GFNY Marathon Florida Sebring Course Guide
GFNY Marathon Florida Sebring
Centrally located in Florida, Sebring is home to nearly 100 crystal clear lakes, vast citrus groves, cattle ranches, the Sebring International Raceway, and one of Florida’s oldest state parks. The Sebring Civic Center, the race week headquarters, sits directly on beautiful Lake Jackson overlooking some of the best sunsets in Florida.
The course is USATF measured and serves as a qualifier for races such as the Boston Marathon or NYC Marathon. The early morning start and flat course profile make for GFNY Marathon Florida your perfect PR and qualification race. And the compact route set-up means that you are never far from the center of the action with family, friends and fans.
Let’s take a closer look at this amazing GFNY Course in the sunshine state!
MARATHON
Your opening 4.4 miles are under the floodlights of the Sebring International Raceway. This uber cool setting may lead you to start faster than you should. Soak in the atmosphere but be also cautious to not stray too far away from your target pace.
Once you leave the track, you’re turning right onto Haywood Taylor Boulevard for a first turn around at mile 5.8. By now you should have dialled in your pace. Make sure you take advantage of the aid stations which are available every two miles. You know yourself best at how to refuel but a sip of water each time doesn’t hurt anyone.
Mile 7 marks the heart of the course where all the spectator action is at the Hot Corner. It’s also where you head out on the straight and fast Kenilworth Boulevard for the first time to the next turnaround point just after the 10 mile mark. Your pace is spot on and your legs fluid.
On your way back to the track and the finish area just outside it, you’ll notice some half marathoners speeding up for their final 5k (3.1m). Resist the urge to change your pace with them but do take advantage of any company you have that is at your pace.
Running past the Hot Corner again and the finish for the first time will give you a great boost of mental energy for the out-and-back on Carrol Shelby Road. You’re now on the second half of your race. The half marathoners are gone and your focus will go more and more inward. Stay relaxed in your shoulders and keep your pace.
Mile 17 means you are passing finish and Hot Corner again. Use it to recharge mentally and physically. The following out-and-back on Kenilworth Boulevard will feel longer this time round. The sun is out and it’s warmer now. Cool yourself with water and ice as needed and focus on getting yourself back to the Hot Corner at Mile 22.5.
If you have been pacing smart, the last 5k (3.1m) on Carrol Shelby Road will feel like a victory lap. Your legs and all the rest of your body will be at their limit but they are guided by your willpower. Now is the time to seal that win or PR or BQ or first time marathon finish!
HALF MARATHON
Your opening 4.4 miles are under the floodlights of the Sebring International Raceway. This uber cool setting may lead you to start faster than you should. Soak in the atmosphere but be also cautious to not stray too far away from your target pace.
Once you leave the track, you’re turning right onto Haywood Taylor Boulevard for a first turn around at mile 5.8. By now you should have dialled in your pace. Make sure you take advantage of the aid stations which are available every two miles.
Mile 7 marks the heart of the course where all the spectator action is at the Hot Corner. There, you already are beyond the half way point. It’s also where you head out on the straight and fast Kenilworth Boulevard to the next turnaround point just after the 10 mile mark. It’s where your pace starts to hurt for real but once you turn around and head towards the finish, it will become mentally easier to keep it up.
The last 5k (3.1 miles) are one long finish stretch. It’s now or never to drop your opponent to win – or keep pushing hard to get that PR or first time ever half marathon finish!
Tags: Coaching
