Contact: Questions?
contact@sarasotahalf.com
Register
DESCRIPTION
Enter Sarasota’s most exciting race…the 5th annual Metro Diner Sarasota Music Half Marathon & Rockin' 10k.
A 13.1 and 6.2 mile moving party with thousands of your buddies:
Mucho Bands (You'll pass live music multiple times!)
Gourmet post-race brunch provided by Metro Diner
Girl Scout Cookie™ Aid Station
Beer Mile
Beautiful neighborhoods and lawn parties
Wicked cool participation Medal and T-shirts
Rockin after-party with live music, massages, beer garden and tons of fun!
A bucket list race, for sure!
Race Date: Sunday, February 3, 2019
Half Marathon Start Time: 6:30 a.m.
10k Start Time: 6:35am
Half Marathon Required Finish Time: 10:30 a.m.
Metro Diner Sarasota Music Half Marathon and Rockin 10K Video Gallery
Information
Located in beautiful Sarasota, Florida
Event overview:
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.
The Sarasota Music Half Marathon
Phone
(941) 809-8996
Email:
contact@sarasotahalf.com
Location
Start/Finish
Van Wezel
Date:
Feb 3rd, 2019
TRAVEL
HOTEL
Book through the reservation link below for our special negotiated rate. Special offers are not available booking directly with the hotel.
Below are the dates which each hotel will be releasing their reserved room blocks to the public. Book Now before they’re gone!
The Sarasota Half Music Marathon is proud to partner with HBC Event Travel Services, a travel/booking agency with a nationwide reputation for excellence in managing travel for sports events. HBC Event Travel Services provides an easy way for you to book your hotel rooms with our partnered hotels at the best rates. These rates are always the same, if not lower than, their best available rate and usually includes breakfast for your team.
Please call HBC Event Travel Services at (505) 346-0522 if you have any questions and/or have any special hotel requests.
LOCAL AIRPORT
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located at US 41 and University Parkway, just three miles north of the race start.
Distance from other major Florida cities:
Miami: Hola! 233 mile (4 hour drive time)
Orlando: 129 miles (2 hour drive with Mickey)
Tampa: 57 miles (1 hour drive)
Ft. Myers: 71 miles (1 hour 15 minute drive)
Nebraska: 3 days (turn on the radio)
VISIT SARASOTA
Best beach in America three years running. Great sun, cycling, paddling, scrumptious restaurants, wonderful music scene, fun clubs, fabulous hotels, family friendly, lots for the kids to do…your perfect destination race. For more information go to Visit Sarasota. We wouldn’t steer you wrong. We live here.
RACE DAY WEATHER
Beautiful, sunny, clear, cool, comfy – great place to run! 60’s at the start, 70’s by the finish.
PARKING
AMPLE PARKING IS AVAILABLE ON SITE AND IN NEARBY PARKING LOTS. MORE LOCATIONS WILL BE POSTS AS THEY ARE APPROVED. SEE DETAILS BELOW.
PARKING DETAILS:
Van Wezel – 777 N. Tamiami Trail
Quay Main Lot (Dirt Lot) – 4th Street & Tamiami Trail
Quay Second Lot (Dirt) – 4th Street & Tamiami Trail
Whole Foods Parking Garage Levels 2 & 3 – 2nd Street
Gwiz Parking Lot – Blvd. of The Arts
Sarasota Orchestra 2 Lots – Van Wezel Way
4th Street – Next to Hyatt on street parking
Selby Library – N. Pineapple & 2nd Street
Whitaker Park – Imperial Drive & Tamiami Trail
Free Legal Parking in Nearby Neighborhood Streets
PARTY
Spectators Welcome!
Spectators are an integral part of the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. Come out to the Ringling Bridge or walk to the end of your driveway. This race is for the fans. Whoop it up, holler and cheer, grill a burger and have a beer.
If your home is on the course, you will receive a FREE commemorative cowbell (ring it).
CAN I HAVE A BAND ON MY STREET OR ON MY LAWN?
If you live on the course, you may be eligible to host a band on your lawn or on your street. Email Tony at tony@sarasotahalf.com for more information. It’s easy to have fun. Find a band, sit on the lawn, watch the runners and listen to the music. You provide the party and we provide the band. Really, how cool is that?
