Classic is in line for a big turnout
By RITA FARLOW
Published January 3, 2007
Thursday is the last day for early registration for the fourth annual St. Pete Beach Classic. The event includes two competitive races, a children's race, a fitness walk and a fun run.
The festivities kick off Jan. 12 with a free health and fitness expo, followed by a bonfire and beach party behind the Tradewinds Sandpiper Hotel and Suites, at 6000 Gulf Blvd.
The following morning, the 5K run and 5K fitness walk will begin at 8 a.m. on Gulf Boulevard near the Tradewinds. Some lanes of Gulf - both north and south of the hotel - will be closed for the runners, but the road will be open to vehicle traffic, event organizer Al Johnson said.
For safety, drivers should give runners the right of way, police spokeswoman Natalie Strong said. "We want to encourage everyone to be very aware of their surroundings and be courteous of the runners," Strong said. "There will be a chance to get through, so be patient."
To ease parking woes, a shuttle will run between Dolphin Village Shopping Center, 4900 Gulf Blvd., and the race site, beginning at 6 a.m., Johnson said.
Johnson said the race has grown each year. "It started the first year out of the box, with 1,500, which we were just tickled with," he said.
Last year, about 1,850 people participated and organizers expect anywhere from 2,200 to 2,300 this year. They are from all over the United States and Canada, Johnson said.
"We've got all the best local folks, too, (so) it will be a quality field," Johnson said.
The classic and the annual Bay to Bay race are owned by the nonprofit organization, Beach Charities. Proceeds go to the St. Petersburg Free Clinic and the St. Pete Beach Recreation Department scholarship fund.
This year, the race will be the 2007 Road Runners Club of America Southern region 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) championship, Johnson said.
The event will showcase the area's beautiful beach and spread awareness about healthy living, Johnson said. Organizers hope the event will attract national sponsors and competitive runners.
"And (we hope to) give a bunch of money to charity," Johnson said.
The race basics
The fourth annual St. Pete Beach Classic will be Jan. 13, with all races beginning at the Tradewinds Sandpiper Hotel and Suites, 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.
Times: The 5K competitive run and the 5K fitness walk begin at 8 a.m., followed by an 8:15 start time for the 10K competitive run. Children's races will start at 9:30 and the 1-mile fun run begins at 9:45. Early registration runs through Thursday. Late registration and packet pickup begin at 6 a.m.
Cost: Fees are $25 for the 5K run, 5K walk and 10K run; $10 for the 1-mile fun run; and $8 for the children's race. Fees increase for late registration.
Also: A health expo will be from noon to 6 p.m. Jan. 12 and from 6 to 11 a.m. Jan. 13. The bonfire and beach party begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 12. Call 367-7223 or visit www.stpetebeach classic.com.