This was a fine holiday themed race in the new Hamlin area in Winter garden Florida. I know they've been doing a lot more races here lately, this one was sponsored by Florida running company. I did the 5K but they also had a 12K and one mile option all starting at the same time. Still, parking was super easy there's a multi-level parking lot by the cinepolis movie theater which was right next to the start/finish line. One of the negatives for me was that there were only porta potty's available! The vendors/local businesses were decent. After the race they had water, bananas, apples and holiday cookies. I appreciated that. The chick fil-a cows also made an appearance. The course was well laid out through the neighborhood. I would do another race here.

This race was announced pretty last minute, however, I read an article that they are hoping to make it an annual thing. I totally recommend for families and fans of Sesame Street. The medal was awesome! It was a good size spinner medal.. And instead of the usual T-shirt every participant got a cape, available in 4 colors/characters. That was fun for something different. Elmo and Cookie Monster were actually there and available for pictures after the race (I assume they came from Sea World.) Doing a race on the UCF campus is nothing special, it's just walking on roads or sidewalks by boring buildings. That being said there was a parking garage right next to the start/finish so that was convenient. They only had port a potties, although my friend found an actual restroom in one of the buildings we passed on the course. Bananas, granola bars and water at the end which was fine. They could probably use some more sponsor and vendor tents in the future.

Overall this was a great race! It benefited a good cause; both prostate and breast cancer at the hospital right there. It was in the evening (6:00 p.m.) at a great location. The 5K course was lame in my opinion. The 10k course took you over a causeway and another small bridge, all on the walking path on the side of the road. Beautiful water views! Although in the future I wish they would push this race to be a little bit later, it was awfully warm and if it was later I would enjoy the cooler temps and also more of a sunset view.
It wasn't very crowded and the parking garage was super close.
$35 is good for a 10k. Included some swag, pens and such, medal and a soft tech-type shirt; you even had a blue or pink color choice. The race was advertised to have beer and pizza at the finish.. they had plenty of Papa Johns! The beer was from a local brewery but sadly it was all gone by the time I finished. I am mostly a walker, so I was one of the last people to finish but there was no cut-off time. I think the bigger issue is that the majority of people did the 5k. We saw hardly any other people on the 10k course. So that was disappointing, basically they need more beer. Or perhaps doing drink tickets would have helped to insure everyone got some.

This was such a great local beach race, and for me it was an excuse to get away for a night. This was part of a 3 race series, one a month, along the beach in Pass-a-Grille Florida which is just South of St. Pete Beach Florida. The price was extremely low compared to most other 5 k's I have done and there were still great amenities. $22.45 for a cool sleeveless shirt and a medal! Plus they had partnered with a local restaurant right there so that afterwards participants could enjoy a small buffet and free beer. The only downside is that they didn't specifically communicate what food and drink was actually included. I only found out where/what the free beer was by asking another participant. Clearly this is a hometown race that is geared towards the local running club, but because of that it's really easy and convenient. It wasn't very crowded, it was easy to find and to park, I didnt have to get there early. Its also great to see an evening/sunset race on the beach. Totally worth it!