This Old Runner Writes About Running

Register Before the Next Price Increase for First Watch Sarasota Half, 10K and Relay

6/5/2019

Hooray for Running and Race Discounts! Here's a friendly race reminder for you. If you want to run the First Watch Sarasota Half, Relay or 10K this October, register before the price increases at 11:59 pm on June 6th.

Use my discount code “BRSARASOTA19” for $10 off half or relay; $5 off 10K!

Disclaimer: I’m promoting First Watch Sarasota Half as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews

Sarasota's Favorite Race is October 20, 2019

The First Watch Sarasota Half, Relay and 10K moved to October in 2019 due to construction issues. The date changed, but everything else wonderful is the same.

Expect a scenic route, great on course support, tech shirt, delicious post-race party with all kinds of good eats (and beer) and of course that big, bright, blingy dolphin medal.

Stay tuned for more things to love about First Watch Sarasota Half.

Use Discount Code "BRSARASOTA19" to Save $

Don't wait to register. The price goes up at 11:59 pm on June 6, 2019! Use my code, BRSARASOTA19 to save $10 off half or relay; $5 off 10K! See you at the starting line in October!

#SARASOTABR #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunSarasota #RunTheRingling #RunFlorida #FloridaRunners #WeRunSocial #HoorayRunning #ThisOldRunner #MRTT

St Armands Circle and the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon, 10K & Relay

5/11/2019

Last month, I started a series on my favorite things about the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon. I'm promoting the race as a BibRave Pro, but also because I really love this race. It's one of my favorite courses 'cause it's interesting and challenging.

The event includes a Half Marathon, a 10K and a Half Relay. That means there's a race for every type of runner or walker. Today, I want to tell you about St. Armands Circle. It's a charming part of the race and the city of Sarasota.

Disclaimer: I’m promoting First Watch Sarasota Half as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

2. St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle has a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Click here for a current list. It's a fun and historical place. If you're looking for souvenirs or a one-of-a-kind gift, you'll find it here.

Runners see part of St. Armands early in the race. I recommend you make a plan to explore St. Armands before or after the race. Do some window shopping or grab a bite. Most restaurants have outdoor seating which makes for fun people-watching.

Aerial view of St Armands Circle in Sarasota.

Aerial view of St. Armands Circle during a car show event. (Photo credit: Stefan Nadwodny)

Sarasota Half Marathon racers in St. Armands Circle.

St. Armands, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Bird Key

Sarasota has some of the most beautiful beaches around. During the race, runners enter St. Armands from the Ringling Bridge side. As you can see below, there is plenty of shoreline up and down Lido Key. St. Armands Circle is an excellent way to start, finish or breakup a day at the beach.

Google map of St. Armands Circle and Lido Key in Sarasota

Google Map of St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida.

First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay Course Map

Course map for the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay.

Course map for the 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon, 10K and Relay. (Photo credit: First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon)

Save $10 Off Half & Relay or $5 Off the 10K

The Sarasota Half, 10K and Relay is popular because of the location, course, race management, and those super-sized dolphin medals. Another good thing is my discount code.

Use BRSARASOTA19 to SAVE $10 Off the Half and Relay or $5 off the 10K. Register before the next price increase. See you at the starting line!

#SARASOTABR #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunSarasota #RunTheRingling #RunFlorida #FloridaRunners #WeRunSocial #MRTT

6 Months - 25 Weeks - 180 Days Until the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon

4/23/2019

A Few of My Favorite Things About This Race

Recently, someone asked me why I like to run the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay. I return year after year because it's a beautiful course and well-run race. BTW, there's a 10K distance, too!

Since we have plenty of time before race day (October 20, 2019) I thought I'd describe some of my favorite things about the race.

I'll start with #1 and add the rest every few weeks until race day. Here's my list:

1. The John Ringling Causeway Bridge
2. St. Armands Circle
3. Tamiami Trail
4. Sarasota Bay Neighborhoods
5. Start and Finish Line
6. Post Race Party
7. The Dolphin Medal

Disclaimer: I’m promoting First Watch Sarasota Half as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

1. The John Ringling Causeway Bridge

Around here, bridges are the closest thing to a mountain or hillside. Florida is flat. A lot of our bridges don't have much elevation either, but the Ringling Bridge is a respectable challenge. It's 60 feet tall and .586 miles long. The bridge connects Sarasota to St Armands Key and Lido Key.

Here are some images that show why I enjoy running the bridge not once, but twice in the first few miles of the race.

Photos: First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay; Graphics: This Old Runner

Save $10 Off Half & Relay or $5 Off the 10K

This race is popular because of the location, course, race management, and those super-sized dolphin medals. Another good thing is my discount code. Use BRSARASOTA19 to SAVE $10 Off the Half and Relay or $5 off the 10K.
Register before the next price increase. See you on the bridge!

#SARASOTABR #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunSarasota #RunTheRingling #RunFlorida #FloridaRunners #WeRunSocial #MRTT

First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay Price Increase Happens on April 4

3/28/2019

Disclaimer: I’m promoting First Watch Sarasota Half as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

SAVE $10 with My Discount Code

Hurry up and register for the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay. (There's a 10K race, too!)

