It might be the most challenging half marathon in Florida, with two ascents each over two relatively tall bridges connecting Clearwater to the barrier islands.

It might be Florida's most scenic half marathon, as the entire course is within 1/4 mile of Clearwater Bay and / or the Gulf of Mexico.

The Clearwater Memorial Bridge and The Sand Key Bridge provide both the demanding challenges and the spectacular views.

History

Created in 2006 as a result of our Gulf Beaches Marathon being put on hold due to road construction on Gulf Boulevard in Indian Shores. While participation was limited to 381 athletes that first year, feedback from those athletes was very favorable - they loved the challenge and the scenery.

Participation grew to 578 entrants the following year, an increase of 52%. Unseasonably cold and windy weather in our third year kept many of our athletes under their sheets, while others opted to reduce their distance to our 5-Miler. While total participation grew to 703 athletes, less than 400 finished our halfathon that year.

With perfect weather last winter, athletes responded to the challenge in record numbers. Halfathon athletes rebounded to 669 athletes, with more than 500 finishers and another 203 entrants in our Clearwater 5-Miler. Total participation equaled 872 athletes, an increase of 129% in our first four years.

The Course

Starting from Clearwater's downtown waterfront adjacent to the bandshell in Coachman Park, athletes head north and east through downtown to access the Clearwater Bridge, reaching the top at precisely the 1 mile marker. It's downhill from there along the perfectly-manicured Clearwater Causeway to award-winning Clearwater Beach, heading south to the Sand Key Bridge, the top of which is at mile 4.

With a start shortly before sunrise, athletes enjoy the sunrise over Clearwater Bay, before descending onto Gulf Boulevard and into Sand Key Park, for a quick tour around its access road and through its parking lots. Parking lots may sound boring, but you'll be just feet from our world-famous white sand, and at the turn-around points, you'll be able to see friends and opponents passing in the opposite direction.

Shortly after leaving Sand Key, you'll reach the mid-point heading south on Gulf Boulevard through our well-kept condo canyons, crossing Gulf Boulevard and returning north. You'll love this stretch, as you will enjoy a long opportunity to see most of the competitors in the field.

Just after passing mile marker 10, located across from Sand Key Park, you'll be ascending Sand Key Bridge again, and then returning back through Clearwater Beach, before accessing the Clearwater Causeway for more than a mile. Just after the mile 12 marker, you'll be heading up the race's 4th and final ascent, before cruising down the spiral walkway, leading to the bay level and the finish line just ahead at Coachman Park.

Time to celebrate and recover on the grass of Coachman Park with an assortment of fruit, pastries, freshly prepared pasta, and ice-cold Michelob Ultra, as you listen to our live music, followed by the presentation of overall and age group awards. CONGRATULATIONS!

Click here for a "Mile by Mile" overview of the course.

Course Limit

The finish line will be open for 3 hours from the 7:05 a.m. start, and the course will open to traffic based upon that pace. For instance, athletes should be at the midpoint by 8:35 a.m. Athletes slower than that will need to move to the sidewalks and adhere to all pedestrian laws. Fitness walkers anticipating a finish time beyond 3 hours MUST start early at 6:35 a.m., which increases total finish time to 3.5 hours.

Course Support

Certification / Timing

The course is USATF certified, meaning it has been accurately measured and all supporting documentation has been approved. We use computerized chip timing, but official results will be based on "Gun Time" as per USATF rules.

Weather

Average Low - 50°
Average High - 71°
Average Monthly rainfall - 1.99 "
Sunrise: 7:22 a.m.

Awards

Gold running starfish medals for all Halfathon finishers
Age Group Awards - 3 deep in standard 5 year age groups
Overall Male / Female Awards - 3 deep
Masters (40+) Male / Female Awards - 3 deep
Grandmasters (50+) Male / Female Awards - 3 deep

5th Annual Clearwater Halfathon Entry Fees

$30 online for the first 100 entrants or July 15, whichever comes first
$35 online for the next 100 entrants or July 31, whichever comes first
$40 postmark / online by September 13
$45 postmark / online by November 8
$50 postmark / online by December 20
$60 postmark / online by January 16
$60 online only by January 20
$70 on-site registration, January 23

Click here for additional race weekend information.

