* Rate the Race- Apalachicola Run for the Bay

Held 26 October, 14.

Packet pick-up on the day before was easy due to the small number of runners. Don't expect a big "expo". The expo on Saturday the 25th consisted of a table with someone handing out numbers, a table with someone handing out t-shirts, a couple tables with t-shirts from the previous year and a few running accessories. All fit in an area 12'x24' outside the Apalachicola Maritime Museum (which is worth a look).

Some people had questions about the run, not really a lot of answers unfortunately. There had been problems reported in the previous races concerning the availability of water on the route. There were a few points with volunteers, but the majority of the "water drops" were simply a case of water on the side of the road, bridge, or in the grass. Only a small amount of sports drinks compared to water and no gels at all.

I did the 50km Ultra. On the return going north, there was a stretch in Eastpoint where there was no water available for a distance 2.25 miles.

By the way, the start/finish line changed just before the race. This would make things interesting later.

Morning of the race was pretty easy. Parking was available if you came early. We were told the order of events would be- wheelchair racers first followed by a 1 minute delay, ultra marathoners followed by 1 minute, marathoners in corals followed by 1 minute, then 10k, 5k, walkers. Wheelchair racers went first. One minute later ALL the ultra marathoners and full marathoners were started together.

The turns were well marked throughout the course. All the bridges have wide shoulders so plenty of room for runners. Although there were some orange cones, they were set against the bridge barrier. I would have guessed they would have been set closer to the road so they would be between the traffic and the runners. Their placement put the runners between the cars and the cones.

This race has some of the best scenery around for a race, that may be worth the cost alone. The bridge leading out of Apalachicola allows you to see schools of fish and the fleet nearby. The bridge leading to St. George Island is the 4th longest in Florida and the view of the bay, boats and seabirds is only bounded by visual acuity. The run through St. George was pleasant, a little tight on the shoulder going in (very little sidewalk) but once you make the turn by the lighthouse (yes a lighthouse) it is safe and mostly along back roads near beach houses, or on the bike paths.

All the volunteers were friendly (thanks!) and helpful.

OK, the tone of this report is less than positive, and for good reason. The best feature of the race is the location and sweeping vistas.

But for organization and execution I have to give the race a "D". 

Here are the main reasons-

1. Water points through Eastpoint for the marathoners and ultras lacked water- inexcusable and potential dangerous.
2. Because the start/finish line had been changed the distance markers were incorrect FOR THE ENTIRE RACE. Going out they were .3 mile off (short) and on the return the marathon numbers were off by a full mile. I talked with a few runners one the way back and they mentioned how discouraging it was. When they were actually at mile 25, the signs said 24 so runners thought they were going much slower than they thought and had an extra mile to go.
3. Any distance race should have more sports drinks, salt and sports gels made available. 
4. The course was to remain open for 8 hours. I finished around 6 hours, and less than 10 minutes later the organizers began breaking down the equipment, like the background for before/after photos. There were still LOTS of runners still out. Not cool at all.
5. Website should have provided more information, and if you send an email asking for information it should be answered. The race is not a freebie, we pay for the services, they should be provided. 

Pluses for this race-

1. I was raised in the panhandle of Florida and had never been to Apalachicola, much less St. George Island. I was happy to discover a great little beach town and a historic Florida port. I will definitely be back to both. Apalachicola has some very attractive cafes and restaurants. (See more in Rate the Restaurant). An award-winning micro brewery is now located here "Oyster City Brewing Company".
2. The views enjoyed while running were superior.
3. Medal design was pretty cool, as was the t-shirt.
   

Summary

I am already looking for reasons to go back to Apalachicola and St. George Island (there is also a beautiful state park on the east end!) , but because of organization and safety concerns the race probably won't be one of them. I had support from a friend throughout the race supplying me with sports drinks and gels, I would not have had a new PR without the help!

Perhaps if some changes are made and communicated well through their website my friends and I will reconsider. But definitely visit the two towns mentioned here, you won't be disappointed.

Did you run this race this year? Or one of the earlier years? How did you rate it?