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2nd Annual Fort DeSoto 15K

October 2, 2016
Fort DeSoto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Skyway Bridge in Pinellas County, FL
Runners see the Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay at the turn around halfway through the race course.
Starting line of the 2016 Fort DeSoto 15k Race.
Ft DeSoto's 15k began in the dark.



Race Rating: A

2nd Annual Fort DeSoto 15K and 5K

Running in Fort DeSoto Park is always a treat, and the 2nd Annual Fort DeSoto 15k was another good experience.

It was fun to start the race in the dark and imagine that cooler weather will reach Florida soon.

Pre-race announcements by the Race Director included an explanation of the two flags on the start/finish line. They both had special meaning to him. One flag flew during a mission in Afganistan. The second flag, which had just 48 stars, once belonged to his neighbor, a World War II veteran.

We were treated to a moving acappella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. It was performed by a man who ran the 15k.

The race directors had a few last minute challenges — the area they planned to use for the awards stage and post race festivities at the far end of North Beach was flooded. That meant moving the port-o-lets closer to the finish line, and tighter quarters for the relocated post race party. But — it all worked out nicely.

What You Need to Know

Packet Pickup: Runners had four choices for packet pick up at Fit2Run stores in Tampa and St. Petersburg the week before the race. No expo. Packet pickup available on race morning starting at 5:30 a.m.

Race Course: The 15k and 5k races were run inside the park on out-and-back courses. The course was paved trails, roadway and parking lot surfaces. No running in the sand.

It's was a flat course with lots of natural Florida habitat views. The course was USTAF certified, so no strollers, dogs or bikes were allowed.

Walkers were welcome. No early start for walkers. Course support was based on 18 minute pace.

The course started in the parking lot, then followed the paved trails out and back. Runners see most of the park. Views of Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, too.

Pacers: No.

Aid Stations: Yes. Five stations for the 15K. One for the 5K. Water and Gatorade at every stop. Volunteers were fun. They were cheerful and encouraged the runners.

Parking: Easy and free. Follow instructions received prior to the race. Arrive early for the best spot, but no worries as there was 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 $35-50;
15K $50-75;
Youth $20-35
Full refunds when you register early. This is a nice feature you don't see often. Check the Florida Road Races website for details.

SWAG (Stuff we all get): Nice bright blue sleeveless tank tech race shirt, GoMacro bar and a couple of samples were in goodie bags. Race Bib had the timing chip attached. Discount coupon on back of bib. Personalized bibs were available for early registrars. Post race party with lots of cold beverages and food.

Odd Surprise: There was a costumed character around mile 8 (I think) — looked like it may have been R2D2.

Post Race Festivities: Due to the washed out shelters, the food, drinks, vendor booths and stage were closer together, but all went well.

There was shade, cold beer, water, sports drink, soda, chocolate milk, pasta and pastries. There were picnic tables under the shelter and folding chairs in the open area near the awards stage.

Photos: Yes. FREE race photos by Game Face Media online a few days after the race. I noticed 3 or 4 photographers on the course. Runners receive an email with a link for free downloads.

Awards: All finishers earned a large medal that looks like a fort. Male and Female awards given 3 deep for Overall, Masters, and Grand Masters. Age Group awards given three deep in 5 year increments.

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

Weather Report: It was 78º at 7:00 am.
-> Cloudy skies were appreciated during the most of race.
-> Slight breezes near water.
-> Temps were mid to high 80s during the race. Humidity was around 75%.

Aerial View of Inaugural Ft DeSoto 15K Race Course
The 9.3 mile race is an out and back course that takes runners through Fort DeSoto park.
Photo of Ft DeSoto 15K goodie bag.
Race shirts were bright blue racer back tanks. All runners received a bib with timing chip, GoMacro bar, Advil and detailed instructions at packet pick up.
15k at Fort DeSoto Park
Runners begin to assemble for the Fort DeSoto 15K.
Ft DeSoto 15K Race Finish Line
The start and finish line for the Fort DeSoto 15k.
Post Race Party for the Ft DeSoto 15K Race
Food and drinks under the picnic shelter.
Awards Ceremony for Fort DeSoto 5k
The awards ceremony began around 9 am.
2nd Annual Ft DeSoto 15K Medal
The Starfish is storming the fort on this year's medal!

Extras: Fort DeSoto Park is such a great place for running, fishing, camping, cycling walking, swimming and hanging on the beach.

After the race, runners can lounge on the beach, fish, swim, walk, or tour the historic fort.
There are picnic shelters, playgrounds, bike and kayak rentals, a bait shop, gift store and fishing pier.

My Race Recap

I woke late, and that seemed to throw me off my game for this race. I'll admit I was a little bit cranky for a couple of miles. Here's why...

Read my race recap here.
Running in the 2016 Fort DeSoto 15K Race
Happy to finish the race! (Photo credit: GameFace.com)
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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