Current price is $70 until April 4th. Use my code: "BRSARASOTA19" to💰SAVE $10 on the Half or Relay, or $5 OFF the 10K race. 🙌

(Photo credit: First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon. Video credit: This Old Runner)

First Watch Sarasota Half is October 20, 2019

The First Watch Sarasota Half, Relay and 10K move to Fall this year. This scenic run through Sarasota will be on Oct. 20, 2019.

If you haven't run here yet, you should! You can read my 2018 review here. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ FYI: This event always sells out!

I know October seems far away, but get registered before the prices increase on April 4! 🐬🐬 See you at the starting line for that beautiful sunrise on Sarasota Bay!

#RunSarasota #SarasotaBR #BibRavePro #BibChat #FirstWatch #SarasotaHalf #DiscountCode #CouponCode #RaceDiscount #Runnersofinsta #werunsocial #mrrt #runtampa #runstpete #FloridaRunners #halfmarathon #relay #10K #SarasotaBay #RunTheRingling #firstwatchbreakfastcafe

First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay Moves to October 20, 2019

3/9/2019

Disclaimer: I’m promoting First Watch Sarasota Half as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to find and write race reviews.

SAVE $10 When You #RunSarasota in October

One of my favorite half marathons is moving to October this year. It's the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay in Sarasota, Florida.

This event has a special place in my running heart. It's a beautiful course that takes you up and over the challenging John Ringling Causeway Bridge, around St. Armands Circle, and through some beautiful old neighborhoods with giant shade trees and Sarasota Bay views. The race begins and ends at Van Wezel Hall — a fun waterfront venue on the bay.

Keep reading to learn more about the race and get my $10 Discount Code!

Check Out the Race Course

The race includes going up and over the John Ringling Causeway Bridge at mile 1 and mile 4. This is a picture of the approach. The bridge is 60 feet high. (Photo credit: FW Sarasota Half)

After the bridge and St. Armands Circle, runners race along the Tamiami Trail for a couple of miles. After mile 7 half marathoners head into quiet neighborhoods with views of the bay. (Photo credit: FW Sarasota Half)

Next, runners race 4 miles through neighborhoods and on Bayshore Blvd. before returning to Tamiami Trail and the finish line at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. The finish line leads to the post race party on the bay. (Photo credit: FW Sarasota Half)

2019 First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon, Relay, and 10K Course Map.

First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay Course. There's a 10K race, too. (Photo credit: FW Sarasota Half)

Why I Like the New Race Date

Florida's racing season is different than other parts of the country. Around here you can find 3-4 races every weekend in March. In the past, it meant you had to choose one race over another, or run two races on the same weekend.

Sure, there were times I ran a couple of races one weekend. And, I've run a half marathons two weeks in a row. But, I like it much better when I can spread them out. It makes each event special and allows plenty of time for recovery.

Now, First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay are at the start of race season in October. I can run the half without FOMO on other races. Plus, it's a great motivator to train through the summer and kick off the Fall racing season with a bang.

October Temps in Florida

If you've never been to Florida in October — come on down. While it's getting cold up North, we're still enjoying sunny beach days.

October is a great time of year here. Humidity can be low or high, so I can't predict that. But, I did look up the predicted temps for October 2019:

Expect warm days and cool nights in Florida during October. That means the Gulf water temp and beaches will be perfect. (Graphic: Weather Channel)

SAVE $10 on the Half with My Discount Code

Register early and you can run this half marathon for $55. The current price is $70 until April 4th.

You can use my code: "BRSARASOTA19" to SAVE $10 on the Half or Relay, or $5 OFF the 10K race. That means your half marathon price is back down to $60; the Relay is $90; and the 10K is $45.

Register soon for the best price! Take a look at the registration schedule:

(Photo credit: FW Sarasota Half)

Awesome Post Race Party on Sarasota Bay

The named sponsor is First Watch Daytime Cafe. They make some of the best breakfasts around. On race day make sure you get a yogurt parfait, and hot pancakes. They're delicious after running 13.1 miles.

Yep, that's a band on stage in the background. Post race there are drinks and breakfast foods to refuel all the runners after their races. Relax, eat, and enjoy the view. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Make sure you get a granola and yogurt parfait! (Photo credit: FW Sarasota Half)

Last year's race offered beer and sparkling seltzer as well as plenty of Gatorade and water. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

You'll Earn Big Beautiful Bling

Big bling was a thing in Sarasota long before the rest of the races caught on. Check out last year's dolphin medal. I've been tracking Sarasota's medals for the last 6 years, and they are always awesome! Their medals are some of my best race mementos.

The First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay is known for it's beautiful dolphin medals. This is the medal from 2018. Stay tuned for this years' medal. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

The First Watch Sarasota Half is part of Lifetime's Florida Storm Series. These runners earned extra bling by racing multiple half marathons. (Photo credit: FW Sarasota Half)

Read My 2018 Review and Register Early

If you want more info, you can read my review of the 2018 race. Check it out and then get yourself registered for this year's event. Remember, use "BRSARASOTA19" to SAVE $10 on the half or relay, and SAVE $5 on the 10K when you register online.

#RunSarasota #FirstWatchSarasota #HalfMarathon #OctoberHalf #RunFlorida #RaceDiscount #CouponCode #SaveMoney

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