It’s only been a couple months since the inaugural Sarasota Music Half Marathon had its stellar first lap through the streets in Southwest Florida, but organizers are already gearing up for next year. As soon as next week, organizers are pulling together volunteer teams and discussing the next event, set for Feb. 7. “Surprisingly it takes all year,” said Heather Hackett, event director.

John Korff, founder of the event, said the inaugural run in February saw around 1,500 pre-register and another 1,300 sign up on the day of the race, the most day-of sign-ups for a Florida marathon. He said the event, geared toward the recreation runner and featuring music performances along the run by more than 20 bands, has the opportunity to brand Sarasota as a sports venue. “It should be a perception-altering event in Sarasota that shows it is something other than just great weather and a retirement community,” he said. “Sarasota is young, vibrant, exciting, musical and healthy.”

Hackett said the event only takes on teams of individuals, be they church groups, school groups or independent organizations. “We definitely want as much involvement as humanly possible.” 

See Korff speak Thursday at SB2: Hosting a Crowd, an SRQ Media Group-sponsored panel on regional events being held at the Powel Crosley Estate. Read an interview with Korff about the marathon in the May issue of SRQ, available now.