The moon was in full view before the race.

The sky glowed at sunrise.

2nd Annual Ronnie's Run

The race takes place inside Fort DeSoto County Park, just south of St. Petersburg, Florida.

There is a 10 Miler, a 5k and a 1 Mile Fun Run.
Virtual options were available for all distances.

Runners could sign up for 10 mile + 1 mile, or 5K
+ 1 mile race combos.

This race was established by Jeanne Keeney to honor her son, Ronnie, who died in 2014.

In Jeanne's own words:
"...we dedicate this race to Ronnie. Our mission is to bring awareness to alcohol and drug abuse, and to provide resources for addicts and their families..."

What You Need to Know

Packet Pickup: Pickup was available on Wednesday at Apogee CrossFit in Gibsonton; Thursday and Friday at St. Pete Fit2Run. Packet pickup was available on race morning before the race. No expo.

Race Course: The course is paved parking lot, roads and trails. No sand or dirt.

Pacers: Yes! Lots of pacers. I saw 8 to 13 minute pacers.

Aid Stations: Five water / Gatorade stops throughout the course.

Parking: Easy and free parking was in a lot near the starting line.

Park Entry Fee: The $5 Fort DeSoto Park entry fee was waived on race morning.

Restrooms: There are two permanent park restrooms near the starting line. There are several restrooms along the race course. No port-o-lets.

Cost: 10 mile $50. 5K $25, 1 mile $15 before September increase. Prices are discounted if you register early.

SWAG (Stuff we all get):  All runners received a short sleeve tech race shirt and bib. Ladies shirt is v-neck. Mens is traditional round neckline. The race shirt is very light weight and a nice length.

Race packets included Munk Pack fuel, SweatX detergent, a ClifBar, BioFreeze, Light Load Towel, and discount coupons to Burger Monger, SportsClips and AnyTime Fitness. The race bib had a coupon for 10% off a regular priced item at Fit2Run.

Surprise: Moving opening ceremonies. I am so impressed that the race, with all it's sponsors and goodwill, came from one mother's love for her son.

Post Race Festivities: The post race food was a 3-course breakfast served under the shelter. There was plenty of cold water, TruMoo chocolate milk, bananas, etc.

Runners could peruse the sponsor tents, take a chance on winning a beach cruiser bike, listen to a DJ from Spirit FM 90.5 radio station, and watch the winners receive their prizes.

Photos: Free digital photos were advertised as part of the package. I did see a couple of photographers along the course and at the finish line. I haven't seen photos posted or available to runners yet. I'll keep watching the Ronnie's Run Facebook Page. (UPDATE: Photos were posted on 11/30/16.)

Awards: Winners 3 deep in each age group received awards and gift certificates. Prizes and medals for overall winners.

Timing Chip: Disposable chip on race bib.

Race Results: The results were posted by early afternoon at FloridaRoadRace.com

Weather Report: It was 63º at start.
-> Mostly sunny.
-> Slight breeze.
-> Temp was 77º at the finish.


I really enjoyed this race, but am rating it a bit low because the course was short. I will definitely run it again.

​Race Rating: B+

Packet pick up was available locally 3 times before the race, and again on race morning.

Race sponsors created a circle of tents before the race. Krispy Kreme had a tent offering coffee and donuts before and after the race.

It was 63º and clear at the starting line.

Permanent park restrooms were sufficient for the number of runners in the race. No port-o-lets.

Everyone stood where they were for the national anthem and a pre-race prayer.

Ronnie Scrimo is remembered before, during and after the race because of his mother's dedication.

The medal is a shoe with a symbolic sobriety chip in Ronnie's honor.

Sand or Snow?

I love the early morning feeling on race days. Although I know I'm about to embark on a physical endeavor, there's still time for quiet reflection. Visualize. Breathe. Relax.

I walked out to the North Beach before the race The beach was brighter than the starting line area. The white sand looked like snow. Ahh, winter in Florida.