If you are a runner and you have run in big races before, then you know how hard it can be to meet up with friends and family after the race, and you know the logistics of maneuvering before and after a large race as well as the typical difficulty of trying to spot friends/family along the race course.
But, this race is likely to include many first time racers, first time Gasparilla runners/walkers and so forth; therefore, I thought I'd share these tips which will make it easier for friends and family to enjoy watching and/or running in the Gasparilla race(s):
1. First of all, the runner can help by wearing striking clothing. A runner wearing all purple or polka dots or a goofy hat or any outlandish apparel is bound to be easier to pick out of the throng of runners. Just a thought, I wouldn't wear any of those things, myself, but many runners do wear bizarre outfits, and not only are they easy to spot, I think everybody spots them. Personally, I'm comfortable with blending in with the crowd.
2. Also, whatever the runners are wearing, they should make sure to inform the friends or family coming to see them.
3. Spectators should consider holding a colorful helium balloon. I got this idea from my friend Coleen Christensen. One year she held a Spongebob Squarepants balloon to make it easier for Bruce to spot her as he ran by during the Boston Marathon. She said it worked great, so well that she's been doing it every year since.
4. There will be at least 17,000 people in downtown Tampa Saturday morning for the races, probably many more, so both runners and spectators would do well to get down there very early, and remember, some streets will be closed for the races, making it even more challenging. The Publix Gasparilla Weekend website has all the details including maps, driving instructions, starting times and locations, etc. And much of the information is in Pdf format for ease of printing.
5. Last, if nothing else, at least make sure to plan a place to meet up with friends/family after the race. Decide on a landmark or something ahead of time because trying to find a single runner among the throngs will be like finding a needle in a haystack.
6. And remember the Expo is not just for runners. Spectators will find plenty of things to see and do and bargains as well. I was pleasantly surprised two weeks ago at the Sarasota Marathon Expo; I have never seen them slash prices like they did. I hope it's a trend. By late afternoon Saturday there were some great deals.
7. Any time spent perusing the Publix Gasparilla Race Weekend web site will be beneficial for spectators as well as runners. There are course maps and there is a special button to click for spectators. Click here for a map of city garages for a map of city garages and lots in downtown Tampa.
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