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It's June in Florida. It's hot. It's humid. Everyone is a sweaty mess. That means it's time for the Best Damn Race Leftover 5K! AKA, Tampa Bay's last hurrah for racing season. Sure, there are some sweet beach 5Ks over the summer. But, most of us have to wait until September to run with a crowd again. I think that's why the BDR Leftover 5K is such a celebration. It's a goodbye for the summer. It's a late season test in heat and humidity. It's one last race while you're in peak condition. Whatever the reason, the BDR Leftover 5K is fun! First, depending on when you register you'll pay $9 to $25 dollars for a 5K. You can't beat that deal. Second, all the medals and shirts are from previous Best Damn Race events. So, if you've been eyeing that sugar skull medal from New Orleans, or missed out on the Manatee, you have a chance to score one. It's the only time you can run a 5K and take home a half marathon medal. The mystery of which shirt and medal you'll get adds to the excitement. You choose your shirt at packet pickup. The medals are laid out on tables near the finish line. Runner can peruse their options before the race begins. There are no guarantees — you have to reach the finish in time to snag your medal before someone else gets it. Maybe that will make you run faster? Running in Safety HarborI love Safety Harbor. It's a charming, waterfront town on Tampa Bay. The locals are kind enough to let runners invade their streets a few early mornings each year — and believe me — we appreciate the hospitality! The race begins and ends at Safety Harbor Waterfront Park. The course takes runners north on Bayshore Drive, turns around and then heads south. The entire race has views. There are slight inclines, but nothing serious. The main challenge is the heat and humidity.  The race expo and post race party is in the Safety Harbor Waterfront Park. There are plenty of picture spots and local race and running vendors. There was water, Nuun, and Dunkin' donuts coffee before the race, and plenty of food and beverages post race. (Photo: This Old Runner)  Wave One runners raise their hands and promise to finish in 30 minutes or less! (Photo: This Old Runner) The Leftover Race has Two WavesThe Best Damn Race Leftover 5K has two waves. Runners in Wave One must finish their 5K in 30 minutes or less. This is important because the runners in Wave Two will collide with runners who don't finish in the time limit. It's a safety issue. The two waves are a good idea. It gives faster runners a challenge. It probably leads to faster finish times for many runners. We naturally keep pace with those around us. So, if you're running with the faster crowd, you'll get a better time. Another benefit is fast runners don't have to maneuver around walkers and slower runners who self-seeded in front of the corral. You don't need to worry about getting the medal you want. There are two batches of medals that include bling from all the past races. There's plenty of bling for both waves. If you know fast runners, you can cheer them on while you wait for Wave Two. Or vice versa. Waterslide? Yes, Please.I love the waterslide at the Best Damn Race Leftover 5K. I've seen runners of all ages enjoy cooling off in the slide. What the heck, we're all dripping wet by the end of the race anyway.  Great way to cool off after the hottest race of the year. (Photo: This Old Runner) Mix & Match Your Best Damn Race LeftoversI chose the 2017 Best Damn Race New Orleans shirt, and the 2017 Safety Harbor 5K medal. I don't know why, but I always choose a 5K medal for this race. I'm happy with my race SWAG. It's fun to see what everyone picks. I saw groups of friends running in matching shirts. I wonder if they chose matching medals, too. Bottom line: You get a solid shirt, medal, and race experience in a charming setting for $25 or less.
Plan Your 2019 Best Damn Race Schedule Now!Here's the lineup for the 2019 Season. Savanah is new this year. Just look at all those racecation options!
Use Discount Code THISOLDRUNNER to SAVEYou can use my code, "THISOLDRUNNER" to SAVE $5 on any distance race, in any city (except Savannah during the Registration Blitz). Use it for yourself and all your running friends. Go ahead and sign up now to get the best deal! I hope you'll try at least one of the Best Damn Races in 2019. Racing for a ReasonOne last note. You should know when you run the Best Damn Race Safety Harbor and the Leftover 5K the charity partner is Special Olympics Florida — Hillsborough County. I don't know about you, but I love running a race that supports a cause! Scene on a Run: So much fun to watch runners choose their medals at this race. One lady had a humongous half marathon medal around her neck. I said, "Wow, you got a good one." She replied, "It's big and shiny so it works for me." Grins all around. #BestDamnRace #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDRJacksonville #BDRJax #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDROrlando #BDRNOLA #BDRLeftover5K #ThisOldRunner #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunTampaBay #RunNOLA #RunSavannah #RunOrlando #RunJax #RunFlorida #StreakingwiththeCOOLKIDS #MedalMonday #BibRave #BibRavePro #BibChat #CouponCode #DiscountCode #PromoCode
 Get Ready! The Registration Blitz for #BDRJax begins @ Noon (EDT) on Wednesday, May 23rd! You can save big money on the Half, 10K, or 5K.
