Half-marathon runners get pumped for race

+Half-marathon runners get pumped for race
Runners, walkers and spectators should expect an action-packed day Sunday, March 14, at the fifth annual First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and 5K.

Participants can pick up race packets in Sarasota from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at Fleet Feet Sarasota, 1830 Osprey Ave.; and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 13, at New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Road.

The race starts and finishes at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, 5401 Bay Shore Road. The race day schedule is as follows: 7 a.m. for push-rim wheelchair division; 7:15 a.m. for the half marathon; and 7:30 a.m. for the 5K. Runners are expected to start finishing around 8:30 a.m. The post-race party and awards ceremony will run from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

More than 2,000 runners are expected to participate in the half marathon. First Watch gift cards will be given to first-place finishers in each age group. Cost is $90 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5K. E-mail [email protected] for more information or visit one of the race packet pick-up locations.