Course Records

Male Overall: 1:12:30 Justin Lutz, 27 Framingham, MA - 2008
Female Overall: 1:25:20 Christy Phillips, 43, St. Petersburg - 2006
Male Master: 1:24:54 Ian Jackson, 53, St. Petersburg - 2007
Female Master: 1:25:20 Christy Phillips, 43, St. Petersburg - 2006
Male Grandmaster: 1:24:54 Ian Jackson, 53, St. Petersburg - 2007
Female Grandmaster: 1:41:31 Terri Doheny, 50, Clearwater - 2009

Click here to view all Clearwater Halfathon Overall and Age Group Course Records

2009 Clearwater Halfathon Feedback

A quick email to say thanks for putting on another great race. The Clearwater Half is definitely harder than the Holiday Half. My quads are so jellified today! - Andy Canning, 4th overall, St. Petersburg, FL

I had a wonderful time running the race and enjoying the festivities afterward. The day could not have been more beautiful. Thank you again for providing such a wonderful running experience. - Dee Anna Farnell, Belleair, FL

I want to thank all for having such a great event and so well organized. - Luis Valdes, Tampa, FL

Thanks for organizing another great half! I'll see you at the next race! - John Wijnmaalen, Holiday, FL

What a totally awesome 1/2 marathon this morning! This is my 6th 1/2 marathon in 8 weeks and I have to say my FAVORITE!! It was my first Clearwater 1/2, but will by no means be my last. I will run it every year from now on!!!! Not only did we have perfect weather, the route was absolutely beautiful, the race staff was awesome and very friendly and the post race festivities were great! Thank you so much for a wonderful race!!!! - Carol Nicholas, Lecanto, FL

You put on a great race today. I've only been back about 3 weeks from my injury and was not prepared for today, but had fun anyway. - Anna Reschar

Thanks for another great race. I participated in my half marathon last month in Maderia Beach. Thank you for all your hard work making it an well organized race. Will be back next year. - Denise Abramo

I enjoyed running on such a beautiful course. The volunteers were very kind and funny. One of them teased me about not stopping to drink the water. It was very nice of them to come out and share their time with us. Thank you, - Jenny Cancello, Trinity, FL

Cheers to another wonderful day of running!!! EVERYONE WAS AWESOME!! That's right Sandy, Marcy, and Lisa from Oviedo made it back again for an annual girl's run. We all three made better time than last year. Rock on or should I say run run!!!! Looking forward to the training for the next Clearwater Half Marathon in 2010! Although the bridges are challenging, the scenic view makes up for all the sweat and tears. Thank you very much and see you all again! - Sandy Dunn, Oviedo, FL

Thank you. It was a great day for a race! Jocelyn Zimmet, Palm Harbor, FL

Finally, finally, finally a race that actually takes advantage of FL's beautiful coastline. Without a doubt, one of the best scenic races I've ever run. Mark Gaudio, Valrico, FL

Nice race, as always. Thanks for putting it on. Dave Noyes, St. Petersburg, FL

Thanks for another awesome race. I chose to walk to see what walking a half marathon was like in hopes to get my wife out next year. I was able to easily finish within the 4 hour time frame. There were plenty of water, Gatorade and bathroom stops. What a great way to spend a Sunday morning. Sign me up for next year. - Allen Weatherilt, Clearwater, FL

You certainly put on a fine event. A great crew of volunteers cannot be thanked enough. While getting my bib, #4 kinda confused me since I was a VERY late entry.....but what a great touch once I figured out what it was about. Just another attention to small details that makes your events so successful. I use your events as a benchmark in my training to let me know how I am doing....but mostly for me, it is not a race, but a celebration.

Oh what a beautiful sunrise while crossing the Sand Key bridge. That gold globe rising portside thru the pinked clouds over the Intracoastal, while the still bright crescent moon dead ahead and above in the early morn sky. Whatever challenges we face in our lives, it is our choice how we react, and for me that was the pinnacle moment.....actually took the pause to soak up an unforgettable sunrise as I went over that bridge.....made my day.

