Registration and packet pickup was available on site before the race. (Photo credit: Digital Pixel Photography.)

The Salvation Army mobile unit served coffee and snacks to the runners. (Photo credit: Digital Pixel Photography.)

Kettle Krush ​5K

The Salvation Army announced that their 2nd annual Kettle Krush would go on, rain or shine. And it did.

But I didn't. I woke up with congested sinuses, and decided to skip the race. I didn't want to risk getting sick before my half marathon the following weekend.

When I picked up my packet on Friday afternoon, staffers told me they expected low attendence due to the weather. However, they were happy because preregistration was higher than it was their first year.

​Photos and results for the race were posted early on Sunday. It looks like everyone who braved the wet, windy weather had a fun race.

What You Need to Know

Packet Pickup: Pickup was available on Thursday and Friday before the race at The St. Pete Running Company. Registration and packet pickup were also available on race morning.

Race Course: The 5K course began and finished at Albert Whitted Park across from the Dali Museum in downtown St. Petersburg. The 5K course followed the waterfront with a turnaround at North Shore Pool. The 1 Mile Fun Run went half a mile up Bayshore Drive, then returned to Albert Whitted Park.

Pacers: No.

Aid Stations: There was a water stop at the halfway point for the 5K.

Parking: The Mahaffey Theatre parking lot was charging $10. There are other parking options in downtown St. Pete including meters and nearby parking garages. 

Restrooms: There are nice permanent restrooms at Albert Whitted Park. No port-o-lets. 

Cost: 5K $30.

SWAG (Stuff we all get):  The goodie bag for this race was especially nice for a 5K. All runners received a short sleeve tech race shirt and bib, a giftcard for breakfast at Chick-fil-A, a quality drawstring backpack, Clif Bar and magnet. I received a miniature Salvation Army red bell at packet pickup on Friday. 

Post Race Festivities: Post race food was served from a Salvation Army mobile unit.

Photos: Yes. Free photos of the start and finish area were provided online by DigitalPixelPhotography.com. 

Awards: Overall winners received a prize.
​​
Timing Chip: Timing chip on bibs for 5K.

Race Results: The results were posted online at Big Dawg Running on Sunday. Runners received an email with links to results and photos. There were 161 finishers in the 5K race.

Weather Report: Wet and windy at start. 
-> Mostly cloudy.
-> Windy and Rainy.
-> Temp was 65º at the finish.

The Salvation Army announced their races were on, rain or shine. (Photo credit: Digital Pixel Photography.)

Packet pick up was on race morning, as well as two days prior to the race. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Runners received a giftcard to Chick-fil-A. I even got a miniature Salvation Army bell. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The weather was windy and wet. Runners circumvented puddles from an early morning downpour as they ran along the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg. (Photo credit: Digital Pixel Photography.)

The 5K course ran along the waterfront, turned around at North Shore Pool and finished at Albert Whitted Park.

The Salvation Army red kettle crosses the finish line. The Salvador Dali museum is in the background. (Photo credit: Digital Pixel Photography.)

#KettleKrush #SalvationArmy #StPete #ThisOldRunner