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Inaugural Fort DeSoto 15K

October 4, 2015
Fort DeSoto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Fort DeSoto Park in Pinellas County, FL
Aerial view of Fort DeSoto Park.
Paved trail in Fort DeSoto Park
Ft DeSoto's 15k was on paved trails.

Inaugural 2015 Fort DeSoto 15K and 5K

Local Race Directors, Chris and Rya Lauber of Florida Road Races added a new event to their season in October 2015: the Fort DeSoto 15K & 5K.

I think this race is a nice addition. It gives runners a chance to test their fitness after the long hot summer — but before the half marathon season begins. You can easily incorporate the race into your training plan.

The races take place completely inside a beautiful Pinellas County park, just south of St. Petersburg in Tierra Verde, FL.

What You Need to Know

Packet Pickup: Yes. Several local pickup options at Fit2Run stores in Tampa and St. Petersburg. No expo. Packet pickup also available on race morning.

Race Course: The race is on paved trails and roads. You won't be running in the sand. It's a flat USTAF certified course. The course starts in the parking lot, then follows the paved trails out and back. You see most of the park and run next to Tampa Bay with a view of the Skyway Bridge. Lots of birds and foliage.

Pacers: No. I secretly chose a couple of my fellow runners to be my pacers.

Walkers are welcome. No early start for walkers since entire race is inside the park. Support on course is based on 17 minute pace. All athletes start at the same time.

Aid Stations: Yes. Six stations for the 15K. One for the 5K. Include water, Gatorade, and fresh orange slices midway through 15K race. Volunteers all very cheerful, attentive and encouraging.

Parking: Easy and free. Read and follow the directions you receive prior to the race. Arrive early on race day for the best spot, but don't worry, there is plenty of parking.

Park Entry Fee: The Race Directors PREPAY the entry fee to the park. ($5 value). Do NOT stop to pay at the toll booth at the park entrance. It will cause a traffic jam. Usually, someone is in the booth to wave you through. If you're super early, just know that your entry fee is already paid.

Cost: Depends on when you register.
5K $25-50;
15K $35-75;
Youth $20-30
Florida Road Races offers full refunds when you register early. This is a nice feature you don't see often. Check the website for details.

SWAG (Stuff we all get): Short sleeve tech race shirt and bib with timing chip attached. Personalized bibs are available for early registrars. Post race party with live music and good food.

Happy Surprise: As the sun rose we saw a beautiful rainbow.

Unhappy Surprise: Heavy rain early in the race.

Post Race Festivities: Florida Road Races does a great job staging their races here. The finish line is in the sunny parking lot, but the beer, food and awards ceremony are under the shade of mature oak trees.

You'll be shaded as you grab a beer, water, chocolate milk, and some food. Food includes fruit, pastries and pasta. Pull up a chair, or find a seat in the grass. Live music. North Beach is a few yards away.

Photos: Yes. FREE race photos. The photos were online in three days. Runners receive an email with a link for free downloads.

Awards: All finishers earn a large starfish medal. Awards given 3 deep for Male and Female Open, Masters (40+) and Grand Masters (50+); Age Group awards are three deep in 5 year increments.

Timing Chip: Yes. The chip is on your race bib.

Weather Report: Early October in Florida can be hot. It was 75º at 5:30 am.
-> Light rain at the starting line.
-> Heavy rain downpour early in the race.
-> Temps were mid to high 70s throughout.

Extras:
Fort DeSoto Beach was named America's #1 beach by Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a.k.a. Dr. Beach. The park is a beautiful, natural setting. Plan to lounge on the beach or visit the historic fort after your race. There are plenty of picnic shelters, plus a bait shop, gift store and fishing pier.
Aerial View of Inaugural Ft DeSoto 15K Race Course
The 9.3 mile race is an out and back course.
Aerial View of Fort DeSoto Park
You can see plenty of parking from the sky.
Rainbow during Inaugural Ft DeSoto 15K Race
After the rain there was a beautiful rainbow.
Tech Shirt and Bib for Ft DeSoto 15K Race
All runners received a blue short sleeve tech shirt.
Photo of Ft DeSoto 15K medals before the race.
The 15K medal had a translucent red 15 behind the iconic starfish logo.
INaugural Ft DeSoto 15K Medal
A nice addition to the medal collection.


Race Rating: A+


Want more medals? Enter the 2016-17 Triple Crown Challenge
Complete a 3-race series at Fort DeSoto, in any combination of distances to earn the Triple Crown medal. You save money by signing up for the entire series.

2016-17 Triple Crown = 3 races in Ft. DeSoto:
  1. Sunday, October 2, 2016:
    2nd Annual Fort De Soto 15K & 5K
  2. Sunday, October 30, 2016:
    8th Annual Florida Halloween Halfathon & 5K
  3. Sunday, March 12, 2017:
    8th Annual Florida Beach
    Halfathon & 5K


Running in the Inaugural Fort DeSoto 15K Race
Soaking wet and wearing the wrong socks, but getting it done in the 15K.

My Race Recap

I left the house about 5:40 am and traveled easily to Fort DeSoto. Took I-275 to 54th Ave. South to the Pinellas Bayway South (75c toll) to Fort DeSoto. FREE admission to Fort DeSoto Park (usually $5 fee). Race Directors prepay entry fee for all runners.
 
While we awaited the start of the race there was a light sprinkling of rain, followed by a major downpour early in the race.
Read the full race recap here.
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  • Blog
  • Race Discounts
    • What's BibRave?
  • Brand Discounts
  • Races
    • 2021 Races >
      • REVIEW: 2021 Tampa Hot Chocolate 15K 5K
      • Hot Chocolate 15K Watercolor Journal
    • 2019 Races >
      • 2019 First Watch Sarasota Half
      • 2019 Legoland Brick Dash 5K
      • 2019 World Refugee Day 5K
      • 2019 Pittsburgh Half Marathon
      • 2019 Rugged Maniac Dade City
      • 2019 Copperhead 5K at the Valspar Championship
      • 2019 Best Damn Race
      • 2019 St Pete Beach Classic Duo
    • 2018 Races >
      • 2018 First Watch Sarasota Half
    • 2017 Races >
      • 2017 Madeira Beach Sunset Series
      • 2017 Best Damn Race Leftover 5k
      • 2017 May Day 10K
      • 2017 5K on the Runway
      • 2017 Valspar Par 4 Miler
      • 2017 Sarasota Music Half
      • 2017 SPB Beach Classic
      • 2017 Kettle Krush 5K
    • 2016 Races >
      • 2016 Caladesi Island 10 Miler
      • 2016 Ronnie's Run 10 Miler
      • 2016 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2016 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2016 One Step Closer 10k
      • 2016 Hippie Dash 5k
      • 2016 May Day 10K
      • 2016 FL Beach Half
      • 2016 SPB Beach Classic
    • 2015 Races >
      • 2015 May Day 10k
      • 2015 Weedon Island Preserve 8K
      • 2015 Fort DeSoto 15K
      • 2015 Honeymoon Island Half
  • Places
    • --> Seen On A Run
    • Azalea Park
    • Crescent Lake Park
    • Weedon Island Preserve
    • Demens Landing
    • Riviera Bay Park
    • Walter Fuller Park
  • My Story
    • Contact
    • Reviews and Sponsored Posts