In the effort to make it better for all there are always some areas you may find need attention....but for me it all worked seamlessly without any difficulties. When you initially started the 1/2 hour early start, I was not sure it was for me....I kinda prefer chasing down slower runners as a racewalker. That said I quickly learned that other than being passed by much of the field it was much more enjoyable to be part of the finish festivities. I hope it continues.

btw....having that bicyclist escort on the lead runners is a real plus. I am always concerned that the lead runners will sneak up on me and I do not want to encumber them in their passing. I kinda feel the 'walker' start is a courtesy, even though it allows the course to shut down in a timely fashion. I would not want to hear about a gaggle of early walkers inhibit a runner in any manner since there are some narrow areas of the course. I only hope the walkers behind me think similar=2 0and keep it single file and spaced allowing the runners to get around them without trouble. Just my thoughts. Thanks again, - Larry Van Fossen, The Brooksville (FL) Racewalker

Great race: beautiful weather, well organized, pretty course. Thanks, Patti Hansen, Temple Terrace, FL

I still hate running up and down the two bridges TWICE each. But once I get off of them, it IS a pretty course! What keeps me coming back is that you have continually put on a class event. The volunteers were great, the post-race food was good, the awards are nice (I liked my blue starfish!), and the price is right. Thanks for your efforts and I'll see you next year! - Arlene Swartz, Tampa, FL

Thank you for a great race; we had a great time. - Cac Vuong Nguyen, Tampa, FL

Thank you for your kindness and work you are doing with this. I really enjoyed the race you had there in Clearwater. Exciting and beautiful. - Rosalie Smith, Winter Haven, FL

Thank you again for making my annual trip over those darn bridges so enjoyable. As always, the volunteers were awesome. Everything from check in to the awards ceremony was in line to make this race one of the best. The weather could not have been more perfect. I especially enjoyed the awards ceremony which gave me a glimpse into your knowledge of the running community. I had not noticed these personal touches in the past. You seemed to know something about everyone and to sincerely congratulate them on their efforts. Imagine how it must impact an 11-year old to be so well recognized with such a personal story. You must be pleased to attract so many out of towners, as well as local superstars. Congratulations! - June Leland, Tampa, FL

Once again, another great race. I appreciate the fact that us walkers and "slow-pokes" are not only tolerated but encouraged. I don't know how you did it, but you must have had a direct line to the Big Runner Upstairs-the weather was absolutely perfect!! And the volunteers and law enforcement, as always, did a superlative job. Each time I have done this race, I have met great people. Keep up the good work, keep the beer cold and flowing, and the traffic out of our way. Do these things, and the race will continue to grow. Thank you. - Bob Petersen, Columbia, SC

I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed running this challenging course. I really appreciate all the hard work you and the volunteers put into running a road race. This was the second time I have run this course and plan on running it again next year. Awesome job on the holiday halfathon too!! Keep up the good work! - Laurie Meyer, Winter Haven, FL

Congratulations for the event. All was good, except the weather was cold for a Brazilian runner (I'm kidding!). I'm from Brazil on vacation in Florida with my family and I20went to Clearwater last Sunday especially to run Halfathon. I hope came back in 2 years to run again. Beautiful city, people and course. - Wilson Carvalho, Sao Paulo, Brazil

I participated in this past weekends event! I flew all the way from the suburbs of Cleveland, OH and it was -8 and colder in Cleveland for the weekend. I was happy to be in Clearwater. The reason I flew to Clearwater for the event is because I plan to run 12 half marathons in 12 months! I have completed 4 so far. So, you see, I have been a part of many races big and small. I thought over all your race was a good one. I really enjoyed the challenge of the bridges. The people I spoke with were all from out of state....they were very friendly. Thank you and happy running! - Beth Nussle, Westlake, OH

Just wanted to thank you all for a great race last Sunday. It was my first time doing this race and I was not disappointed. Love the course, those bridges are a +, love the challenge. DON'T CHANGE THE COURSE EVER! IT IS GREAT. Big thank to all the volunteers out there, outstanding job with the cold temperatures and all supporting us, the runners :0) See you next year! - Miriala Mondeja, Tampa, FL

