Latest reviews by Andrew Schaefer

(2020)
"Tampa Bay Tequila Half Marathon "
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This was a beautiful out and back course right on the water starting from Whiskey Joe's restaurant with a great post race celebration afterwards. The course was along the running trail on 60, the bridge to get from Tampa to Clearwater. You run the steepest part of the bridge, but the rest was flat and fast, the perfect course for PRs. There was plenty of on-site parking, and it was easy to get to. The race organizers did a great job, and I look forward to running this race every year.

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(2020)
"Disney Marathon Weekend Goofy Challenge"
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I have done previous Disney half marathons, but this was my first Goofy Challenge, running a half marathon and marathon in consecutive days. Disney races are definitely worth the money, as it is more about the experience than attempting a PR. The race swag and scenery is like no other race! The mickey ears for marathon finishers and all medals were of great quality. I highly reccomend staying on property, as there are complimentary coach busses that take you to and from race start at various times. You will avoid long backups attempting to park and arrive at race start that caused the marathon to be delayed, and I saw many people sprinting to attempt to reach their coral on time as there was a bit of a walk from the staging area. We had much higher than normal temperatures for Florida on race weekend, with Temps reaching the mid 70s before race start, and 80s mid race. The volunteers were amazing and provided exceptional support despite the conditions, with the medical rents being numerous amd providing support to those with heat related issues. They ended up cutting a portion of the race through Blizzard Beach out after I had finished, which was absolutely the correct call as the unshaded portions towards the end of the race were difficult to remain at pace through, even as a resident of Florida.

There were many characters along the route to take pictures with that are not normally seen in the parks, and the enthusiasm of the cast members along the route cheering you on is unmatched at any other race.

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(2019)
"Moon Over Croom 7M Trail Run"
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Moon over Croom is an annual night trail run starting at the Tucker Hill fire tower at Croom state park in Brooksville. The course utilizes the B-C, and C loops for 7 mile loops if you choose to run the 14 or 21 mile option. I reccomend checking out the trail before hand as it is a large difference from road running. On race day the course is well marked, but if going any other day it is advised to download a trail running app as the signs are easily missed, and you can end up on a longer loop than anticipated. The course is a single path sand and dirt trail, with elevation changes, and visible tree roots protruding on the trail.

On race day, packet pickup was easy, and there was plenty of staff to direct traffic. Headlamps or other running lights are required as part of this race takes place after sunset. There were two aid and water stations on course, which was perfect. There was a massive unexpected rainstorm right before and during the first few miles of the race, turning the sand and dirt to thick mud at parts, one section had waist deep water, and the tree roots were a bit harder to spot due to the mud and wet sand. The staff were extremely helpful during these times, and it made the race that much more enjoyable. Despite the conditions, the promised food was still offered after the race, and it was being made fresh. Unique custom awards were offered to overall finishers, and custom tumblers were given to the top 5 in age group levels. Race shirts in various selectable colors amd moon pies were given to each registered participant.

I highly reccomend this trail run, and will be returning every year. The race for 2020 was rescheduled from June to September.

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(2019)
"Moon Over Croom 7M Trail Run"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Moon over Croom is an annual night trail run starting at the Tucker Hill fire tower at Croom state park in Brooksville. The course utilizes the B-C, and C loops for 7 mile loops if you choose to run the 14 or 21 mile option. I reccomend checking out the trail before hand as it is a large difference from road running. On race day the course is well marked, but if going any other day it is advised to download a trail running app as the signs are easily missed, and you can end up on a longer loop than anticipated. The course is a single path sand and dirt trail, with elevation changes, and visible tree roots protruding on the trail.

On race day, packet pickup was easy, and there was plenty of staff to direct traffic. Headlamps or other running lights are required as part of this race takes place after sunset. There were two aid and water stations on course, which was perfect. There was a massive unexpected rainstorm right before and during the first few miles of the race, turning the sand and dirt to thick mud at parts, one section had waist deep water, and the tree roots were a bit harder to spot due to the mud and wet sand. The staff were extremely helpful during these times, and it made the race that much more enjoyable. Despite the conditions, the promised food was still offered after the race, and it was being made fresh. Unique custom awards were offered to overall finishers, and custom tumblers were given to the top 5 in age group levels.

I highly reccomend this trail run, and will be returning every year. The race for 2020 was rescheduled from June to September.

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(2019)
"Key West Half Marathon"
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This is the most beautiful race in Florida! There is constant view of the water and the course is flat and fast. There is a great local backing. Staying at a hotel close to race start is reccomended as things can get congested. Packet pickup was quick and easy and I highly reccomend this florida race.

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