This Old Runner Writes About Running

The Inaugural #StPeteRunFest Looks Like a Winner for Downtown St. Pete

5/21/2017

Ryan Jordan, one of the owners of the new #StPeteRunFest event spoke to One Million Cups #1MCSTP last week, and everything he had to say about the inaugural St. Pete Run Fest made me happy.

Year-Round Community Engagement

Jordan told the audience that his company (EndorFun Sports) wants this event to be engaged in the community 365 days a year.

The two-day festival will partner with the city, 3 Daughters Brewing, Saturday Morning Market, BigSea Design, St Pete Threads, local charities, schools and businesses to engage as much of the community as possible.

Visit StPeteRunFest.org to see how you can participate as an individual runner, team member, or volunteer. The event is November 18-19, 2017 in St. Petersburg, FL.

A Two-Day Run Festival with Something for Everyone

Photo credit: StPeteRunFest.org

The Inaugural event will include a variety of race events, and a two-day health and fitness market along the downtown waterfront.

Lil' Shrimp and PeliKids Youth Runs are for kids age 1 to 13. The 5K is open to age 8 and older. Relay runners must be at least 10. The half marathon is open to anyone 12 or older.

Runners and walkers are welcome for all events. Time limits were extended to appeal to walkers. For example, the Half Marathon time limit is 3.5 hours, which translates to a 16 minute/mile pace. Another option is to run the Half Marathon as a two-person relay; each person runs a 10K.

There is a Dolphin Double Challenge for runners who want to run both the 5K and Half on Sunday morning.

Run or Walk to Support Local Charities

Money raised by the race will stay in the community. 5K runners will support the Miles for Meals Program — a dollar for each mile run/walked (up to $3) will be donated to the St Petersburg Free Clinic Food Bank. Additional donations can be made online when registering for races.

Jordan said the Half Marathon will give local charities the opportunity to be involved in the race and receive a donation with a "13 miles, 13 charities" plan.

Registration Prices for St Pete Run Fest Races.

Photo credit: StPeteRunFest.org

Healthy Kids Challenge

I love the idea of the PeliKids Marathon Challenge. It's a one mile race for school age kids (K-8). The young runners log 25.2 miles at home or at school before the race, then complete their marathon on Saturday of race weekend by running the PeliKids One Miler for a total of 26.2 miles.

Running Tour of Downtown St. Petersburg

The half marathon is a great way to see everything new and exciting that is happening in downtown.

The race course embraces the waterfront, downtown, the arts districts, Tropicana Field and the Pinellas Trail. If you haven't been to St. Pete lately, you haven't been to St. Pete.

Photo credit: StPeteRunFest.org

Creating an Ocean Friendly Event

Okay, I think this may be my favorite part. Jordan told the audience the race organizers were inspired by how the National Parks Race Series uses a cup free system. HydraPour uses a reusable water pouch and speedy filling stations to distribute water to runners — eliminating all the trash and tripping hazards of disposable cups. Bonus: you can sip your water as needed, rather than gulping it in time to toss your cup into the trash can.

Jordan said the inaugural year will be a combo of HydraPour and recyclable cups. He said he is working with the Suncoast Chapter Surf Rider Foundation to make this an Ocean Friendly event.

Additionally, half marathon runners will receive a reusable water bottle at the finish line. Love it!

Did You Want Some Bling with That Race?

Photo credit: StPeteRunFest.org FB page.

Jordan remarked that runner feedback indicates trinkets and amenities are important to participants.

So, in addition to the reusable water bottle at the half marathon finish, runners will earn big, shiny, unique medals. (Think spinners.)

The Dolphin Double runners will receive 3 medals for their efforts.

Will St. Pete Get its Own Version of a Gasparilla Classic?

Jordan said the vision is to create St. Pete's version of the Gasparilla Classic — a world class event that brings people from around the country to run, stay and play in our city. For reference: the Gasparilla Distance Classic attracts 40,000 runners.

It may take a few years, but the energy and vision of the #StPeteRunFest owners, partners and the city of St. Petersburg make me believe it will happen. I'll be running, and rooting for everyone's success.

#dtsp #runstpete #runtampa #runsarasota #runbradenton #sunshineshere #runchat #raceraves #bibrave #tampabay #hc15Ktampa #HotChocolate15K #florida #LoveFL #igerstpete #instarunners #runnersofinsta #1mcstp #stpeterunfest #BigSeaDesign #StPeteThreads #HydraPour #GasparillaDistanceClassic #pgdc #medalmonday #runtampabay #half #15K #10K #5K #KidsDash #thisoldrunner

Looking for a Unique Race, But Don't Want to Run in Your Undies? Me, too!

