Sarasota Music Half Marathon
Event begins and ends at Van Wezel Parking Lot (777 N. Tamiami Trail)

EVENT OVERVIEW: www.SarasotaHalf.com

TRAINING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Fleet Feet and New Balance will offer two training programs for the event.  Whether you are a walker or a runner or a combo of both, there is a program for you!  For more information or to register, please click here.

PACKET PICK-UP (NEW BALANCE SARASOTA)

All participants must pick-up their race packet and show photo ID. You may pick up another athlete’s race packet IF you have a copy of their photo ID. No ID, no packet, no race, no fun.

The two day packet pick-up is Friday, Feb. 1 from 2-8pm and Saturday, Feb. 2 from 10-4pm at New Balance Sarasota. 1872 Stickney Point Road, Sarasota, FL 34231

WRISTBANDS FOR BEER MILE AND BEER GARDEN

There are two ways to get your FREE BEER wristbands.  First, if you’re over 21 and you pick-up your packet Friday or Saturday at New Balance Sarasota race volunteers will put a wristband on your wrist.  This entitles you to FREE BEER at the BEER MILE STATION at about mile 12 1/2 and the Post Race Gourmet Buffet by Metro Diner.  Second, you can pick-up your wristband race morning at the dedicated location on site but only if you are over 21 and present your photo ID.  Only athletes who present their photo ID at packet pick-up or on site will receive the wristband.  You must wear the wristband during the race and post race party.  Any athlete who tampers with the wristband (torn, taped, removed) will not be served.

RACE DAY PARKING

Parking is free. Ample parking is available on site at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center and in nearby parking lots.

As parking spaces in the Van Wezel are limited, we encourage you to carpool and arrive early.

Race staff and volunteers will be on-site to manage traffic.  If you feel the need to avoid the Van Wezel Parking Lot all together, we won’t take it personal. NO PARKING on the Boat Ramp or the Publix shopping center.

Parking options:

• Van Wezel Parking Lot (777 N. Tamiami Trail)

• Surface lots between 4th Street and Blvd. of the Arts

• The Players Theatre (838 N Tamiami Trail. Corner of Tamiami and 9th Street)

• G Whiz Museum Parking Lot (1000 Boulevard of the Arts, across from the Hyatt)

• Metered spots in downtown (but please follow all parking regulations)

• Palm Ave Parking Garage – Palm Ave.

• Whole Foods Parking Garage – Levels 2 & 3 – 2nd Street

• Selby Library Parking Lot – 2nd Street.

2019 CHEER ZONES

The entire course is a 13.1 mile cheer zone.

High five the guy grilling on his lawn. If you live in a condo, ring your cowbell from your balcony, or hang out near the Kissing Statue, but regardless, there will be music and cheering all over. Come on out and have fun!

WHERE’S THE MUSIC?

Bands page We encourage fans of the bands, music lovers and families looking for a good time to come out and listen to free tunes Sunday morning.  If you like great music you’ll enjoy four hours of great tunes – and its all free!

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE

Early February – incredible weather, blue skies in sunny Sarasota. Starting temps are in the mid 60’s rising to the mid 70’s. No clouds allowed – only sun.

RACE TIME AND CUT OFF

The cut-off for all finishers is four hours, aka 10:30am.  You must maintain a four hour pace (an 18:53 minutes/mile).  A sag wagon will follow the last runner and provide encouragement.  You’ll easily break four hours if you let the music life your spirits – and your feet. Those who do not get on the sag wagon will be moved off the road by police so the road can be reopened for normal vehicle traffic.

3:30 – 4:00 FINISHERS

The race finish cutoff time is four hours.  After 3h30m runners will be asked to run on the sidewalk or in the curb lane.  Police will be present to clear the road for vehicular traffic.

MILE MARKERS AND SPLIT TIMES

Each mile will be clearly marked. Running course time clocks will be set to go off from the gun start. This way you’ll know how long it takes to run to the beat of “Rock Around the Clock!”

AID STATIONS

Quench your thirst at our nine aid stations approximately every 1.5 miles starting at mile 2. Aid stations offer water and sports drink.  Don’t miss the Girl Scout Cookies at mile 8.5.

BATHROOMS

Plenty of portolets at the start/finish and conveniently located throughout the course. Official pee trees are also available, but not in Selby Gardens.

NO EARLY STARTS

Please do not start early. Athletes start at 6:30 am sharp. If you start early you will be DQ’d and you won’t get a Girl Scout Cookie. Oh no!

PARARUNNERS

The Sarasota Music Half Marathon is a pararunner friendly course. If you’re differently abled or in a racing chair then this is your race. Gives new meaning to rock ‘n roll, baby!

SAG WAGON AND BACK OF THE PACK TEAM

If you fall below 18:53 minutes per mile, you will either be picked up by a sag wagon, or asked to walk on the sidewalk. A sag wagon will follow the last athlete. You’ll still get a Girl Scout Cookie and enjoy the music. You’ll even get a tan. But we want you to finish.  Official cut-off is 4 hours.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Medical Services will be supplied by the Sarasota Music Half Marathon medical team. Medical support will be available at the start/finish and key locations throughout the course.

Each athlete is required to fill out the medical information on the back of their athlete bib. The athlete bib must be worn at all times during the race.

Don’t forget to train and drink water. We don’t want you to spend Sunday in the medical tent.

ROAD CLOSURES

Portions of the course will be partially closed and the only full road closure will be Orange Ave. between Mound and Osprey Ave, from 6:30am until approximately 10:30am.