Whether you are a runner or a spectator, you won’t want to miss this year’s St. Pete Run Fest. The race weekend takes place Nov. 10- 12, when 6,000 runners from all over the country will gather for one of the most scenic routes of any road race. There are a variety of race distances to choose from, including a 5K, 10K and half marathon, plus races for kids of all ages.
EndorFUN Sports has been producing Run Fest since 2017, after the City of St. Petersburg decided to host a major running event to take advantage of its increased global attention. CEO Keith Jordan had been producing some of the largest Ironman competitions on the planet, so he was the obvious choice to start the first Run Fest in St. Pete. Today he is joined by his brother Ryan and their wives to manage the many operations needed for a successful race.
Youngsters included
Kids won’t be left out of all the fun as there are several different races for a variety of age groups. The Lil’ Shrimp Fun Runs are .05K for 1- to 2-year-olds, and .1K for preschoolers 3-4 years old. There will be a PeliKids One Miler for those ages 5-13. It also is the culmination of an ongoing running/walking marathon challenge aimed at promoting healthy habits for life. PeliKids will have logged a total of 25.2 miles prior to completing the final mile at Run Fest.
For the many out-of-towners who participate, this is their first experience in our beautiful city. “We work closely with Visit St. Pete/Clearwater to promote the race,” Ryan Jordan says, “as this has a big economic impact on the area with 3,500 to 4,000 bed nights. The City of St. Pete has also been an amazing partner in making the race such a success.”
Who benefits?
Donations from proceeds of the race are made to the St. Pete Free Clinic Food Bank, St. Pete Youth Farm, #GoldTogether for pediatric cancer research, and Jump For Kids.
As part of its mission of wellness, charity, and sustainability, Run Fest also sponsors a Good Sweat Festival. Be sure to check out the “Taste of St. Pete” food court, local craft beers, and the Rollin’ Oats Wellness Village offering a variety of healthy, organic food. The Body Electric Yoga Company will offer classes, and live bands sponsored by Radio St. Pete will play on Nov. 10.
“This is the premier running event in St. Pete,” Ryan Jordan says, “and we hope everyone will participate in the races or join the fun to cheer them on and take part in the festival.”
For information or to register or volunteer, please visit www.StPeteRunFest.org