IS THIS RACE FAMILY FRIENDLY?
The Sarasota Music Half Marathon is so family friendly we have our own Girl Scouts! Have your kids make cheer signs (Go Runner Go, Mom Rocks, Run For Fun, Lookin’ Great) pass out lemonade, jump up and down.
CAN WE JUST LISTEN TO THE BANDS?
Of course – free music for 13 miles. Pick a spot near your house, bring the kids and a cooler and enjoy the fun. Make signs, cheer the runners and get a tan. It’s free and fun!
HOW DO I HAVE AN OFFICIAL SPECTATOR PARTY?
Call eight friends. Tell one guy to bring burgers. Tell another guy to bring beers. Tell your hungover friend to bring Bloody Marys and sunglasses. Set-up those cheesy lawn chairs, have a seat and start eatin’ and cheerin’. Note to hungover friend: No bueno.
COWBELLS AND PARTY GUIDE
Race organizers will provide course residents with an nifty cowbell (ring it) and an “Official Party Guide” – just in case you don’t know how to have a party.
Fun Stuff
Email those selfies and other family-friendly raceday shots (plus captions!) to photos@sarasotahalf.com and we’ll add them to the gallery.
2019 Metro Diner Sarasota Music Half Marathon Course
Rockin 10 K Course
Rockin 10 K Course
Course - Stay Tuned for a fun year of running through this beautiful town rockin' along to amazing bands!
2019 Metro Diner Sarasota Music Half Marathon and Rockin’ 10k – SPECTATOR GUIDE
Watch the runners, listen to the bands or just have a party on your lawn. For a list of all band locations, visit www.sarasotahalf.com. Band locations are all great viewing areas. Allow extra time to park and walk if you’re driving to a location. Remember, there’s a race going on. All items below apply to the Half Marathon and 10k unless otherwise noted.
Where to Go - 13.1 Miles of Music, Running, Walking, Dancing and Partying
CHEERING ESSENTIALS
Dress in layers.
Make noise, this is not a funeral.
Bring friends, food and drinks.
Cheer and high five the runners. Make funny signs.
BRING YOUR KIDS! The race is free family entertainment. Little Jimmy is up anyways.
Sit near a band.
Respect the runners if you cross their path.
HAVE FUN, party like its New Year’s Eve.
BRING YOUR COWBELL!
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHAT IS THE DATE/TIME OF THE EVENT?
Sarasota Music Half Marathon – Sunday, February 3rd, 6:30 am; ready, set go!
WHERE CAN I FIND COURSE MAP?
Right Here: Half Marathon Course & 10k Course. Coming Soon!
DO YOU LIMIT THE NUMBER OF RUNNERS?
The 2019 entry capacity for the Sarasota Music Half Marathon is 4,000 athletes. THIS RACE WILL SELLOUT! Tick, tock; tick, tock. Register now!
CAN I SWITCH DISTANCES?
We do not allow transfers between the Half and the 10k for 2019. If you are registered for the half and run the 10k because you become injured or another reason, you will be downgraded and given the 10k medal. If you are registered for the 10k and proceed to run the Half, you will be disqualified.
CAN I HAVE CELL PHONES, FRIENDS, STROLLERS, OR DOGS ON THE COURSE?
You may run with your cell phone. Jog strollers are not allowed. Sorry, no dogs. Meet new friends in the race. Only registered runners/walkers will be allowed to compete.
WHERE DO I SEND MY SELFIES?
Send us your selfies and we’ll post them online! Email to photos@Sarasotahalf.com, or use the hashtag #MusicHalf when posting to social media.
CAN I WEAR HEADPHONES?
Why wear headphones when the entire course is full of music? We discourage headphones since you can’t hear other runners, directions or race commands. But if you’re scared of losing your awesome headphone tanline, then wear the headphones.
WHAT IF I LOSE SOMETHING THE DAY OF THE RACE?
This isn’t a school bake sale so we can’t guarantee that a lost item will be found. Tie your shoes. Try not to lose anything. The race will have a lost and found near the Start/Finish until noon race day. After noon, the parking lot is a parking lot.
