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Florida > Space Coast Marathon & Half Marathon
Cocoa,
FL
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Date
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Event
Details
A long, scenic marathon and half-marathon event that takes runners
along a course that unfolds entirely along the waters of the Indian
River that flows between the cities of Cocoa and Cocoa Beach, the Space
Coast Marathon & Half Marathon features a course known for
long, flat stretches shaded by the ever-present palm trees along the
roads, with a few long, sloping gentle hills, and is
perhaps most famous for being Florida's oldest marathon road race
event, as race organizers and runners will celebrate its 38th annual
running in 2009.
Both the 13.1-mile half marathon and the 26.2-mile full marathon start
on Brevard Avenue near Cocoa's Riverfront Park, whose pavilion serves
as the finish line for both races as well. From the starting line,
runners follow an out-and-back course that takes them northward along
Indian River Drive for the entire length of the course, for a long
straightway for six and a half miles out and then a long straightaway
return run for six and a half miles back in toward the finish line. The
turnaround point lies at the intersection of Indian River Drive and
Belmont Avenue, where the field begins the long trek back along the
course they've just run.
Because this is Florida and the race is run near sea level along the
river, the course features only mild changes in elevation as the road
rises and falls along the way. The elevation never drops below 10 feet
above sea level or rises above 40 feet above sea level, and what hills
there are, are long and gradual. Both the half and full marathon course
are certified by USA Track and Field, and can be used as qualifying
courses for prospective Boston Marathon entrants.
And because this is the "Space Coast" marathon & half marathon
--
the race course lies just a few miles away from NASA's Kennedy Space
Center -- race organizers note that many runners come out and run the
race in costume each year, and this year will offer prize money to the
runner with the best "space"-themed costume (with assurances that the
costume is safe, and that the runner won't get too hot wearing it).
New for
2009
News & notes from the race organizers on the 2009 Space Coast
Marathon & Half Marathon:
- All finishers receive a cus tom
“Astronaut” Medal and a “Space”
Certificate to recognize and commemorate their accomplishment
- Start of Race Countdown with a
shuttle launch on a Jumbotron
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor
Complex admission discounts to participants
- “Space” Props
along course and at finish line area
- “Space” Themed
Water/Aid Stations all along course
- Volunteers in NASA-like uniforms
and hats
- “Space" Photo
opportunity with astronauts walking around the pre-race dinner and race
site
- Opportunity to win a dinner for up
to four people to “Dine with an Astronaut”
And these gifts & perks for all participants:
- Jeff Galloway – Keynote
Speaker for this year’s event
- Official long sleeve technical
(moisture wicking non cotton) T-shirt
- Large Beach towels for all
finishers (instead of mylar blankets)
- Pace Teams – New this
Year
- This year we are serving a full
Pancake, Egg & Sausage breakfast and Pizza for all Finishers
- An awesome post-race celebration
complete with food, drink and music
We are very excited to announce that Jeff Galloway, America’s
Coach and the man who created the run-walk-run technique, will be the
guest speaker at this year’s Space Coast Marathon &
Half Marathon. Mr. Galloway will also be part of the Sunday morning
activities including the awards presentation.
Race
Weather & Climate
Perched along a four-mile stretch of Florida's Indian River, the city
of Cocoa lies
about 50 miles east of Orlando and enjoys mild, moderate weather
conditions in the fall, with moderate precipitation.
In November, temperatures average between 78°F and
59°F, while rainfall totals average about 3.45 inches for the
month.
Fees
2008 fees:
$55 if registered by September 30, 2008
$75 from October 1 - November 29
Registration
To reserve your spot in the fall 2009 running of the Space Coast Half
Marathon, register online at the event website.
Website
www.spacecoastmarathon.org
Course Map
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Larger Map
Share
Your Race Story
Ever run in Cocoa's annual Space Coast Marathon or Half Marathon? Share
your impressions and read fellow runners' stories
and tips for the event.
Discuss it in the HalfMarathons.Net
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