This Old Runner Writes About Running

New Route! Running through the Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course and Snake Pit

3/6/2017

I love running in new places. Throw in a shirt, medal and a beer, and I'm giddy.
Well, you can color me completely happy after the Par4Miler at Innisbrook Resort on Sunday, March 5th. It was a charming event!

The 4 mile race on the cart paths of the Copperhead Course raised money for charity, offered participants a behind the scenes sneak peek of the Valspar Championship, AND gave everyone a voucher for a free can of Valspar interior paint.

The post-race party was in a hospitality tent. Finishers enjoyed pizza, brownies, granola bars, protein shakes, beer, wine and soda with a view of the 18th green.

The #Par4Miler was the official kickoff for the #ValsparChampionship golf tournament taking place March 6-12.

Full race review available ---> here!

Runners gather at the starting line for the Par4Miler at the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort and Spa. (Photo by ThisOldRunner.com)

Walkers in the Par4Miler race at Innisbrook Resort.

There were more walkers than runners. This was a family friendly event. (Photo by ThisOldRunner.com.)

The Par 4 Miler race is on the Copperhead course at Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor, FL

The Copperhead Course had challenging hills and valleys. Most of the walkers took their time and enjoyed the scenery. (Photo by ThisOldRunner.com)

The post-race party was in a hospitality tent on the 18th green. Finishers had lots of beverage choices, including beer and wine. (Photo by ThisOldRunner.com.)

The finisher medal for the Par4Miler race.

The 4 in the center of the big finisher medal spins. Can you find the golf club? Anything else? (Photo by ThisOldRunner.com.)

#Par4Miler #ValsparChampionship #InnisbrookResort #RunStPete #RunTampaBay #Running #Florida #MarchRaces #ThisOldRunner #HSNCares #Valspar #CopperheadCourse #RunChat #BibChat #VSPC #Races #WalkerFriendlyRaces

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

Run with the Barber Brothers at the 2017 #Par4Miler during the Valspar Championship

2/15/2017

If you love running and golf, the Par4Miler at Innisbrook Resort is for you.

The Par4Miler course is on the cart paths of the famous Innisbrook Resort Copperhead course. (Photo credit: Par4Miler.com)

Ronde Barber crosses the finish line at the 2016 Par4Miler.

Ronde Barber's time for the 2016 Par4Miler was 32:34. That's an 8 minute pace. Can you run as fast as Ronde? (Photo credit: Par4Miler.com)

2nd Annual Race Adds Charity, Celebrities

The 2017 Par4Miler race at the Valspar Championship has joined with two local organizations to help others. HSN Cares is a named sponsor, and proceeds from the race will benefit the Moffitt Cancer Center. HSN Cares is the philanthropic arm of St. Petersburg's Home Shopping Network. Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute is a nonprofit cancer treatment and research center in Tampa.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Ronde Barber, ran the inaugural race in 2016. This year Ronde returns with his twin brother, Tiki, a former running back for the New York Giants. Ronde ran 4 miles in 32:34 last year. Can you run his pace? Can Tiki?

Registration and Perks

The early bird price was $35 until 1/31/17. There were some discounts on Groundhog's Day and Valentine's Day, so watch social media and the website for details. If you put together a team of 5+ or 10+ racers, there are additional discounts.

Entrants receive:
• Tech or Cotton Shirt
• Free Race Photos
• Finishers Medal
• Valspar Paint Voucher
• Post Race Party in 18th Green Hospitality Tent
• Discounted Valspar Championship Tickets

Copperhead Course cart path at Innisbrook Golf Resort

The Copperhead course cart path looks like a good place to run. (Photo credit: Par4Miler.com)

2016 Valspar 4 Miler Finisher Medal.

Schedule of Events

Packet Pickup
Friday, March 3rd - 2 to 6 pm
BB&T Bank, 350 East Bay Drive, Largo, FL 33770

Race Day Schedule
Sunday, March 5th - 2 to 4 pm
Innisbrook Resort, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
2 to 4 pm - Packet Pickup
4 pm - Race Start
4: 30 to 7 pm - Post Race Party, 18th Green

If you love running and golf, this is the race for you. Get an insider view of the Copperhead course at Innisbrook Golf Resort as you run or walk the cart paths, and enjoy the post race party at the 18th green. If you take advantage of the discounted Valspar Championship tickets, you can come back to see the pros compete where you ran!

#par4miler #valsparchampionship #hsncares #moffitcancercenter #runtampa #runflorida #florida #bucsnation #siegetheday #tampabaybuccaneers #par4miler #innisbrook #copperheadcourse #stpete #palmharbor #clearwater #gulfcoastflorida #thisoldrunner #vspc #runwithronde

2017 Valspar Championship Par4Miler

10/30/2016

Want to Run the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook?

Here's your chance! Registration opens on November 1 for the second running of the Valspar Championship Par4Miler.

The race takes place at 4 pm on Sunday, March 5 — the day before the golf tournament begins. Racers have the unique opportunity to run on the cart paths through the golf course.

Registration ($35) includes the race, tshirt, medal, after party and a voucher for a can of Valspar paint. PLUS, the chance to purchase a ticket to the Valspar Championship golf tournament at Innisbrook Golf Resort for just $20.

11/4/16 NOTE: This post has been updated with new 2017 race details.

(Photo credit: par4miler.com)

Registration opens Tuesday, November 1st. Details on the Par4Miler website. Here are a couple of views from last year's inaugural race:

(Photo credit: par4miler.com)