My family and I planned a last minute getaway to Sarasota to get away from the cold Buffalo weather. Before leaving I googled local races just because hey you never know. And I saw there was a 5k less than a mile from our hotel. I also saw the theme for this race was super hero so I went to my costume bin and pulled out one of my favorite race costumes, Ms Marvel.
The morning of race I woke up early and since we planned to hang at hotel that day and my teenage boys were sleeping I decided to go. The race takes place along Benderson Park which appeared to be a big lake meant for rowing. Initially I went to the wrong end of the lake where a rowing meet was taking place and must’ve looked silly in my costume but then I checked the fb page and realized I was in the wrong place. Luckily my husband was with me and we quickly rushed to the right spot.

I was hoping I wasn’t too late to register. It was around 8:25 and race started at 9. I was the last person they let register.
My husband left to go back to hotel and I waited for race to begin. They had several tents lined up from different local companies giving out freebies and a local school band playing. They had a fun 1mile/kids run that was taking place before the 5k.

So let me get to the emotional part. This race was meant to help kids in foster care in the Sarasota area. When I registered they gave me a card with a child’s name. They told me I would be running for Jonathan, there was a photo and a little bio about him. As a mom to 3 young boys this touched me. And I thought about Jonathan a bit thought the race. Also they had written in chalk hundreds of names of each child written on the pavement. And along the course they had signs that really spoke to my heart. An example “Superman was adopted”.

It was a bit odd being at a race where I knew absolutely nobody. And it seems like Sarasota had a tight knit running community. Lots of people knew eachother.
The course was an out and back. Not my favorite type typically but I didn’t mind being that I have never been here and it was nice to know when I was halfway done at the turnaround.
It was also quite warm out. I’m not sure to it. They had a water stop at mile 1 and again when you came back at mile 2.
At the finish they had water. I think there was some food at tents but I didn’t stand in line to wait.
I did go to registration tent after race to see if they happen to have extra shirts and they did and I was happy because it was a super soft Bella Cotton T-shirt.
As for awards I thought it was great the top 6 in each age group won a medal or ribbon. I came in 13 in my age group. No medal or ribbon for me. They also had costume contest but I didn’t wait for it. I thought the awards would take a while and I wanted to get back to hotel and the family. My husband came to pick me up after race and had no problem finding parking or finding me.
I would recommend this 5k because it’s really a wonderful cause. Everything seemed smooth and I’m so happy I did it!