we are currently glad to have been a part of this inaugural event. At many inaugural events we hear, "This was well organized for a first time race." This was just a well organized event all around. In fact, it might be the best small race we've run.

Packet Pickup
Packet pickup was held in downtown Summerville all day on Friday, the day before the race. It was an unusually cold weekend in coastal SC, so the outdoor packet pickup made for a chilly day for the few vendors. Runners also had the option to pick up their bibs and shirts the morning of the race. Our friend Rosemary picked ours up for us on Friday, allowing us to get bibs pinned on the night before the race. Race shirts were tasteful, gray, long sleeve tech shirts that were available in both men's and women's sizes. On race morning a Sweet Tea volunteer was cheerily trading out shirts for anyone who found theirs to be ill-fitting.

Accommodations & Places to Eat
This being a local race meant that we had the luxury of spending the night in our home, though our house has noisy, attention seeking cats, whereas a Choice Hotel generally does not. In all honesty, we looked into hotels for the race as we were concerned about the 45 minute drive for a 7 am race start. The closest options were local bed & breakfasts, while chain hotels could be found in abundance closer to the interstate (about five miles away).

Runners were encouraged to patronize local businesses following the race. As it was a cold morning we twice visited the Single Smile Cafe (which conveniently opened at 7:30 am) for hot beverages on a cold morning. The course started and ended in picturesque downtown Summerville, so runners had plenty of options for walking to any downtown restaurants. Chain restaurants like Panera, Cracker Barrel, and Mellow Mushroom were located a short car ride from the course.

Course & Fan Support
The Sweet Tea Half Marathon course was relatively flat and surely saw many PR's on race day. Aid stations were available every two miles. Though there were many turns along the course, each one was manned by vocal volunteers who made sure runners were headed in the right direction. Additionally, the course was clearly marked by dozens of giant white arrows guiding runners towards the finish line.

While spectators weren't plentiful, those that were in attendance were some of the friendliest and most vocal of the races we've run. Many held personalized signs for friends and family members running the race. Aid stations were located approximately every two miles and all offered runners water (with the exception of one rogue, unofficial station which was reportedly doling out beer to of-age participants).

Post-Race Festivities
Runners finished right in downtown Summerville, and after crossing the finish line volunteers draped tasteful sweet tea finisher medals around runners' necks. Post-race festivities were held near the finish where some streets were closed so runners could hang out and chow down on bananas, bagels, and an impressive assortment of delicious pastries. A live band started playing music shortly around Justin's finish and entertained everyone until the awards ceremony at 10:00. Overall awards were generous, and since Justin was the third male finisher, he reaped the rewards of Summervillian generosity. He left the race with a free pint glass and having earned enough money to pay for his entry and some of mine.

Final Verdict
If you are a local, this race is a must-do. Sign up for the nice race shirt, the enthusiasm of the fans, and the efficiency with which the race is run.

Tips for a Successful Sweet Tea Half Marathon

1. This race made everything so easy for everyone that it would be hard even for doofuses like us to mess it up. There's not much runners need to do to prepare for this race, other than be ready to run 13.1 miles.
   
2. Be prepared for any type of weather. This inaugural event was held on a morning that saw 35 degree temperatures (approximately 15 degrees below average) with a biting wind, while the Thursday before the race temperatures were in the seventies. We hadn't seen such cold conditions since the previous January or February.

For more information visit www.sweetteahalf.com.