The #BestDamnRace date is Jan. 12, 2019 in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida. Register here: http://jacksonville.bestdamnrace.com/register/ #BestDamnRace #RunJax #RaceDiscounts #RunFlorida Plan ahead, and register early! You don't want to miss the best prices for Best Damn Race Jacksonville on January 12, 2019! Registration for the first #BDR of the year opens on Wednesday, May 23 at Noon. How to Score the Best Price on Jax RacesBest Damn Race registration is unique. Here's how it works:
 Last Tip! Bookmark the registration page so you're ready on May 23rd!  Not Ready to Commit?Registration remains open until just before the race. I'll have a $5 discount code available this Summer. Either way, plan to run one or more of the 2019 Best Damn Race series! #BestDamnRace #BDR #BestDamnRaceJax #BDRJAX #RunJAX #RunFlorida #BestDamnRaceSeries #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunOrlando #RunSafetyHarbor #RunSavannah #RunNOLA #ThisOldRunner #FloridaHalf #JanuaryHalf
Warm up your fingers, and get to your computer. You want to be ready when the Registration BLITZ for #BestDamnRace #NOLA starts at Noon (CDT) Wednesday, April 24th. Half marathon starts at $40 5K starts at $15 The earlier you register, the lower the price. Races are on Sunday, March 24, 2019. Visit BestDamnRace.com for all the details! 
#BDRNola #BestDamnRaceNewOrleans #BDR #RunNola #RaceDiscount #BibChat #RacePromo
Warm up your fingers, and set your alarm for Noon today. The best prices for the Best Damn Race Orlando are live at lunchtime!
Check Out The Blitz Pricing for #BDR #Orlando
The sooner you register, the better the price. Look at the charts below for details.
Race is March 2, 2019!
Register for Orlando here. If you can't make the opening blitz, register as soon as you can for the best deal.
Pricing is a sliding scale based on the number of runners who have registered. Get there first for the best price!
It Really is the Best Damn Race!
#BestDamnRace #BDR #BDROrlando #BibChat #RunChat #RunOrlando #RunFlorida
 Get ready to register! Blitz pricing starts at NOON EST Wednesday, March 7th for the Safety Harbor 2019 race series! The #BestDamnRace series returns to Safety Harbor next February 2, 2019. 5K starts at $15 10K starts at $20 Half starts at $40 Challenge starts at $60 Register: http://safetyharbor.bestdamnrace.com/register/ #BDRSafetyHarbor #BibChat #BDR #earthathon #bibravepro #runsarasota#runstpete #runtampa #runsafetyharbor #runbradenton #Earthathon #ThisOldRunner #BDRAmbassador #ad Save $5 on Best Damn RacesIf you want to run in the Best Damn Race in Orlando on March 3, or the Best Damn Race in New Orleans on March 25 register before the discount codes expire.
#BestDamnRace NOLA Medals Glow in the Dark
That's right THEY GLOW IN THE DARK! 'cause don't you just hate it when you wear your bling at night and no one can see it!?! Register Before the Discount Codes Expire!#RunOrlando #RunNewOrleans #RunNOLA #RunORL #RunStPete #RunTampa #RunSarasota #Athlinks #BibChat #BibRavePro #RaceCode #PromoCode #DiscountCode #RaceDiscount #ThisOldRunner #BestDamnRace #BDR #GlowInTheDarkMedals #SugarSkull #NewOrleans #Orlando #RunFlorida
 Never Run in a Leftover 5K? It's Time to Try!Actually, I don't know of any other Leftover Races. All I know is you've gotta try the Best Damn Race Leftover 5K. The third annual race is Saturday, June 2nd in Safety Harbor, FL. Besides a beautiful race course, there's added fun when choosing your race shirt and medal. All the leftover shirts and medals from Best Damn Races (2017 and earlier) will be up for grabs. On race day, all the medals are displayed on tables at the finish line. When you complete your race, you get to choose any medal. Better run fast if you have a particular medal in mind! Read my Leftover 5K review from last year for all the details. Don't wait to sign up. Part of the fun is seeing how little you can pay for the race. Registration opens at noon on Valentine's Day. The first 250 registrants pay just $10; from there the price increases depending on the number of runners. The good news is you'll never pay more than $25. Leftovers are good! This is the Best Damn 5K Deal!
#BestDamnRace #BDRLeftover5K #Leftover5K #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDROrlando #BDRNola #BDRJax #BDRJacksonville #BestDamnRaceNewOrleans #BibChat #BibRavePro #RunStPete #RunSarasota #RunTampa #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #5K #RaceCode #PromoCode #DiscountCode #RaceDiscount
I Loved My Best Damn Races Best Damn Race 5K, 10K & Challenge Medals from Week 6 of #RunSarasota Training. (Credit: This Old Runner.) The Safety Harbor edition of the #BestDamnRace was great fun! This was my second-ever attempt at running a Challenge — a 10K and 5K race one after another. The first challenge was in January, so why not try another in February? I'll write a full review later — I have lots of good things to report about the race. (Big bling, organized, wonderful race atmosphere, support and party, etc.) Until then, take a peek at a few photos below.
