Runner Reviews

2007 Holiday Halfathon Feedback

I know Christa Benton from Northside Christian School (she works with my wife) and she told me last night you all did another outstanding job in organizing the race. I'm just sorry I could not make it.
- Glenn Cate, St. Petersburg, FL

Thanks for a great race again this year!
- Ginelle Michael, Tampa, FL

The overall event was great. Food was good. Course was great for running. Entertainment was enjoyable. I did enjoy this event ... I would participate again.
- Chuck Stephens, St. Petersburg, FL

Thanks for a great race!
- Jodi Marshall, Tampa, FL

Thank you for coordinating such a fine race. I truly had fun and will do it again and again. Much thanks.
- Connie Boudreaux, Bradenton, FL

Another good race you put on. See you at Clearwater.
- Mike Fair, Trinity, FL

Thank you Chris and all of your crew. My husband and I are so glad that we took the good advice of our friends who said, "You have to do this race, it is awesome!" We met our friends and carpooled from Sarasota at 5am and enjoyed the whole event. I love the post race venue, the race course, the happy / cheerful volunteers, and the truly capable police blocking the road ways and directing traffic. I also enjoyed your words before the start of the race. You have a way with words. We will put the Holiday Halfathon on our race calendar in 2008 and tell all of our friends about it. Also, love the shirt and awards/medals.
- Rachel Chambers, Sarasota, FL, 2nd Female Overall

It was great and I did have a lot of fun – I will be there next yr.
- Bruni and Mark Neufeld

Wanted to tell you that the race was really nice again! The course is so beautiful. The weather cooperated too. It was a great day. My husband enjoyed his volunteer duties. We enjoyed the meatballs and pasta very much. It was delicious. It was great running the Halfathon again! My son was glad he got to run it again as well. Hope to see you next year!
- Anita Reibel, Aventura, FL

I had an awesome race and experience, thanks very much for everything. I also had 5 or so friends join. Thanks.
- Jackie Cahill, Tampa, FL

I wrote to you a couple of weeks ago asking advice, because I wanted to run the Half, but wasn't sure if I had time to catch my flight back to Washington DC, leaving from Tampa at 11:15 am. I want to thank you for a great race and great advice. By staying at the Hampton Inn and leaving directly from the finish line to the airport, like you said, I was able to arrive with 15 minutes to spare before boarding! Without the information you sent me, it would have been impossible for me to know how to run the Half and make my flight. Thank you so much for the personal attention and a beautiful race and all the support along the course. I wish I could have been there for the finish line festivities... I'm sure it was a lot of fun. Next year I'll plan it better! It's certainly a wonderful escapade from these cold days in DC! Best wishes!
- Manuela Carvalho, Washington, DC

Just wanted to thank you for a great day yesterday. This was my first half and was thoroughly enjoyable. I picked up my packet on Saturday and did a little shopping. Everything was well organized throughout the weekend. I'm sure it takes many, many hours to pull this off. Thank you very much to you and your team!
- Tony Romanus, Sarasota, FL

I ran the halfathon yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the course route – I thought it was extremely well done ... so thank you for putting this together. I look forward to the upcoming Clearwater Halfathon next month.
- Ben Kreloff, Clearwater, FL

Everything was great. Personally finished better than expected despite feeling very exhausted by the heat. My body was not specifically trained for the morning heat seeing I train around 4:30 am and am finished w/ my long runs by 8am. So, in saying that the only thing I would change is an earlier start time. I live in Sarasota and here we start ours in March earlier. With that said, I do still realize we live in Florida w/ very unpredictable weather! Thank you, and of course, thanks to everyone that helped! Look forward to next year.
- Dawn LaCroix, Sarasota, FL

This race was great! I'll be back next year.
- Carol Bancroft, Safety Harbor, FL

I thoroughly enjoyed the Holiday Halfathon last week. Looking forward to next year – everything was great.
- Sunny L'Heureux, St. Petersburg, FL