2/20/2017

Have you heard about Cupid's Undie Run? St. Pete had one on Valentine's Day. I love everything about the race: great cause (Children's Tumor Fund), clever slogan (#ImWithCupid), and a street party atmosphere. I'm shy and older, so running in my undies in public is out for me. But, the idea of a unique race is appealing. It's fun to try new locations and events.

This March is the perfect month to cash in on your training to earn something extra when you race. I created a list of local races with unique themes and locations.

Find a new race on the list below, and use it to stay motivated. Distances range from Fun Runs to Half Marathons.

Would You Run for a Cupcake?

That sounds like a Dr. Seuss title, doesn't it? But why not race for a cupcake? You'll earn it after running a sandy 5K on the beach at Pass-a-Grille.

Race for the Cupcake 5K is on the beach in Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach, FL.

#raceforthecupcake #runstpete

Saturday, March 4, 2017. 8:00 am
Race for the Cupcake 5K $27.
Virtual Race Option.
Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach, FL

St. Pete Running Company's Race is open to runners, joggers and walkers. Registered participants receive a tech running hat, medal, refreshments and a cupcake. Gluten free cupcake option is available. There is a Virtual Race option and a kids 400m Fun Run.

Fore! Four! Golf and Running Mix at Valspar

Sunday, March 6, 2017. 4:00 pm
Par4Miler at Innisbrook Resort, $25-30
Option to purchase discounted golf tournament tickets. Palm Harbor, FL

How often do you get to run where the pros play golf? This race course is on the cart paths at the beautiful Copperhead Course. The race kicks off the 2017 Valspar Championship Golf Tournament. Finishers receive a voucher for Valspar paint, a medal, shirt and post-race party by the 18th green.

Bonus: Runners can purchase discounted tickets for the Valspar Championship. The race benefits Moffitt Cancer Center. Read my 2/15/17 blog post for more details.

#par4miler #thisoldrunner #Valspar #Moffitt #HSNcares #Innisbrook #ValsparChampionship

VROOM! VROOM! Run the Grand Prix Track

Run on the race track during the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K race.

Friday, March 10, 2017. 6:15 pm
Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete 5K $35
Downtown St. Petersburg, FL

This 5K race takes runners on the actual Grand Prix race track. The start/finish line is on Bay Shore Drive NE, on the water side of North Straub Park. The St. Petersburg Police Athletic League is the beneficiary of the race proceeds. Modern Business Associates is the named race sponsor. Shirts, prizes and post-race party.

#GrandPrixStPete5K #RunStPete #5K #ThisOldRunner #FirestoneGrandPrix #PALStPete #MBA

Be the Thunder! Run with the Lightning Bug

The Bolt Run has a 1 mile, 5K and 5Miler that supports The Lightning Foundation in Tampa, FL.

Saturday, March 11, 2017. 7:00 am
Bolt Run 1 mile, 5K and 5 Miler. $30-$65 Team entries available. Tampa, FL
The Lightning Foundation sponsors this race that starts and finishes where the Tampa Bay Bolts play hockey— Amalie Arena.

Each registered participant receives: One ticket to the March 11th game vs Florida, or March 21st vs Arizona, or two tickets to a Tampa Bay Storm game; race t-shirt; pre/post-race activities with food & drinks; race goodie bag. 5k and 5 Miler finishers receive a medal. Proceeds benefit local charities. Lightning Bug, the hockey team mascot, runs with the kids.

#BoltRun #AmalieArena #5K #5Miler #BeTheThunder #ThisOldRunner #LightningFoundation

King of the Beach! Florida Beach Halfathon & 5K at Fort DeSoto Park

Medal for Florida Beach Halfathon on March 12, 2017 at Fort DeSoto..

Sunday, March 12, 2017. 7 am
Florida Beach Halfathon and 5K $45-90
Virtual race option. Tierra Verde, FL

This is the final race in the Florida Road Races Challenge. These races are known for their whimsical starfish medals. You need one! The 5K and Half start and finish at North Beach in Fort DeSoto Park. North Beach is regularly rated one of the world’s best beaches. Stick around after the race and festivities to enjoy one of the prettiest beaches and parks around.

Read my review of the 2016 Beach Halfathon here.

#FloridaHalf #Beachathon #FortDeSotoHalf #ThisOldRunner #StarfishMedal #FloridaRoadRaces

Spring Break in Sarasota! First Watch is the Last Half in the Florida Storm Series

The First Watch Sarasota Half and Relay is known for its giant dolphin medals.