I'm a BibBoards FanGotta say — I am very happy with my #BibBoards. I snapped on my bib at home, and never worried about it again. It stayed in place in the 10K and again in the 5K race. It performed on race day exactly as promised! No pinching, poking, flapping or parachuting! I'll definitely use these from now on. Plus, I have to tell you I did catch a couple of people smiling at my smiling sunglasses emoji when they looked at my bib! What About the Challenge?The Best Damn Race Safety Harbor courses have some rolling hills. Hills are hard to find in Florida, so it's a good test. Plus, who doesn't love to run downhill? This challenge was a bit harder than the super flat course I ran in January. And, I'll admit I was a bit distracted at the start of the 10K. I buckled down about 3/4 of a mile in, and stayed on pace for the rest of the race. I finished my this 15K Challenge 3 minutes slower than the SPB Classic in January. But, I'm happy with my races. These races are part of training for a PR at the First Watch Sarasota Half on March 18th. I felt strong for all 9 miles. That makes me optimistic because I have 6 weeks to be ready to run strong for 13 miles. Save Money with Discount Codes for RunnersHere are the codes for races/gear mentioned in this post. Find more discounts here. —> First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay: $10 OFF the Half or Relay with code: SARASOTABIB18. This is a goal race for me this year. It's a beautiful race that takes you up and over the Ringling Bridge (twice!) and around beautiful Sarasota, Florida. —> Best Damn Race Orlando or New Orleans: If you haven't ever run in a #BestDamnRace you should try one. It's super organized, and has lots of wonderful perks for racers. Check out Orlando on March 3rd and New Orleans on March 25th. You can use my code: THISOLDRUNNER to save $5 on any race in either city. Orlando has a 5K, 10K, Challenge and Half Marathon. New Orleans has a 5K and Half. The discount codes expire 2 weeks prior to race. —> BibBoards #SaveTheShirt Bib Holders: You can SAVE 20% with code: #BIBCHAT at BibBoards.com. Choose from a variety of stock designs, or create your own by uploading artwork. You can preview the design before you order it. Disclaimer: I received BibBoards to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews! #BibRavePro #BibChat #BestDamnRace #BDRSafetyHarbor #BDROrlando #BDRNola #RunTampa #RunStPete #RunBradenton #RunTampaBay #RunSarasota #RunOrlando #RunNOLA #DiscountCodes #RaceCodes #RacePromo #ThisOldRunner #FirstWatchSarasotaHalf
Yesterday I helped unwrap all the #BestDamnRace Safety Harbor finisher medals. And, I have to tell you — they look great. If you're running the half, bring someone to help you carry your medal home. They are hefty! A Sneak Peek at the 5K, 10K and Half MedalsI forgot to take a photo of the Challenge medals, but here are the other three for your drooling pleasure! I'm impressed with the quality of these medals. It's a great design.
 If you aren't registered for the Best Damn Race on February 3 in Safety Harbor, hurry and sign up. The Challenge is completely sold out, but there are a few spots left in the 5k, 10k and Half Marathon. The Best Damn Race CoursesTake a look at the course maps below. All three races take you on a running tour of charming Safety Harbor, Florida. First, here are the 5K and 10K routes. If you're running the Challenge, you'll run both courses. 10K is first at 6:45 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9 a.m.
Best Damn Race Expo and Packet PickUpThursday, Jan. 30 - 3 to 7pm. Dick's Sporting Goods Westshore Plaza Mall, 258 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609 Packet pickup. 20% off Feb. 1 through Feb. 4 with BDR coupon. (Check your email for coupon.) BDR Discount Days valid with coupon at any Florida Dick's Sporting Goods. Friday, February 2, 2018 - Noon to 6:30 pm Race Expo - Safety Harbor Marina Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane Packet pickup and Race Expo. Map of expo below. Saturday, February 3 - 5:45 a.m. until race time. Race Expo - Safety Harbor Marina Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane Packet pickup and Race Expo. Please arrive at least one hour before your race. You can pick up 1 extra packet for someone else with a copy of their photo ID. Parents can pick up additional packets for children under 18. Race Expo Map and Info for Safety Harbor The race expo is on Friday and Saturday at Safety Harbor Marina Park. Be sure to visit the exhibitors for samples and to see the latest in running gear. You'll find everything from last minute race necessities to health and nutritional info. Friday 2.2.18, 12:00PM - 6:30PM | Saturday 2.3.18, 5:45 AM to Noon Safety Harbor Marina Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane, Safety Harbor, FL 34695 Good Luck to All the Runners!See you at the starting line! SAVE $5 with code: "ThisOldRunner" on |
Hey there,This is where you'll find me writing instead of running. (But, you know I'll be writing about running, right?) 
Yep, smiling's my favorite.
Another happy finish line!
Save money on your favorite races and gear. #BibRavePro
BONUS SWAG when you register for Tampa 15K/5K on Dec. 16, 2018 with my code: TAMPAKAREN18
Get $5 OFF any race, any city with "THISOLDRUNNER" Jacksonville - 1.12.19; Safety Harbor - 2.2.19; Orlando - 3.2.19; New Orleans - 3/24/19; NOTE: Code not live for Savanah - 2/16/19 until after the registration blitz. #BDR #BestDamnRace
Upcoming Races:June-July-August
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