I can usually come up with multiple suggestions for races that I have completed over the ten-year span that I have been racing, but it's difficult to find any faults with the Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon. Race Director, Chris Lauber, has paid attention to past suggestions runners have made and has the race organization down to a near exact science. The website is totally comprehensive and is constantly updated, the price is much more reasonable compared to other Florida half marathons, the packet and chip pickup procedures are stress free, the course is well marked and laid out and even has three Florida hills (bridges). The pasta and meatball breakfast was excellent and so was the entertainment. The beer wasn't a bad idea either! My only suggestion: go with a tech type shirt or singlet next year rather than a cotton shirt. Most of the larger races seem to be going in this direction.
- Alan Meyer, President of the Bradenton Runners Club

GREAT race, I really enjoyed myself on the course. Thank you for the tons of water/Gatorade on the course and the enthusiasm of the volunteers, police, and everyone else. While my time wasn't what I wanted, I'm probably going to do this race again next year. My first 5K was a 5K PR (25:03), but I definitely slowed way down in the end -- walking a good chunk of the final 5K ... albeit really slowly. Your half was my third in as many weeks, and was definitely at the top of the heap. Thanks again for a great race. The medal is one of the best in my growing collection and your website is one of the best local race websites around.
- Leslie Ryan, Plant City, FL

It was a lot of fun, a nice, flat course. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
- Jay Lochhead, Longmont, CO

It was a great race and look forward to doing it again next year.
- Kevin Connor, Tampa, FL

Thank you for putting on a great Holidathon a few weeks ago. Many of my gals attended. Elaine is from England and does not know how to go about getting her award – it was a race she trained for very hard. I know you can appreciate us runners and the training we go through.
- Lynn Gray

Great Race. The event just keeps getting better each year.
- Frank Malczyk, St. Petersburg, FL

You guys rock! This was my first Halfathon and definitely not my last. I thought the aid stations were spaced perfectly and truly enjoyed the after-party festivities! The only thing I would ask, is that there be clocks intermittently placed along the course in the future. I foolishly forgot my watch and was having to ask for pace along the way. Keep up the GREAT work!
- Todd Rudnianyn, Ocala, FL

Hi. First, thanks for a great time on Sunday! All in all, the race was great and I'll do it again next year! Thanks for continuing to improve it!
- Suzanne Jarl, Dunedin, FL

I've run many races over the years but this was my very first 1/2 marathon, I've never run that far before. My experience was awesome ... the race was great, the course was beautiful, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I will definitely be back next year ... and hopefully with a faster time! Thanks so much for all your hard work, I loved it!
- Lisa Stallard, Clearwater, FL

I actually did get to set a PR, so I was a happy camper. Pretty sore today, but already better than yesterday. (Who needed that toenail anyway? I got 9 more just like it!) A special thank you to all the volunteers in case I didn't get to thank them personally along the way.
- Kathy Robinson, Pinellas Park, FL

This was a PR for me and something I am proud of.
- Mike Gilmore, New Port Richey, FL

I thought it was a great race.
- Judy Lind, Sarasota, FL

Great run organization. Thank you for everything.
- Beth Edrington, Mahoment, IL

I also would like to comment on how nice the race was. This is my second year and I thought the race went just as planned and I look forward to it next year. Please let me know if it is possible to get my award (I am very proud of getting third), my age group is tough. Thanks for a great race today.
- Tom Watterson, Tampa, FL

Thanks for a great race! It was my first time running this race as my husband and I are new to the area, but I will be out for it again next year. The size and logistics were great.
- Sheila Rogers, Tampa, FL

Great race and fun at the halfathon.
- Lynda Roszel, Tampa, FL

I just wanted to say that I loved the event and appreciate all the hard work of your volunteers. They made it a wonderful time.
- Bill Lobb, Bartow, FL

Many thanks for all the work you do each year organizing and putting on these fine beach races.
- Dave Bremm, Largo, FL

Great race. One of the best races I have ever had the pleasure to run! The volunteers were fantastic. The course was beautiful. I loved all the informational e-mails. I can't wait till next year!
- Denise Cavalli, Ft. Myers, FL

