First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay

Sunday, October 20, 2019 • Sarasota, FL • Course Map

Get your registration in early for the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon & Relay — formerly known as the Sarasota Grouper Run — as it often sells out early, as this race welcomes more than 3,000 runners every year from nearly every state in the U.S. and several countries around the world.

The early fall of 2019 marks the 14th annual running of the race, which starts near downtown Sarasota’s Municipal Auditorium, just off 10th Street and Tamiami Trail, overlooking Centennial Park and Sarasota Bay.

The fast, flat out-and-back half marathon race, which takes place along paved roads throughout the city, takes runners past the scenic museum grounds and over the Ringling Bridge over the Bay. With a race date that takes place just as winter is giving way to spring, the Sarasota Half offers runners tropical beauty, a moderate climate, great dining and shopping, and one of the area’s favorite races this winter.

From the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center overlooking the Sarasota Bay, with vistas of the bayfront, gulf beaches, 10 parks, and numerous luxury neighborhoods, the race route’s 13.1 miles are filled with scenic beauty and awesome views.

The course is mostly flat, starting and finishing near the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center. Winding through a beautifully canopied bay front neighborhood, you’ll start your journey southbound to run over the popular John Ringling Bridge where you’ll have a spectacular early morning view of the Sarasota Bay coast line.

From under the bridge through Bird Key Park, you’ll be greeted by the volunteers from the Sarasota Yacht Club at the official half marathon turnaround before you start back over the bridge to return to the museum to finish among the banyan trees and enjoy the post-race refreshments and festivities along the Sarasota Bay.

Description provided by the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon

Race Weather & Climate

Located along Florida’s Gulf coastline, about 60 miles south of Tampa and roughly 130 miles southwest of Orlando, Sarasota typically sees October temperatures that average between 65°F and 85°F, while rainfall totals average just over 2.8 inches for the month.

On the day of the race (Oct. 20), the average low is 64°F and the average high is 84°F.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

see race website

Walker Friendly?

Yes, walkers as well as runners are welcome to participate. The course time limit is 4 hours, which allows time for walkers to finish their 13.1 miles.

Fees

$50 and up for the half marathon
$50 and up for the 10K
$80 and up for the relay

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2019 running of the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon or Relay race, visit ChronoTrack.com here.

Official Race Website

www.sarasotahalfmarathon.com

Comments

Ever run in the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.

See more races in: March, Florida

3 comments… add one

Margo Evans March 9, 2016, 5:10 pm

Am I really going to be trapped in my neighborhood all Sunday morning? The map makes it look like there is no escape for anyone in the neighborhood west of 41 from University all the way to Gulfstream!!! That is outrageous. I go to church on Siesta Key every Sunday at 10:00. I also have overnight guests on Saturday night who need to leave for home no later than 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. What is the solution???? Do I need to go to the newspapers, the Police Department? The entire Indian Beach Sapphire Shores neigborhood is being held hostage to this race.

Reply
Maryann Jakubczyk March 8, 2016, 4:05 pm

Can this race be done virtually?

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Dan May 17, 2015, 2:07 pm

Don’t trust the people who administer this race. They made promises to people at the race about sending jackets to runners after the race. They have ignored at attempts at contact. Race directors who renege on promises to runners shouldnot be trusted.

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