Beach braces for the big race
Arrive early, Classic organizers say, to beat traffic.
By Nick Johnson, Times Staff Writer
Published January 16, 2008
ST. PETE BEACH -- Competitors and fitness fans alike will be running the beach this weekend during the fifth annual St. Pete Beach Classic.
The event begins Friday afternoon with a Health and Fitness Expo hosted by Sirata Beach Resort. It continues Saturday morning with competitive 5K and 10K runs.
There also will be a 1-mile fun run and children's race, as well as food, drinks and entertainment after the main events.
Founder Wendy Johnson said the race has grown steadily over the years; it is now the second- or third-largest competitive race in the Tampa Bay area with nearly 2,000 people expected to register.
"We bring in some of the best runners in the area," Johnson said. "There are only maybe half a dozen races in the area that compare in size and amenities."
Runners competing in the 5K and 10K, or both races, will have their time kept by Championship Timing, a computerized system. It works by tracking a computer chip attached to each racer's shoe.
The fun run is for less competitive runners. There also will be 16 vendors, food catered by the Hurricane Restaurant and a chance to enjoy the beachfront location.
"The draw is not only the race but also the environment," said Gregg Nicklaus of Sirata Beach Resort.
"It's truly a community event," staffed by nearly 300 volunteers, Johnson said.
Race organizers have joined forces with Keep Pinellas Beautiful to become one of the first green running events, recycling cardboard, plastic and any old running shoes that participants bring.
Proceeds also will go to an education effort aimed at creating running programs in local public schools.
The races will start and finish at Sirata Beach Resort, and on-site registration will be available the day of the race.
Organizers expect racers from outside Florida and a number of the area's elite to compete for the top prize of custom-designed artwork, but locals are likely to see plenty of familiar faces, too.
This will be Mayor Ward Friszolowski's fifth year competing in the race.
"It's a great way to promote our community in a healthy way, but it's also just a great family event," Friszolowski said.
Starting Saturday morning about 6 a.m., Gulf Boulevard and Blind Pass Road will be partially closed to traffic, so organizers ask that participants come early.
Parking will be available in the county lot on Gulf Boulevard, and limits on city lots and meters will not be enforced during the race. Authorities expect to reopen the roads to traffic and begin enforcing the meters by noon, according to Sgt. Ray Anthony of the St. Pete Beach Police Department.
Nick Johnson can be reached at nickjohnson@sptimes.com or 893-8361.
St. Pete Beach Classic
- Register online today at www.stpetebeachclassic.com .
-- Register in person Friday from noon to 7 p.m. or Saturday at 5:30 a.m. at the Sirata Beach Resort Hotel, 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
Cost before race day:
$30 5K or 10K
$40 Classic Duo (5K and 10K)
$15 1-mile Fun Run
$12 Kids' races
Friday schedule
Noon-7: Health/fitness expo
7 p.m.: Beach bonfire
Saturday schedule
5:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Health expo
7 a.m. 5K Competitive Run and 5K Fitness Walk
8 a.m. 10K Competitive Run
9:30 a.m. Kids' races
9:45 a.m. 1-mile Fun Run