2006 Holiday Halfathon Feedback

Nice race today. The food at the end was very good (first class!). This is the 4th time I have run the race, and it keeps improving.
- Frank Malczyk, St. Petersburg, FL

Thank you very much for a wonderful first race experience. I'm one of the walkers and it was great that there was still both water and Gatorade at all the stations as I got to each of them. And the food at the finish - WOW - Macaroni Grill, fruit and sweets and again all the stuff is available when I crossed the finish line. It was a great day and I'll be back. Thanks again.
- Ginger Mize, Orlando, FL

I ran the 1/2 today and loved it. What a nice course. I ran my best time yet. Thanks for a great day.
- Gail Kolb, East Stroudsburg, PA

It was a great race once again - Mitch and I have run them all...
- Carol Greening, Osprey, FL

Again, one terrific run, you guys are getting better and better at this, for sure these two 1/2's are my favorite winter runs, I look forward to seeing you again in January for our Clearwater 1/2. You do an incredible job at putting those together, thank you so much for a terrific winter season!
- Pila Cadena-Vega, St. Petersburg, FL

This was my first year running this event and really enjoyed it. I liked the course and felt that it was well organized with a great buffet at the finish line. Thank you.
- Pam Ristau, Sarasota, FL

Want to express how much I enjoy the race. It was a lot of fun and am looking forward to next year :o) Thanks.
- Tom Ahern, Temple Terrace, FL

I wanted to let you know that I very much enjoyed the Halfathon on Sunday. It was a great course and wonderfully organized for a relatively small race. Thanks again for a great weekend!
- Virginia Browning, Gainesville, FL

I LOVED your race. The course was varied and pretty. The weather was perfect. The post-race food was marvelous. Thanks again for a job well done.
- Ann Morris, Muncie, IN

Just wanted to say a great big THANKS for putting this race together! It was an awesome race! Everything from the course itself, to the volunteers, to the post race party, to the very organized and efficient transportation getting back to the Start Line. Everyone was helpful and pleasant. It was very well organized. And I love the medal and t-shirt! This is the first time I participated, and I plan on making it an annual event! Thank you again and keep up the great work!
- Pauline Parrish, Sarasota, FL

This was my fourth half marathon and one of the best experiences yet. It was great to have real bathrooms available before the start of the race. We picked up our numbers race morning and it couldn't have been more efficient. Great food and a beautiful park setting at the finish all contributed to a wonderful event. Thanks!
- Vickie Krivacs, Palm Harbor, FL

Simply the Best.............A BIG THANK-YOU to all who were involved in making this race happen. I am definitely looking forward to next year.
- Dianna Parady, Clearwater, FL

I wanted to take the opportunity to let you know how much I enjoy your race. It is one that is for sure in my list for next year. Very well organized, lots of help, lots of friendly people and the results were out there sooner than I ever expected. Oh, and the food, excellent. Thanks very much for letting me be a part of your event. Thank-you.
- Miriala Mondeja, Tampa, FL

Thanks so much for not discouraging me from starting the race late! Despite the delayed start (21 minutes) due to the key locked in the car, never looking at my watch to see my mile times, I had my second fastest half-marathon ever! I can tell you, I never felt physically better at the end of a half-marathon race than yesterday morning. I learned a lot about how to pace myself in future races and I think I will actually be a better racer because of the unexpected events of the morning! A big thank you to your volunteers who waited for me at the first water stop! I needed some fluids and they were there clapping their hands and encouraging me in the race. Wow! I was honored! Thanks again for a wonderful race! I look forward to participating in next year's race.
- Karen Griner, New Port Richey, FL (Last to start but not last to finish!) :)

I just want to say I enjoyed running the Halfathon for the second time. I plan on running it next year. It is definitely worth the drive from Aventura. It is well organized and the course is so nice. I especially like running on Pinellas Trail. My husband Harvey enjoyed being a volunteer! Thank you for a great day!
- Anita Reibel, Aventura, FL

