Every year I run either a half or a full marathon, but since the birth of my first child this past year, getting back into race shape has been a little more difficult, so I have chosen to seek out smaller races to satiate my competitive urges. I have discovered that, whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a runner who enjoys the smaller races, the Jacksonville area has a number of springtime running events available in the comfortably warm April and May months. While this is not an exhaustive list, it does represent the more well-known events in the area.
Riverside Run For Cover 5K & 1 mile Fun Run
April 7, 2012
6:00 p.m./5:30 p.m.
Riverside Park (Park Street)
Jacksonville
The Riverside Run For Cover starts and finishes in Riverside Park near Five Point and runs through both Riverside and the beautiful Willowbranch Park and back. Registration can be completed online or through U.S. mail.
Fees: 5K — $20 (through March 31); $25 (April 1-6); $30 (race day)/1 mile fun run — $10. There is a $2 discount for runners using their own timing chip. The post-race celebration offers live music, refreshments (including beer!), and awards for multiple age groups. Packet pick-up is at your selected 1st Place Sports location on Thursday, April 5 and Friday, April 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, or to register, visit: www.1stplacesports.com/cover.html.
Run To The Sun 8K & 1 Mi. Fun Run
April 21, 2012
8:00 a.m./9:30 a.m.
Orange Park Kennel Club
The 8K course is a USATF Certified Course along the St. Johns River on River Road and benefits local school run/walk programs. Fees: for Striders/Military/AIR — $15 (through April 11), $20 (April 12-15), $25 (race day); for Non-Striders — $20 (through April 11), $22 (April 12-15), $25 (race day); Kids 13 and Under — $15 (through April 15), $25 (race day). One mile fun run is free! Save $2 for runners using their own timing chips. Packet pick-up is at all 1st Place Sports locations throughout the Jacksonville area Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Day of Race registration and packet pick-up begins at 7:00 a.m. To register, visit: www.floridastriders.com/events/runtothesun8k.html.
The Players 5K with Donna
May 5, 2012 – 7:30 a.m.
TPC Sawgrass
The Players 5K with Donna is a race designed to raise funds for breast cancer research. Runners and walkers of all levels will get a behind-the-scenes experience as the 5K route wounds through the PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Registration for the race includes a Grounds Ticket to attend THE PLAYERS on Sunday, May 13, 2012. Anyone attending the THE PLAYERS on May 13, wearing the official 5K participant t-shirt will get free admittance into the “5K with Donna Courtyard” located behind the Par 5, 16th hole. Fees: through March 31– Adults 19 and older– $35, 18 and under– $15; April 1-May 2-Adults $40, 18 and under $20; Race Day– $50 Adults, 18 and under $25. For more information, or to register, visit: www.breastcancermarathon.com.