The race starts and finishes next to Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The 10 miler included trails on Caladesi Island.

Discover Caladesi Island
​5K and 10 Miler

The West Florida Y Runners Club hosts this race each year in January.

​Foul weather cancelled the race in 2016, so it was rescheduled for December 3.

The 10 Miler was a beach and trail run. The out and back course began at Pier 60, then headed north on Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island. Runners ran the trails on Caladesi then returned along the beach to Pier 60. 

​The 5K course was an out and back run on the beach.

There were over 200 runners this year.

What You Need to Know

Packet Pickup: Pickup was available on race morning at the pavilion next to Pier 60. No expo.

Race Course: The 10 mile course is the waterfront sand on Clearwater Beach, and nature trails on Caladesi Island State Park. The 5K course was all on the beach.

Pacers: No.

Aid Stations: There were 6 stops — 3 stations that were passed twice. Friendly, kind volunteers at all the aid stations.

Parking: It's convenient, but expensive, to park in the Pier 60 public parking lot. I spent $15. I gave my parking pass to someone when I left so they could use the leftover time. 

Restrooms: There are very nice restrooms adjacent to the parking lot. There was a public restroom on the beach, and another on the trail. No port-o-lets.

Cost: 10 mile $40. 5K $25.

SWAG (Stuff we all get):  All runners received a short sleeve tech race shirt and bib, and beautiful handmade finisher medals.

Surprise: How hard it was to run in the deep, soft sand on Caladesi Island. I had a cup of sand in each shoe when I finished.

Post Race Festivities: The post race food was breakfast served in the pavilion. There was plenty of cold water, bananas, pancakes, sausage, etc.

Photos: No. Well, except for the ones I took myself. I don't usually take photos during a race, but the surroundings were gorgeous.

Awards: Winners 3 deep in each age group received prizes and gift certificates.
​
Timing Chip: No. Old school digital clock at the finish line. Runners wrote their time on a scorecard.

Race Results: The results were posted by 11 am at CoolRunning.com.

Weather Report: It was 59º at start. 
-> Mostly sunny.
-> Strong headwinds for 4 miles.
-> Temp was 69º at the finish.

Race Rating: A

Packet pick up was on race morning. Runners received the original race shirt dated Jan. 23rd. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The race course included aid stations, restrooms and beautiful views. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Beautiful handmade medal for the 10 mile finishers. I picked up both of these shells during the race. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

I really enjoyed this race, and am so glad it was rescheduled so I could put it on my calendar. ​It was probably the hardest race I've run for two reasons: a sore knee and that soft, deep sand on Caladesi Island. ​But the views made it worthwhile!

(Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)