Sunday, March 19, 2017. 6:45 am
First Watch Sarasota Half & Relay
$105-135. Relay finishes together.
Sarasota, FL

This race is known for a beautiful course, huge dolphin-inspired medals and a delicious post race breakfast by First Watch Restaurant. The half and relay both start and end at VanWezel Performing Arts Hall on Sarasota Bay. Runners climb the Ringling Bridge twice, run St. Armands Circle, the business district and beautiful neighborhoods. This is the final race in the popular Florida Storm Series Challenge. The race is 80% sold now, and always sells out.

#FloridaHalf #2PersonRelay #SarasotaHalf #ThisOldRunner #DolphinMedal #Florida #FirstWatch

5K & 10K Memorial Runs to Honor Fallen Heroes of St. Pete Police

The 5th Annual Heroes 5K/10K Memorial Run honors St. Pete Police.

#StPetePolice #dtsp #HeroesMemorialRun
#5K #10K #1Miler #RunStPete

Friday, March 24, 2017. 6:30 pm
Heroes of the St. Pete Police 5K, 10K, 1 Mile $30-$40
Downtown St. Petersburg, FL

Evening race gives an interesting view of downtown St. Pete, the waterfront and Snell Isle. Starts and ends at the memorial on Demens Landing. Coral start. Strollers and walkers welcome, but start behind runners. One mile walk begins 15 minutes after the timed races. Shirt, medal and post-race refreshments. Family event.
Proceeds benefit the Heroes of the St. Pete Police whose mission is to honor St. Petersburg Police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to provide financial support to assist officers and their families during a crisis or tragedy.

Twilight Celebration 5K & 10K Races at Robinson Preserve in Bradenton

Friday, March 31, 2017. 6:30 pm
Fit2Run Twilight 5K and 10K Run, $35-$40
Kids' Races for ages 3 to 12 years start at 5:30 pm
Robinson Preserve, Bradenton, FL
Challenging course on trails and boardwalks surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife. 5 corrals based on finish time. Walkers, strollers, and runners with dogs are welcome in last corral. Fit2Run after party features catered food, refreshments, live music and adult beverages (with proper ID). Awards include prize money distributed to top three M/F finishers in each race. Age group awards. Medals to kids. 5K is chip timed. Family friendly event. Proceeds benefit Feeding Empty Little Tummies, a backpack program to feed homeless Manatee County children on weekends, and the Preserve.

#RobinsonPreserve #TwilightRun #5K #10K #Bradenton #RunStPete #ThisOldRunner #Fit2Run

Hurry Up, Dude! Hippie Dash 5k Prices Increase Tomorrow

9/30/2016

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Feeling Groovy? Try This Fun Race in 2017

Saturday, April 1, 2017 is the date for the 2nd Annual Hippie Dash 5K.

You'll get the best pricing if you register before October 1, 2016.

Read my review of the 2016 inaugural race.

The 2017 Hippie Dash 5k takes place on April 1, 2017.

Proceeds from the Hippie Dash 5k, 1 miler and Fun Run benefit Goodwill Industries-Suncoast, Inc.

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3rd Annual Honeymoon Island Half

9/27/2016

Will the Third Time be the Charm for this Race?

The 3rd Annual Honeymoon Island Half marathon is November 5, 2016. There will be 3 races: half marathon, 10k and 5k.

The 2016 race course will be in downtown Dunedin instead of on the island. I don't know if there will be cold water, or shade, or better organization — but at least runners will be near downtown businesses and have options for post race recovery.

Read Review of the 2nd Annual Honeymoon Half or my Race Recap.

I hope to hear the 3rd year is the charm for the Honeymoon Island Half. Learn more about the 2016 Honeymoon Half 10k and 5k.

Inaugural Half Marathon Coming to Bradenton on October 15, 2016

9/21/2016

The Conquistadors are Coming!

The 1st Annual Bradenton Area Half Marathon medal.

Photo from BradentonHalfMarathon.com

Now this is one cool medal! The First Annual Bradenton Half Marathon will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2016 in downtown Bradenton, Florida.

If the medal doesn't entice you to run, then the race course will. The race starts in downtown Bradenton by taking runners out and back over The Green Bridge. Runners then move along the Manatee River, loop into town, and finish back at the waterfront.

The Hernando De Soto Historical Society sponsors the race which will include music, cheerleaders, and conquistadors along the race course. Proceeds go to student scholarships.

Did you notice that the medal has two holes in it? That's so you can mount your medal to a plaque. There will be plaques available for purchase after the race.

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