Springtime race sets the pace for Tallahassee celebration

[ASFN Admin]

It's a tradition to welcome spring in Tallahassee with a jog through the blooming azaleas and gentle hills around downtown.

There's still time to register for the long-running Springtime 10K/5K/1M race on Saturday, March 29. After the race, walk up the hill and catch the 57th annual Springtime Tallahassee parade along Monroe Street.

Then you can indulge in a corn dog or kettle corn. You'll have earned it.

Springtime concert: And the Capital City Band plays on at Springtime Tallahassee

There will be no race day registration this year, so runners must register in advance. So far, the weather looks cool and clear for the big day.

Yes, there are those hills through the Myers Park area but neighbors come out to cheer, play music, run sprinklers when it's hot and generally encourage runners. It all makes for a buoyant community spirit ahead of the festival.

Gulf Winds Track Club has been holding the race since 1976, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to COVID. Considered Tallahassee's hometown race, it's always held the morning of the Springtime events and is followed by the parade, arts and crafts in the park and music.

Here's more information from the Gulf Winds website about the event:

Race details​

All races are chip timed and the 10K/5K races will be held on USATF certified courses, beginning and finishing near Cascades Park and the Florida Department of Transportation Building. The courses are challenging while navigating the rolling hills through the beautiful Myers Park neighborhood.The 1-mile race will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 10K and 5K races starting at 8 a.m. For more information visit gulfwinds.org or email [email protected].

Course maps​

The courses include the following landmarks: Start and Finish at the FDOT Park Lot (across from Cascades Park), Capital City County Club Golf Course, and Myer's Park.

No race day registration​

You must register online ahead of time at springtime10k.com. Registration is $35 for 10K, 5K and $18 for 1M.

Packet pickup​

• Wednesday, March 26, from 5-8 p.m. at Amicus Brewing Ventures, 717 S. Gadsden St.
• Thursday, March 27, from 4-6:30 p.m. at REI, 1415 Timberlane Road

Race day schedule​

Saturday, March 29: 7:30 a.m. - 1 Mile Race start; 8 a.m. - Springtime 10K/5K start

Finish medals​

All 5K and 10K runners will receive a finisher's medal. One-Mile youth participants will receive a finisher's ribbon.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Springtime 10K/5K/1M sets the pace for Tallahassee celebration

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