Just wanted to say thank you for organizing such a fabulous race! The volunteers were terrific - I wouldn't have made it through the race without their encouragement and Gatorade/water. I have only run two half marathons (this one and last year) - I highly recommend it to all my fellow runners! Thanks.
- Jayne Encarnacion, St. Petersburg, FL

The race was fantastic due to superb pre-race planning including excellent website, e-mail updates, sufficient traffic control and great post-race food (something not always found even at major races). You are a superb organizer and race director!
- Alan Meyer, President of the Bradenton Runners Club, Bradenton, FL

I enjoyed running my first half - it was a great experience! Thank you for all your hard work and see you next year!
- Mary Waugh, Tampa, FL

WOW! Great race. The course didn't take pity on my knees, but it rivaled any course I've run to date. Volunteers and cheering squads really made the time and miles fly.
- Torami Williams, Tampa, FL

I was out of town for your Halfathon, however my students said they really liked the 1/2 hour walkers' early start. Some of my faster students chose the regular runners' start, but the ones who did the early start really were happy.
- Bonnie Stein

The weather was great and I liked the cool start because I am always overheating. I am from Michigan and came to Florida to spend the weekend with my dad, Bill Damore, and for both of us this was our first half marathon. The race was organized, the volunteers at the aid stations were efficient and friendly. The post race party food was good. I enjoyed a couple of beers with my dad on the beach before I flew back to Michigan that evening. All and all, a great day and great race. My father and I have already talked about making this a father-son traditional weekend so, with that said, I will be back!
- Andy Damore, Indian Rocks Beach, FL

I ran the half marathon this last Sunday. I've never run in a race before, this was my first. So I don't have any past experiences to judge this event by, but I wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed this Holiday Halfathon race. From the race director, all the tireless volunteers and the wonderful sponsors all made this a fantastic race. It was great to be a part of it and I thank everyone involved for all their time and hard work.
- Dan McAnallen, Bonita Springs, FL

Kudos to whoever pulled off the feat of getting Macaroni Grill as a post race food sponsor!! I love their food, and it was the best post race meal I have ever had. As usual, the preparations were magnificent, and the course is simply great. I think you all did a marvelous job, and I will continue coming back as long as I can. Keep up the good work!!
- Kevin O'Sullivan, Tampa, FL

This was the third time I have run this race...it's a good race. The volunteers were excellent and everything worked like a charm. Wow! Has this race grown.....good job!
- Stefanie Schatzman, Brooksville, FL

Just a quick note to thank you and everyone that worked so hard to make this another great event. This was my third year running this race, and it just keeps getting better. Thanks again and I look forward to enjoying the Clearwater Halfathon in January.
- Bill Zulas, Clearwater, FL

This was my first time doing the halfathon and I can't wait until next year already. It was a great run. Thanks again.
- Christina Lackey, Tampa, FL

I ran in the race this year for my first time and it was great! I had an awesome time and I think you all did a great job with the event! Thanks again, it was so much fun!
- Lindsey Rabideau, Tallahassee, FL

I liked the Holiday Race. I liked that you keep in communication with the runners. I liked the fact that you also announced the racer's name at finish line. You're enthusiastic and that made it more fun in the race. I'm looking forward to run in the Clearwater Half marathon. NO WIND! Thanks.
- Ann Luefan, Clearwater, FL

I was so impressed. What a great group of volunteers, well-marked route, finish line with our names announced then great food in a beautiful park. I really appreciate how organized and easy everything was it took the stress off. The walkers start allowed my best friend (with a running injury) to enter a half marathon for the first time and we finished together. Great day all around. Thank you.
- Kristen Wahl, Seminole, FL

I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed participating in the half marathon last weekend. I am now back home in Ontario, Canada and missing Florida greatly!! The course was perfect (flat and easy to run on) and the volunteers were superb! I would love to come back and do this again sometime. Thanks so much!
- Rob and Susan Headon, Ontario, Canada

