ECLECTIC CITY, ECLECTIC SPORTS
from “body marking”
swimmers so they can
complete the swim portion
of the race, to serving
as course marshals,
handing out water to
runners, helping with
line.
All that hard work
According to Complete
Tri, a resource for triathletes,
St. Anthony’s
Triathlon is considered
one of the “10 Greatest
Destination Triathlons”
in the world. “The
athletes tell us they
love the layout of the
course, the atmosphere
and scenery, and the
overall organization of
the race,” says Daniels. “We’ve spent
years tweaking it to make it one of the
best experiences athletes have ever
had.”
THE BOLEY CENTERS’ JINGLE
BELL RUN
Imagine a couple thousand people
wearing jingle bells, glow-in-the-dark
bracelets and sometimes a quirky holiday
costume or Santa hat as they stroll
along the downtown St. Pete waterfront.
Welcome to the Boley Center’s
Jingle Bell Run, a 37-year St. Pete tradition
and one of the highlights of the
holiday season.
An estimated 4,000 people turn out
for the 3-mile “fun run” that’s all about
bringing people together for an evening
of fun, says the Boley Center’s
Kevin Marrone. The evening race, held
the second Friday in December, is
known for its entertainment. Two main
musical performances take place on
stage at Albert Whitted Park before
and after the race, and local bands are
stationed every quarter-mile along the
route to serenade participants.
There are also crafts for the kids, food
trucks, glow-in-the-dark face painting
and rock painting booths, and even
snow stations. Holiday-related costumes
for people and pets are welcomed,
and participants receive a
custom-designed T-shirt and jingle bell,
as well as a glow-in-the-dark bracelet.
It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays,
St. Pete style.
The event also supports a worthy
cause. It’s one of Boley Centers’ major
works to end stigma against mental illness
and homelessness, and provides
affordable housing and services to vulnerable
populations, including disadvantaged
youth, homeless veterans and
homeless families.
ST. PETE RUN FEST
Boston, New York City and Austin have
marathons, why not St. Pete? That’s
what Keith and Ryan Jordan wanted to
know. “Keith and Ryan saw our beautiful
area and wondered why don’t we
have our own race, one that is locally
focused and shines the light on everything
the city has to offer, with our
vibrant downtown, great art scene and
amazing scenery,” says Kelly Lindhardt,
the St. Pete Run Fest community wellness
and PeliKids director.
Jingle
Bell Run
The city was thinking the same thing.
Three years ago St. Pete Run Fest won
local, “home-grown” long-distance
race. Held in November, the threeday
event includes health & wellness
expos and several different races: the
Outback Steakhouse Sunshine City 5K;
the Rollin’ Oats 10K; or the 3 Daughters
Half Marathon. Even kids can get
involved with the PeliKids youth races—
a Lil’ Shrimp fun run for kids 1 to 4; and
a PeliKids One Miler for kids 5 to 13.
The half-marathon not only takes
participants along the downtown
waterfront to see the Dali Museum
and the University of South Florida St.
Petersburg campus, but also on a tour
of downtown to show off the city’s
many new trendy venues in the Grand
Central and Edge District, the Deuces
and Warehouse Arts District.
The event is also green, in keeping
with the city’s commitment to environmental
sustainability. “There is no onetime,
single-use plastic allowed at the
race,” says Lindhardt. “Everything is
recyclable, compostable or reusable.”
20 'BURGLIFE | Living, Working and Playing in St. Petersburg, FL