“It is our race, and we take pride in it. That is why it is so successful,” said FishHawk resident and Hit the Trails Running Gear owner Steve Dunn as he talked about the 12th Annual Road Race. The race is scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 17, at FishHawk Park Square located at 16144 Churchview Dr. in Lithia.
The 5K and 10K races are $25 for adults and are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m., followed by the traditional kid’s race starting at 9:30 a.m. The cost of the kid’s race is $15.
As it has been in the past, awards, random giveaways, hot dogs, soda, water, beer, bananas, bagels, cookies and more will be available for all the runners and spectators, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors and vendors who set up shop supporting the event.
But there is more to this race than just food and fellowship. According to Dunn, who, besides taking part in the 5K portion of the race, is also the assistant race director, the success of the event has to do with the fact that for the past three years it has been in the hands of the FishHawk Road Runners Club which not only organizes the event but has the knowledge and understanding of what such an undertaking requires.
“While the race benefits our local schools, it is not just some sort of fundraiser. This event, in its entirety, is successful because it is put on by runners who know what runners need,” Dunn said.
Better organization, additional vendors and strategically placed water stations, which are run by local volunteer Girls Scouts, are all important components of the race. But one of the best additions is the implementation of timing chips that are given to each runner, allowing the race to be timed accurately as the runners leave the starting line and cross the finish line. Thanks to the usage of this device, results can also be printed out and posted immediately following the race.
Giving testimony to the caliber of the race are the core people who are involved. This includes a number of local runners and members of the Road Runners Club, having recently attended the San Antonio, Texas marathon and who are now working hard to qualify for the Boston Marathon for the first time in April of next year.
Those interested in participating in the race can register on race day starting at 6 a.m. or pre-register online by logging onto www.active.com.
For more information about the race, please call 685-7500.