REGISTRATION
WHEN DOES REGISTRATION OPEN?
Registration is open – what are you waiting for?
CAN I GET MY BIB/PACKET MAILED TO ME?
The race will mail your race number and t-shirt for a processing fee of $12. All mail packets will be sent USPS two weeks prior to the race so you’ll receive your packet no later than January 20, 2019. This allows you to skip packet pick-up, but you must still show photo ID race morning to get your beer wristband. The beer wristband allows you to enjoy the mile 12 beer stand and a brew at the Finish Festival. To take advantage of the mail option. This option is available for currently registered athletes and new athletes. MAIL OPTION EXPIRES DECEMBER 1, 2018. Don’t snooze.
I AM INJURED, PREGNANT, HAVE A FAMILY EMERGENCY OR UNEXPECTEDLY OUT OF TOWN, CAN I GET A REFUND?
We do not offer refunds, but you can defer one time to the following year.
CAN I GIVE / SELL MY NUMBER TO ANOTHER RUNNER?
No. You may not sell, give, transport, transpond or transfer your bib to another runner. Any runner who runs with another athlete’s bib will be automatically disqualified. Don’t try to beat the system. Play nice. This is Sarasota. If we catch you, we’ll put your picture in the paper like the girl from Four Square.
WHY HAVEN’T I RECEIVED AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION?
If you haven’t received your Eventbrite e-mail confirmation please call 941-809-8996. If you’re lonely or sad you can call, too.
WHERE DOES MY REGISTRATION FEE GO?
The race benefits many Sarasota non-profits. But first we have to pay the bills. Porta-potties aren’t free.
PRIZES & AWARDS
Awards will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers, and top three male and female finishers in each age group.
WILL AWARDS BE GIVEN OUT FOLLOWING THE RACE?
Awards will be given to overall top three men and women, masters, grand masters and senior grand masters race day. All other awards will be available on site immediately after the awards ceremony. If you were unable to make the pickup, please contact Tony@SarasotaHalf.com to corrdinate a pickup or to have your medal mailed to you.
WILL I RECEIVE AN AWARD IF I PLACE IN MY AGE GROUP?
If you place in the top three of your age group you’ll receive a special award. NOT ALL AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED RACE DAY.
WHY AREN’T YOU GIVING OUT ALL AGE GROUP AWARDS RACE DAY?
Because we have a very cool finish band and we thought you’d enjoy Aretha more than Bobbi Sue’s 15 minute acceptance speech.
DO I GET A FINISHER’S MEDAL?
Each finisher of the Sarasota Music Half Marathon receives a very cool finisher medal. It’s not clunky, doesn’t weigh five pounds and won’t break your bathroom doorknob.
PACKET PICK-UP
WHEN IS PACKET PICK-UP?
Packet pick-up is Friday, February 1st from 2-8pm and Saturday, February 2nd from 10-4pm at New Balance Sarasota 1872 Stickney Point Road.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO PICK UP MY PACKET?
Bring your photo id and your posse.
CAN I AUTHORIZE ANOTHER PERSON TO PICK UP MY RACE PACKET?
A friend can pick-up your race bib and packet BUT ONLY if that person has your photo id or a copy of it. No ID, no bib, no run, no fun.
WHERE CAN I PARK AT PACKET PICK-UP?
In the parking lot.
CHIP TIMING
DO I HAVE TO PURCHASE MY OWN TIMING CHIP?
No. The chip is part of your bib and available at packet pick-up. Technology is a beautiful thing.
HOW DO I MAKE SURE I HAVE THE RIGHT CHIP?
You’ll know if you have the right chip if you’re wearing your bib we gave you. If your buddy gives you a bib you’re wearing the wrong bib. It’s not that hard.
OFFICIAL TIME – GUN TIME OR CHIP TIME?
Gun time determines top three overall male and female awards. Chip time determines individual athlete time and age group awards.
GEAR CHECK
IS THERE A PLACE TO DROP SWEAT BAGS AT THE START LINE?
The race will offer a bag drop at race start. The race is not responsible for left items.
WHAT SHOULD I PUT IN MY CHECKED BAG?