Based on what I heard and saw on the internet, the races appear to have gone very well. Congrats!! While I was not able to run in either of these races this year, please note that I always look forward to running in your races come every December and January. Thanks again. - Robert Maue, Clearwater, FL

Thanks for a scenic race and a wonderful race experience. I really enjoyed it . Course was safe too. I don't think you could improve anything. Thank you again for a super fun race. - Elaine Billes, West Bloomfield, MI

I really enjoyed the race in Clearwater . . . such a beautiful course. Michele Maltz, Manchester, CT

I enjoyed the race very much. Beautiful course. The bridges were very challenging, but we were well warned via the race website. The race was well-organized ... the beer and pasta at the finish was a real plus. Overall, I thought the race was well done. I am recommending to my fellow runners that they give this race a try, and I will make an effort to return next year. - Andrew Boyd, Wheaton, IL

I caught (women's champion) Melanie Peters at about Mile 11, and was ready to drop off. She wouldn't let me. She encouraged me to keep up, and to kick at the end. She is a true superstar. - Ron Rashid, Chicago, IL

I loved this race. I can't think of anything that needs to be improved. Scenic - yes, very! Challenging - yes, but in a very good way. I have previously run the Holiday Halfathon twice which is also a great race. Both of these races are very well run. The volunteers are great, very helpful and enthusiastic. They make all of us runners feel like superstars, but they are the real superstars. At the end is the food and the music and the awards ceremony which helps keep the whole experience very fun (free beer is definitely a plus!). A big thanks out to the announcer with her tireless enthusiasm for everyone from the top 10 runners to the three and a half hour folks. Finally, a big thanks to Chris Lauber, the race director. I can't imagine how much work it is to put all of this together. He also takes a personal interest in each runner out there. Twice now, he has found my personal running blog and thanked ME for coming out to run at a race where he must have put much more effort than the amount I did - all I did was show up and run and have a good time. Thanks again everyone! - Mark Palamar, New Port Richey, FL

It was my first Clearwater halfathon and hope to come back next year. The bridges were tough but the setting was beautiful. Also, Dean's post race pasta was delicious. It was a great group of people and nicely well done! Thanks for all the work that everyone put into it! - Ann Killian Perry, Chicago, IL

You did an awesome job!! What a GREAT race. It was my first 1/2 marathon! The course was challenging, gorgeous and FUN!!....The water stations were well spaced and catered to our every need! The volunteers were the BEST - so friendly and encouraging! the post race food/drinks couldn't have been better - t here was so many goodies to choose from!!.......in short, you can be sure I plan to make the Clearwater Half an annual event in my race calendar. .... PS.. SUZANNE ROCKS!! her energy is infectious! - Nema Runyan, St. Pete Beach, FL

The race was GREAT and the photos of the runners are EXCELLENT. Thanks again... both races are worth doing again next year! - Sandi V. Buell, Seminole, FL

I just wanted to take a few minutes to let you know my wife (Michelle) and I had a great time running the 13.1 miles. We were in town from Randallstown, Maryland visiting Michelle's grandpa and found out about your race in the local paper on Saturday. We drove day of from Springhill to the event and we were glad that we did. The course was well supported, plenty of bathrooms at the start and the finish line food & drink were great. Parking was A+. As for the bridges, they were not that difficult for us as we run the hills of Maryland. I am glad that your numbers have grown year to year. Michelle and I have travelled the past 4 Martin Luther Day Weekends. We find it ideal to travel to a Half marathon over the 3 days - especially being from the Cold Weather Maryland. If you want to get even more numbers make sure you advertise it as a destination race over the three day weekend. Best wishes and happy running in 2009. - Michelle and Michael Albrecht, Randallstown, MD

I am so happy that more people showed up especially because of the race on Saturday. I looked at those results - no name runners participated. You got the best of the county. Very enjoyable race and I was fortunate to receive yet another lovely blue starfish medallion. I am guessing the colors were different on 1st and 2nd place. Thanks so much for having the meatball guy - yum - I was careful NOT to pig out this time. You have done a great job with this race and are headed for a promising future. Congrats to you! - Karen Alexeev, Gulfport, FL