The May Day Races began in 2015 to highlight the Skyway Marina District, and raise money for local schools.

Local business donated goods and services for the race; some had booths at the post race party. You can see kids lined up for the Cash Booth on the right side of this photo. (Photo credit: Skyway Marina District)

4th Annual #RunforAllChildren

What a beautiful morning to run! It was about 63 degrees at the start, with low humidity and gentle breezes. There was a nice mix of sun and shade on the race route.

There were 3 races: 10K, 5K and Kids Dash. The 10K started at 7:15. The 5K began 15 minutes later. The Kids Dash was after awards were presented to the 5K and 10K winners. 

The May Day Race benefits Pinellas County Schools, and the Skyway Marina District. The races were hosted and sponsored by Ceridian, a human resources corporation in St. Petersburg.

The Kids Dash for Cash was sponsored by JABIL corporation. Each participant had a chance to grab cash in a money booth after the race. The dash distances ranged from .25 to 1 mile according to age.

What You Need to Know

Cost: Depends on when you register.
• 5K: $30-$50 
• 10K: $40-$60 
• Kids Dash: $10 for 5K or 10K; free with an adult entry
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Packet Pickup: Packet pickup was on Thursday at AnyTime Fitness; Friday at Fit2Run and Saturday morning on site from 6-7am.
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SWAG: Courtney Graham with ShockT  has designed the shirts each year. This year's jewel-tone blue with bright green imprint was the best one yet. The shirt is lightweight and short-sleeved. Ladies were v-necks; men and kids had round necklines.

​Runners also received a coupon for a two week membership to AnyTime Fitness, and a free ice cream cone from McDonalds.
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Race Day Parking: Parking was FREE and plentiful in the Ceridian parking lots.
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Race Course

The race began and ended on the Ceridian campus. The 10K runners did a loop around the buildings, then ran north on the Skyway Trail through Clam Bayou​ Nature Park. We passed an Indian Burial Mound, and inlet water where Manatees swim. I could see Saturday morning golfers at Twin Brooks Golf Course before we turned around. Lovely surroundings in Clam Bayou. There was a public restroom in the park, as well as a water aid station that we passed twice.

5K runners headed back to Ceridian after going through Clam Bayou, but the 10K runners headed south on the Skyway Trail (37th Street) to 54th Avenue South before returning to the Ceridian campus. Plenty of Police officers were stationed at all the intersections to direct traffic.
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Pacers: Nope. There were runners and walkers for both races. 

Aid Stations: Yes. There was a water station in Clam Bayou that 5K and 10K runners passed twice. There was another water station on 37th Street which 10K runners passed twice. So, essentially two water stops for the 5K, and four for the 10K.

Timing Chip: Yes. The chip was on the race bib for 5K and 10K runners. There was a digital display at the finish. Results were available Cool Running soon after the race.

Port-o-lets: There were 6 port-o-let near the starting line. The Ceridian restrooms adjacent to the courtyard were open for runners before and after the race. 
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Photos

Yes. I saw a photographer at the starting line, finish line, and midway through the 10K. The Skyway Marina District posted photos to Facebook on race day. The photographer photos will be posted to the May Day Races Facebook page when they're ready.
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Awards

Prizes were given to winners for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age group. Age groups were in 10 year increments.

Post Race Food

Runners line up for packet pickup in the Ceridian courtyard before the race on Saturday morning. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

After the race, there were burgers, chips, bananas, apples, granola bars and gummy snacks available from various vendors.

​There was plenty of water on the course, at the finish line, and the post race area. The food has improved each year; but there's still room for improvement. (I don't think I'm the only one who doesn't want to eat a hard granola bar after a race.)

There was a bounce house for the kids, and music playing. Plenty of places to sit and relax after the run. The courtyard is a nice space that offers shade, too.
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Happy Surprise

The weather was fantastic. This is the second year in a row with cool, breezy weather for this race. Love it!
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Weather Report

The weather was perfect.
-> Sunny, but cool.
-> 51% humidity; gentle breezes
-> Temps were low 60s

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​Race Rating: B+

Goodie Bag included: a beautiful blue short sleeve tech shirt, bib with timing chip, trial membership to AnyTime Fitness and a coupon for a McDonalds soft serve ice cream cone. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

All runners receive the same medal. The seashell shaped medal features the Skyway Bridge, Tampa Bay and a sailboat. A nice touch this year was the race name and year imprinted on the sash. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

An employee cleans the reflection pond in the Ceridian courtyard early Saturday morning. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Everything was clearly marked so runners knew where to park, and where to assemble before and after the race. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Brewhouse Burgers served runners chips and hot off the grill sliders. (Photo credit: Skyway Marina District)

5K runners started on the Ceridian campus and then ran out and back through Clam Bayou Nature Park. (Photo credit: Skyway Marina District)

A slight breeze, sunny skies, and mild temperatures were welcome in early May. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

I saw several "Manatee Area" signs, but no Manatees in the water this year. There were plenty of Ospreys around. That's a Osprey nest in the upper left corner. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The finish was on the 34th Street side (east) of campus, in front of the flags. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The Ceridian campus early on race morning. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Maximo Marina hosted a table that offered fresh apples and bananas, and cooler cups. (Photo credit: Skyway Marina District)

My Race Recap

The course location is my favorite part of this race. If not for this race, I doubt I would have ever run through Clam Bayou Nature Park, or along the Skyway Trail in this neighborhood.

It's a beautiful area, and that would have been my loss. Over the past 3 years I've seen several Manatees, Ospreys, Great Blue Herons, ducks, Ibis and birds.

This race is capped at 550 entries because it is run on the trail. That's okay with me. I think it's good to run a mix of small and big races. Each race has it's own vibe — this one is relaxed and fun.

​This event has a nice focus on kids with their special events and activities. Nothing makes me smile like cute-as-ever kids running full throttle. That's the feeling we all want to hang onto, right?
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Thanks to Ceridian, and all the other businesses that contribute to this race. It's nice to see the community spirit. 

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#SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun — Did I just run past an Indian Burial Mound in Clam Bayou Nature Park? Yes, I believe I did. I need to go back and take a closer look.  #MayDayRace

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