Good things for you gear bag: Favorite drink and fresh clothes. Bad things for your gear bag: wallet, only set of car keys and bearer bonds.
WHERE DO I PICK UP THE BAG I CHECKED?
Same place.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY BAG IF I FORGET TO CLAIM IT AFTER THE RACE?
All left items will be brought to the Fleet Feet on Osprey Ave. in Sarasota. All unclaimed items will be donated to Mothers Helping Mothers after February 14th. You snooze, you lose. Please don’t leave a tuna sandwich.
PARKING
WHERE SHOULD I PARK ON RACE DAY?
Limited parking is available on site at the Van Wezel parking lot, nearby lots and on local streets. A list of other local parking options is available here.
START & FINISH
WHERE IS THE RACE START AND FINISH?
Van Wezel Performing Arts Center — follow the signs, not that hard.
WILL THERE BE CORRALS?
Athletes start by expected finishing time in large corrals. Corrals will be marked according to anticipated pace/mile. Plenty of room, this is not a sardine start.
HOW DO I GET MY FINISHER MEDAL?
We’ll put your medal on you when you cross the finish line. You’re a hero! Make mom proud.
WHERE CAN I MEET MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AFTER THE RACE?
You can meet your friends, family and posse in the Bay Front lawn adjacent to the finish. This is the site of the post race party. Follow the music.
COURSE
WHAT IS THE TIME LIMIT FOR THE RACE?
The time limit for the Sarasota Music Half Marathon is 4 hours. Anyone whose pace falls below 20 minute/mile will be invited to spend the rest of the day in an official race sag wagon. 17 minutes/mile is a street walk if you’re late for a meeting.
WHY IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?
We can’t close the course all day or our neighbors won’t have fun. You can easily walk the 13.1 mile course in four hours, very walker friendly. If you break one hour you’ll receive an all-expense paid trip to the Kenyan Olympic Marathon Trials.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PACE IS SLOWER THAN THE ALLOTTED TIME?
If your pace falls below 20 minutes/mile you will be picked up in a race sag wagon. But if you’re past the ten mile mark you may continue but you will have to rock and roll on the sidewalk and obey traffic rules. This means you may have to stop at red lights.
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE COURSE?
No grumpy people, no frowns. No dogs and no unregistered runners.
IS THERE ENERGY GEL AVAILABLE ON THE COURSE?
Yes.
WILL SPORTS BEVERAGE BE ON THE COURSE?
Yes, sports drink will be available at select aid stations.
SPECTATORS
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF SOMEONE HAS DROPPED OUT OF THE RACE, OR IS IN THE MEDICAL AREA?
Find one of the race staff who will be wearing matching brightly colored orange shirts.
WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE RACE?
Go to any band location along the 13.1 mile course, sit on the grass, pop open a frosty and whoop it up. #1 viewing location – join the band at the Cheer Zone at the Kissing Statue. Party on! To view band locations click here.
HOW DO I KNOW WHERE MY FAVORITE BAND IS PLAYING?
This will be posted prior to the race ;<)
CAN I JUST WATCH MY FAVORITE BAND?
Absolutely! Find your band here. Meet the bands here. Great way to have fun, bring your pals, bring your kids, free entertainment.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO LISTEN TO THE MUSIC?
Free. How about that!
WHAT TIME WILL THE FIRST RUNNER BE COMING THROUGH MY AREA?
Okay, math whiz. Take a look at the course map. Figure the lead runner runs a 5 minute mile. If you live with the begonias in Selby Gardens at mile 10 the led runner comes through in about 50 minutes.
WILL MY ROAD BE CLOSED DURING THE RACE?
Road closures, spectator party and entertainment zones, aid stations and medical stations will be posted after February 1, 2018. Only significant road closure impacts people who live on Orange Ave. or west of Orange. Residents in these areas can party until 10:00 am when the roads open.
HOW CAN I BECOME A SPECTATOR?
Call eight friends. Tell one guy to bring burgers. Tell another guy to bring beers. Tell your hung over friend to bring Bloody Marys and sun glasses. Set-up your cheesy Wal-Mart lawn chairs, have a seat and start eatin’ and cheerin’. Note to hung over friend: No bueno.