Well, it was quite different to see last week's event from "the other side." I hated that I couldn't run with friends, but glad that I could volunteer and give back a little of what I have received for the past few years. It was really nice to work the first water station with your wife and daughter. I look forward to participating on the runner's side again next year. You've changed the medal and now I need to earn a starfish with the cap!
- Jim McConnell, St. Petersburg, FL

What a good race - things went much smoother than ever - volunteering is a pleasure - all the runners are polite and thankful. Good Job...
- Jim McAvaddy

I want to thank you for all of the attention to detail and the welcoming environment provided to the "walkers." I had 7 first-time and 1 second-time finishers - all VERY proud of both the accomplishment AND the "best" times!!!!!!!!!!! Ages averaged from late 30's to early 60's. Each began a "beginner's" training in August and stayed the course. One is planning to run/walk Disney in January, others are considering a second go in February for Gasparilla! Again - Thanks for all you do to promote the sport, health and fitness.
- Diane Jamai, Tampa, FL

It was fun volunteering. We actually got to meet new people because of registration, and seeing them during early a.m. registration (pre-race), at the late water stop, and after the race, was a gas. I am looking forward to doing the Clearwater Half and maybe seeing a few of them again.
- Peter and Cathy VanDernoot, Dunedin, FL

I finished my Madeira Beach halfathon in under 2 hrs, which was a personal best and I hope to improve next half marathon 2007 Jan 21. The food after the race was appreciated.
- Dr Quintyne, Orlando, FL

Greetings from cold and damp England - wishing I was back with you in Florida. Many thanks for a superbly organized half-marathon. We came over to the States for a combined 33rd wedding anniversary celebration / opportunity to run in your race. You didn't disappoint. We had a superb vacation on the Gulf Coast and I bettered my best ever half marathon time by 5 minutes - how good is that? I must add my thanks to the volunteers and sponsors for the food and welcome at the finish in Taylor Park.
- Dave Barratt, Milton Keynes, England

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed volunteering at your wonderful event on December 10. In spite of recuperating from my recent back surgery, I wanted to feel a part of the running community so what better way to do but volunteer! I had a wonderful time at the first water stop handing out water and Gatorade with your wife, daughter, and Jim. Jim and I then drove over to Taylor Park to greet and hydrate runners/walkers as they entered into the park. The day was perfect for running, and I can't wait to get back out on the road so next year, I can thank the volunteers along the course!
- Donna Carter, St. Petersburg, FL

I would like to say, I was excited about this race as usual. It is my third year doing this as a "walker." My goal this year was 12 minutes per mile. I have to admit, even with being frustrated at myself for being late for the start at 7:05, I was still able to obtain my goal. Even as I passed people jogging! Keep up the good work and I will see you first at the Clearwater Halfathon, and then at the events next year!
- Lynn M. Lewis, Largo, FL

The Holiday Halfathon was my first, and I loved it. I finished an hour sooner than I expected and was very pleased with the way everything was run, especially having portalets! All of the volunteers and cheerleaders along the way were very encouraging. I would recommend the race to anyone and look forward to my next. The only thing I'll do differently is wear a better pair of shoes! Thank you all for your hard work.
- Kathleen Robinson, Pinellas Park, FL

Many thanks for your efforts in putting on the Gulf Beach races. Each one has been great! We look forward, once again to the Clearwater race in January ("ugh" to the bridges, but we think of them as Florida "mountains"!)
- Glenn and Leslie Jacobs, New Port Richey, FL

Thank you again for your hard work in putting together such a quality and popular event! - Millie Hamilton, Redington Beach, FL

I had a great time helping. I felt good all week knowing I did something meaningful with my Sunday. Let me know if there is anything else I can do in the future. If I am available I will be there.
- Beth Alena, Tampa, FL

Thanks for the Holiday Wish. The Gulf Beach half back in 2003 was my first endurance event after changing my life around and loosing 65 pounds. My life has never been the same since. 2004 I ran the Gulf Beach full and have never feared a challenge since. You have touched many lives in a positive way. I am only one of those stories.
- Allen Weatherilt, Clearwater, FL