9 questions to discover a marathon : Surfside Beach Marathon
Daryl Beatty is a full time instructor of anatomy & physiology at Brazosport College, and race director of the marathon. He particularly enjoys showing the wonders of the South Coast to visitors! If you want to learn a little more about him, visit www.darylbeatty.org
Hello, on February 13th 2010, you’ll be organizing the Surfside Beach Marathon . Can you tell us where it is located?
Surfside Beach is a coastal community south of Houston Texas, on the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Even in February when we have the run, runners will often wade out a little ways to cool their feet after the race.
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
It is 6 years old. It was created, because we have the best beach in the world for running!. The beach is flat, smooth, relatively hard, and we have very little daily tidal change. It is unobstructed for the full 13 miles (21 km) up and back, and is a great place to enjoy the scenery, surf, and seclusion.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
Flat, straight – up and back on the beach. 100% on the beach, no roads, no road crossings, all firm sand.
How many runners do you expect on Saturday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
We have expanded our field to allow 800, from 700 last year. We always fill up early. Most of the runners we attract are experienced, and looking for a new, unique event. Not just another city, running down concrete streets.
Do you organize other races during the Week-End? If so, on what distances?
We have the half marathon as well. Total is 800 runners for both events.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
Our weather is quite variable. The typical low is about 45-50 F, and a high of 65-70.
Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
We have a full TEXAS BBQ meal afterward, music, and SMOOTHIES. Then of course, you have full use of 13 miles of beach all weekend!
The marathon finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Surfside Beach, before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
Other than beach activities, we are only 50 miles from Houston, which has the NASA space center (with tours). In Galveston, Moody Gardens is a big draw.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Surfside Beach Marathon?
If you would like a low-key marathon (park on the beach up by the dunes), with a little local flavor, and unique awards, run on the firm smooth sand, give us a try.