Since both races are staged entirely in Ft. De Soto Park, on recreational trails and access roads with minimal vehicular traffic, all athletes will start at the same time without course limits.
One of our primary goals is to provide ample supplies at each of our aid stations and enough refreshments at our finish line celebration to serve our very last finisher. When we succeed in this goal, it means ALL our athletes were properly served.
Treats
In addition to the self-satisfaction of completing a significant achievement, all Halfathon finishers will be rewarded with the Halloween edition of our unique "running starfish" gold medal.All athletes will be eligible for our special Halloween Costume awards, regardless of finishing time.
Fitness Walkers are also eligible to be recognized as Florida Halfathon Challenge finishers, and will receive additional treats.
Teri Chambliss walked one of our races - here's what she wrote:
"This was an incredible experience for me and I can't wait until next year. Since this was my first-ever half marathon, I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but I was certainly not disappointed. From start to finish, it was all I hoped for and more. Being at the start line with the other walkers, I was a bundle of nerves (I even forgot to stretch out), but once the race actually started, nerves simply disappeared and it became an event of pure joy. The little inclines couldn't even faze me. Everyone, from the race officials to the volunteers to traffic control, was simply fantastic. The after-party was great fun and the food delicious. One of the biggest thrills was hearing my name called out as I approached the finish line. That was exciting as it was unexpected. Did I win an award? No, but I think I got something even better. I beat my own expectations and hopes. I was working for a 3:20 finish and dreaming of a 3:15. Instead I crossed that finish line in 3:10. How much better can that get? For the first time in my 56 years, I really feel like I am an athlete and now have the running starfish to prove it. Look for me again and I'm shooting for under 3 hours!"
- Teri Chambliss, Dover, FL
- Teri Chambliss, Dover, FL
In addition to offering finisher awards and event overall awards after each race, we will also track each athlete's finishing times and add them together to determine Champions of the Florida Halfathon Challenge.
Athletes accumulate their total finishing time by completing any three of our four halfathons during each season from Halloween through March. Those athletes who complete all four of our halfathons will have their slowest time dropped automatically.
To recognize our fastest and most consistent halfathon athletes, we will offer special overall and age-group rewards based on three halfathons. We will also recognize athletes who complete all four of our halfathons in a special way, yet to be determined.
