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.

One Step Closer to the Cure Packet Pickup

9/14/2016

Sweet SWAG

SWAG bag for the Celma Mastry One Step Closer to the Cure 10K, 5K and 1 Miler has a variety of items.

Yesterday, I picked up my runner packet for this Saturday's One Step Closer to the Cure 10K in St. Petersburg. Tuesday's pickup was available at the St. Pete Running Company from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. I arrived at 4:31 and was surprised to see a line already. A few minutes in, the line was moving. We were handed our goodie bags while in line, then got our bib and shirt at the check in table. Onsite registration was also available.

This is one of the better goodie bags I've seen lately. I really, really like the hat and shirt.

Lots of sponsors contributed so runners received a purple drawstring bag, pens, notepads, water bottle, samples, coolie, wristband, pillbox, samples, literature and my favorite — a bright green stick on pocket for the back of your phone to hold your ID and credit cards.

Racers picking up at the St. Pete Running Company received a $10 off coupon.

The race number bib is also a coupon, worth 10% off a purchase at Fit2Run St. Pete.

Ovarian Cancer survivors receive free registration and are honored during the race. Races include a 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.

Visit the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer website for more details.

See you Saturday morning for the sunrise!

"I Dream of Jeannie" Medal for Cocoa Beach Half Marathon Finishers

9/6/2016

If You're an Older Runner, You May Remember Watching the I Dream of Jeannie Show on TV.

Finishers medal for the Cocoa Beach 2016 Half Marathon

The finisher's medal is a genie bottle.

150 genies ran in the Inaugural Cocoa Beach Half Marathon.

The original Jeannie, Barbara Eden, with runners at the Inaugural Cocoa Beach Half Marathon.

Ron Jon Surf Shop sponsores the Cocoa Beach Half Marathon

I Dream of Jeannie was a popular show on in Prime Time when I was a kid. It ran from 1965 to 1970. Years later, it entertained another generation (including my kids) when Nickelodeon Cable Network aired it in the 90s as part of their Nick at Night lineup.

Want your own genie bottle?

If you are available for a half marathon in Cocoa Beach on October 23, 2016, you can earn your very own genie bottle medal.

There are 3 ways to earn this fun medal: Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, and a Virtual Half.

If you can't make it to Cocoa Beach in person, try the Virtual Run Option. You must submit photographic proof of your virtual run between October 29 to November 5, 2016.

Take it one step further, and dress up like Jeannie when you run the race!

There were 150 people dressed like Jeannie at the 2015 Inaugural Half. PLUS, Barbara Eden made a guest appearance — see photo.

Sign up for the 2nd Annual Ron Jon Cocoa Beach Half Marathon soon, last year's event sold out!

September 10th Flavor Run 5k to Benefit Girls On The Run of Greater Tampa Bay

8/25/2016

The Flavor Run in Tampa is September 20, 2016.

Photo from Girls on the Run.

You Save 25% and $5 is Donated to Girls On The Run When You Register to Run with the "GOTR" Code.

You can help raise money for Girls on the Run when you participate in the The Flavor Run ™ in Tampa on September 10, 2016 at 9 am. (More details here.)

Family Fun. Delicious Run.™
The Flavor Run™ is a family friendly 5K that supports local communities and businesses. It's a unique experience designed to engage all your senses: sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste. You'll experience Flavor Stations along the race route with colorful powders in strawberry, blueberry, watermelon, banana, grape, and orange flavors. Yum!

The Flavor Run™ is for all levels and ages of runners. Participants can run, walk or stroll. Children 6 years old and under participate for free; discounted youth tickets are available. Under 18 waiver required. Tickets are limited, so get yours early.

Virtual 5K Available if you can't make the race in person.

The Flavor Run 5k has Banana Finisher Medals in 2016.

The Flavor Run™ is going bananas with this 2016 finisher's medal.

Free St. Pete Beach Classic Race Registration for Runners Over 80 Years Old

8/15/2016

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I received an email from St. Pete Beach Classic yesterday with some exciting news for older runners.

Registration is FREE if you're 80 or more years old.

The St Pete Beach Classic is a weekend filled with races including a Beach Run, 5k, 10k, Duo and Half. If you run every race on the schedule, you've run a Marathon and receive an extra medal.

Here's what you have to do for free entry:

Download a SPB Classic paper registration form.
Complete the registration
Mail it in to us with a copy of your birth certificate,
photo ID, or Drivers License
Be sure to include your email address on the form for your registration confirmation.

Mail your completed registration form to:
SPB Classic, LLC
P.O. Box 66143
St. Pete Beach, FL 33736

If you're not 80 years old, then you can use online registration.

Just 5 months away!
The 2017 St. Pete Beach Classic is January 13, 14, 15, 2017 in beautiful, warm, sunny St. Pete Beach, Florida.

Read my review of the 2016 St. Pete Beach Classic Half.

Detail of 2016 SPB Classic Long Sleeve Tech Race Shirt.

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Hot Chocolate 15k Announced for Tampa in December 2016

7/28/2016

This is Sweet News!

Today it was announced that "America's Sweetest Race" is coming to Tampa on December 18, 2016. Yep, that's right — it's the Hot Chocolate 15k/5k. Hooray running and chocolate!

I've been eyeing this race for awhile. Sadly, the closest event was in Atlanta, and conflicted with another race on my schedule. Now I can run it right here in my own backyard.

15k and 5k Races

There are two distances: 15k and 5k. The course starts and finishes in the same place. The exact location of the USTAF certified course in downtown Tampa hasn't been posted yet.

There will be pacers for 7 min. up to 15 min. per mile runners. Sign up for live runner tracking during the race.

Swag (Stuff We All Get)

According to the website, all participants receive a zip front Hot Chocolate Race hooded jacket, AND a keepsake finishers mug filled with hot chocolate, chocolate fondue and dippable goodies. There will be DJ playing music and a kids play zone at the finish line. Free race photos will be available for download.

Hot Chocolate Run Tampa 2016 Goodie Bag Hoodie

Photo from HotChocolate15k.com

15k Finishers Medal

Only the 15k finishers receive the unique candy bar medal shown below. It has a removable Tampa insert you can pop out and use as a fridge magnet.

Photo from HotChocolate15k.com

Register before 8/14/16 for the best prices

Registration begins at $69 for the 15k, and $39 for the 5k if you sign up before August 14th. After that prices increase a couple of times and top out at $79/15k and $54/5k. You can register for the Hot Chocolate Run here. #HC15kTampa

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