Now that it’s almost the new year (how on Earth did that happen?!), its time to set a new goal (as if the marathon isn’t enough)! I am all about having something else to look forward to, and a training plan to follow. Since I am running a marathon at the end of April, my training plan calls for me to run a half marathon right in the middle to gauge my fitness. A certain race lands right in perfect timing…
The Gasparilla Distance Classic!
I have run just about every race for Gasparilla, varying in distances since I was little. So it is only fitting that this is the race that I chose to do. But there is a catch…. I’m not only doing the half marathon. Drum Roll Please…..
I will be running all four races!!
On Saturday March 3rd, I will be toeing the line at 7:05 am for the 15k. After running 9.3 miles, I will be tackling a 5k shortly thereafter, at 9:30 am. Then, on Sunday, the gun goes off for the half marathon at 6am, and then I will head to my last race of the day. The 5+3k, a new addition as of last year, will round off the challenge at 9 am.
A question I have a heard a couple of times…. Why do a race like this? And my answer, why not?!
I can literally walk to the start line from my house, so it is super convenient. The organization every year is out of this world, not to mention there is an awesome expo! Seriously, it is the best one I have been to outside of the NYC Marathon and the Boston Marathon. The race perks are awesome too! There are medals for all the races, and the half marathon shirt is really nice!!
The half marathon shirt from 2010
The course is amazing too! Most of the races are 100% waterfront – except for the half marathon, which is about 60% run on Bayshore Blvd, right next to the water. The weather is almost always pleasant – usually on the cold side, which is the best for running 
I can not wait for the Gasparilla Race Weekend! Only 87 days until race weekend! More on the training later
Not up to run all four races, but still want to challenge yourself? There are two other challenges as well! The Beck’s Light Challenge includes all the races except for the 5+3k, and then the Bud Select 55 Mini Challenge is the 15k on Saturday, and the 5+3k on Sunday. There is truly something for everyone!
That sounds amazing, Mary! There was a challenge similar to that this year in DC, but I was out of town the weekend it occurred. Good luck! That is a perfect addition to your marathon training…I’m sure you’ll do great
Thanks! It looks like a lot of fun, and I have always wanted to do something like this
I can’t wait to try this with you! Brian is even going to do some of the races since its his birthday weekend
It will be QUITE a challenge – my only goal is to be able to finish the whole thing!
Yay!! Im so happy you are both down to do it! It will be an absolute blast
Can’t wait!!
My boyfriend lives on this race route so I’m really tempted to go down to Tampa to visit him (I live in D.C.) and run either the 15K or the half! It might be crazy though seeing as how I am running the Disney Princess 1/2 on 2/26, the USA Rock ‘n’ Roll 1/2 on 3/17, and the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler on 4/1. I’m not sure my bank account can handle all those plane tickets…
By the way, what is the 3+5K? Is that just the organizers’ fancy way of saying 8K? I couldn’t find a true description on the website!
Ya! The 5k got way too big, so they made the 5+3k to lure some runners away. The course is marked to people can still get their 5k times. You should definitely do it!
I am definitely a novice runner. My plan is to run my first 5K for Gasparilla this year. Too bad there is no channel 8 parking.
Melissa that is awesome! Well I live about 1/2 mile from the start, so you are more than welcome to park over by my house
So glad you are doing Gasparilla! It is a lot of fun!
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