Full Review of My 2023 Garden of Life Palm Beaches Half Marathon Weekend

Disclaimer: I received entry to Palm Beaches Marathon to review as part of being a BibRave Ambassador. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews!

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My First Garden of Life Palm Beaches Half Marathon

This was the first time I ran the Garden of Life Palm Beaches Half Marathon and I loved it. I think this race was the perfect way to cap off my running year!

It was a smooth operation from packet pickup to the finish line. Keep reading for details.

The Half, Full and Relay began at 6 am on Sunday, December 8. (Image Credit: Palm Beaches Marathon)

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Two Day Expo in Downtown West Palm Beach

The expo was Friday from Noon to 6 pm and Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

The 5K and 10K events were Saturday morning. The Half, Full and Relay were held on Sunday morning. There was no packet pick up on Sunday morning.

Everything was under a giant tent for the expo. It was easy to pick up your bib, shirt and goodie bag all in one place. It rained off and on on Friday, so I appreciated the tent.

There were a few local vendors, but no supplies for runners who forgot their socks or gels. There were race specific hats, shirts, and fleece available to purchase.

The main attraction was the Garden of Life display which showed runners a preview of what was inside their goodie bags. The goods came in a sturdy reusable canvas tote.

The expo was in the heart of downtown — surrounded by lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and holiday displays.

Parking was available in several nearby city lots for a reasonable price. If you stayed in a downtown hotel you could easily walk to the expo and race.

The Garden of Life goodie bag pick up tables. (Image credit: This Old Runner)

Runners picking up their Garden of Life goodie bags. (Image credit: This Old Runner)

There were shirts, hats, and fleece available at the expo.

What's in the goodie bag? SO MUCH! (Image credit: This Old Runner)

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Race Shirts + Goodie Bags

I love the long sleeve turquoise v-neck tech shirt I received as a half marathoner. The color is perfect. I know I’ll wear it often.

The goodie bags from Garden of Life were incredible. Just incredible! All kinds of Garden of Life product filled a generous tote bag. I’ve never received a goodie bag like this at a race before.

Ladies v-neck long sleeve, race medal, goodie bag tote and it's contents. (Image credit: This Old Runner)

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Race Day!

Time to get this race started! (Image credit: This Old Runner)

BibRave meet up before we run! (Image credit: This Old Runner)

Puppies! This was one of the aid stations on the course.

The Half Marathon was on Sunday morning. (5K and 10K were Saturday morning.) The race start and finish line were in the same place, which was close to the expo tent.

There were pacers for the half and full marathon. I ran with a pacer for the first 7 miles, then switched to run/walk method.

There were plenty of water stops with electrolyte and water. I think I counted 15 stops. There were also a few stations that offered energy gels.

I don’t know which volunteers were having the most fun at aid stations — there were puppies, energetic teens, and even a group dressed up as BARBIE. The Barbies offered water, sports drinks, music and constant “Hi Barbie” greetings to runners.

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The Half Marathon Race Course

Half marathoners ran along the water on Flagler. We ran north to Manatee Lagoon, then turned south and ran waterside until mile 9.5 when we turned into a charming, older neighborhood. After almost 2 miles we returned northbound on Flagler to the finish line.

The course was flat and picturesque. Often there was a cooling breeze off the water. BTW, the full marathon is a Boston Qualifier.

Enjoyed running down Flagler. Up there on the left under the tents was a display of holiday sand castles. (Image credit: This Old Runner)

Saw a few boats heading out for Sunday sails. (Image credit: This Old Runner)

The race offered free photos. I noticed photographers at the starting line, halfway, and finish line. This is me halfway through the race.

Downtown WPB was feeling festive for the holidays. (Image: This Old Runner)

I love water views on a run! (Image credit: This Old Runner)

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Finish Line

After crossing the finish line, runners received an icy towel, bottled water and a gorgeous medal.

​A few yards from the finish was a mimosa station. Inside the tent there were pancakes, bacon, sausage, orange juice, mimosas and bananas.

Finish line volunteers took good care of us. (Image credit: This Old Runner)

This is an icy green towel that felt WONDERFUL at the end of the race. (Image: Palm Beaches Marathon)

Whew! That was fun, but it's good to be done. (Image credit: This Old Runner)

And....DONE! (Image credit: Palm Beaches Marathon)

Pretty medal that exudes that Florida feeling! (Image credit: This Old Runner)

Mimosas were available at the finish line and in the food tent. (Image credit: Palm Beaches Marathon)

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West Palm Beach in December? Yes, Please!

I’ve heard from other runners that the weather has been both hot and cold in the past. I thought it was just right this year. After training all Summer and Fall, this race felt good to me! (Sweaty, but good!)

If you’re looking for a smaller race (4K runners total) in a beautiful location — come run in West Palm Beach in December. 

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Thanks to the Race Director and Crew

Thanks to the race director and crew for an awesome job of hosting a beautiful race in a beautiful place! 

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