Space Coast Marathon

Cocoa Beach, FL

http://www.spacecoastrunners.org/marathon.html

Mike Mendonca, 2004 Race Director

321-917-0776 or michaelrichard7879@yahoo.com

Race held on Sunday, end of November

The Space Coast Marathon is a very small, friendly race and an effective way to put those calories consumed during Thanksgiving to good use. There were only about 100 marathoners in 2004 but many half marathoners. The total number of entrants is limited to 750 to ensure runner safety and enjoyment, and it usually sells out early so runners are encouraged to register early. The marathon starts at 7 am and has a 6 hour time limit. Half marathoners start 45 minutes later. Race chips are used but hopefully the ankle strap chips used in 2003 will be replaced by the ones that attach to shoe laces.

Course and Weather Conditions

This race course was changed in 2003 and now parallels the scenic Indian River in Cocoa Beach. The race begins at the Cocoa Riverfront Park near the Cocoa Beach Library and heads north along Rockledge Drive. Marathoners and half marathoners share the same small road, which is bordered on one side by beautiful homes and the other side by nice views of the river. Runners turnaround and head back to the start at about 6.5 miles. Half marathoners run the out-and-back course once while marathoners run it twice. The course is relatively flat but has many gently rolling inclines. The course is USATF certified.

The race website says race day temperatures average 53 low and 73 high, but in 2003 the weather was much cooler than usual with temperatures in the low 40’s at the start and getting up to only into the 50’s by noon. There is usually a cross-wind coming from the river that will pick up as the morning wears on. Parts of the course are nicely shaded and sheltered from the wind. All race day activities are held outside so runners should consider bringing extra clothes if another colder-than-usual race day is forecast.

Support

Aid stations were located approximately a mile apart starting at mile 1.5. Water and a sports drink were offered at all aid stations and energy gels were available after mile 14. Since 2003 was a cold day, no sponges were available as would be the case for a warm race day. Due to the course layout, runners passed the same aid stations multiple times (a total of 4 times for marathoners). There were very few spectators along the course but some residents did come out to their front yards to cheer for runners. Most of the cheering is done by enthusiastic volunteers at the aid stations. A few more spectators are located at the start/finish area and north turnaround point.

A couple port-a-potties are located at the start/finish area and turnaround point. A couple more were seen along the course but were not really part of the race (were for construction crews working on homes along the course). The course is very easy to follow because it is basically along one road that marathoners will run back and forth a total of 4 times. The mile markers were often missed, however, because they were too small. Early in the race no traffic was on the road but later in the morning cars were allowed to drive slowly on part of the race course, which was not really a good idea given the number of runners still out on the course but probably necessary so residents could leave their homes.

Other

Space Coast Marathon is a nice friendly race but could use some improvements to its organization . Besides needing larger mile markers, a better race chip system and more port-a-potties, the small expo and pasta dinner are held at a host hotel located in Cape Canaveral which is not really very close to where the race is held. The cost of the race is somewhat higher than what you’d expect for such a small race, but part of the fees probably go to pay for big names like Hal Higdon and Jeff Galloway who have been listed as guest speakers at the pasta dinner. There was a good amount of drinks, pizza, fruit and bagels at the finish line. Runners received a rather plain-looking long-sleeved T-shirt but the medal was rather unique. Because the race is so small, many marathoners receive additional awards (framed certificates) in addition to finisher medals