Tampa Bay Times – 2019 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic

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Race Gasparilla SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION OF THE TAMPA BAY TIMES Tampa Bay Times

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Laces,

For registration details & more information about the race, visit

tampabayrun.com

Races &

Charity Bounty

Stretch the legs, tighten those laces & adjust that eye patch! The 2019 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is not farrrrgh away!

By D. M. Craig, Times correspondent Stretch the legs, tighten those laces and adjust that eye patch! The 2019 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is not farrrrgh away!

Join thousands of runners from across the country, state, and Tampa Bay area Feb. 22-24 for a weekend of friendly competition, healthy fun and community fundraising.

Since its inaugural race in 1978, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association (GDCA) has raised more than $5 million for local charities. With a mission of promoting running as sport in the bay area, this annual celebration brings together participants as diverse as the community it serves. Young, old, experienced and newcomers, the physically fit and physically challenged all compete against the beautiful backdrop of Tampa Bay. The weekend kicks off at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, with a twoday Health & Fitness Expo at the Tampa Convention Center sponsored by WFLA TV 8 and open to the public. If you haven’t committed to running or walking this year, you can register during the Expo providing the race hasn’t sold out – like each of the Michelob Ultra Challenges, which sell out months in advance.

The 2019 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K and 5K races start Saturday, Feb. 23. The Expo also continues on Saturday.

On Sunday, runners line up for the Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon and the 8K. Both race days wrap up with a Q105 post-race celebration presented by Michelob Ultra.

Whatever your skill, age, or experience level, you’ll find a healthy amount of competition, a bounty of fun, and plenty of bling waiting for you at the 2019 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic. Lace ‘em up, Tampa Bay!

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Staying the Course — For Charity For one special weekend each year, Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard becomes an Avenue—an avenue to raise money for selected youth charities in the Tampa Bay area by participating in the annual Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic. Every step runners take Feb. 23-24 is another step closer to helping these organizations enrich children’s lives and futures.

By Tom Wuckovich, Times correspondent For 42 years, the event has focused its goals on fundraising for area youth groups, beginning in 1977 when the money generated from the race benefited the Tampa Girls Club. Since 1978, three main charities and 20-30 local nonprofits, service clubs, school teams and other targeted groups receive funds from the Classic. The three main charities get the bulk of the money as designated Every step runners take Feb. 23-24 is in the bylaws of the associaanother step closer tion. They include Boys and to helping these Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, organizations enrich Big Brothers Big Sisters of children’s lives and Tampa Bay and Friends of futures.

Tampa Recreation.

The 2018 Classic contributed $210,000 to the three charities and in total, $336,000. Since the first running of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, $5.4 million has been provided to these worthy causes. Besides the race itself, participants can raise money through the Race to

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Raise Booty program that links the competitors with select nonprofits and establishes a platform to raise awareness and funds during the Classic registration process.

Registrants can elect to raise “booty” for BeatNB (Neuroblastoma), a cancer that effects children and accounts for 15% of all pediatric cancer deaths. Last year, the BeatNB Team raised $25,000 and has committed to a lofty goal of reaching $100,000 in 2019. Other charities in the program include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Richard’s Run for Life, a Gonzmart Family Foundation established to fight cancer, National CMV Foundation, Joy FM Team Freedom and the PACE Center for Girls – Hillsborough. Donations also can be made to one of the association’s Charity Partners by runners and walkers who register online.

In addition to the Classic’s mission of raising much-needed dollars for the charities, the race,

which is open to young, old, professionals and amateurs, also serves to promote the Tampa Bay region and its attributes as well as advancing running as a featured local activity.

The weekend kicks off at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, with a two-day Health & Fitness Expo at the Tampa Convention Center sponsored by News Channel 8. It’s free and open to the public. Late registrants can sign up for the race at the Expo if the race hasn’t sold out. It’s the last chance to help the community and to help ensure the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic’s continued success.

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Free fitness and health event that is open to the public. See the latest in running gear and enjoy activities.

LOCATION

Tampa Convention Center, East & Central Hall

HOURS

Friday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 6 a.m.–5 p.m.

LATE REGISTRATION AND PACKET PICKUPS TAKE PLACE HERE.

15K

SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 2019

WHEELCHAIR START TIME: 6:40 A.M. 15K WAVE #1: 6:45 A.M., 15K WAVE #2: 6:50 A.M.

The Challenges Don’t miss your chance to participate in a 2019 Michelob Ultra Challenge at the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic.

Test your endurance and run more than 30 miles or enjoy a shorter run of 14.2 miles. All 2019 Michelob Ultra Challenge runs occur over 2 days – Saturday, Feb. 23 & Sunday, Feb. 24.

Michelob Ultra Challenge

For runners willing to put in 30 miles in four races: the 15K and 5K on Saturday, and Half Marathon and 8K on Sunday.

Michelob Ultra Amber Challenge

Runners perform in three races over two days: the 15K and 5K on Saturday, and the Half Marathon on Sunday.

Seeded athletes and wheelchair participants front the race, followed by other runners, who line up according to their projected finish times.

START LOCATION: BROREIN AND FRANKLIN STREETS.

The course travels west on Brorein to Bayshore Boulevard, goes south to Gandy Boulevard, takes a right along Gandy for a short length, and then returns along Bayshore, finishing at Tarpon Dock, located between Beach Place and Hyde Park Place.

5K

SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 2019

5K WAVE #1: 9:15, 5K WAVE #2: 9:25, 5K WAVE #3: 9:35, 5K WAVE #4: 9:55, 5K WAVE #5: 9:55 KELLOGG’S 5K STROLLER ROLL: 10:05 , KASHI 5K WALK: 10:15

Employs a wave start, with the most accomplished men and women starting and others following in sections based on finish time.

Race morning includes a 5K Walk and a 5K Stroller Roll.

START LOCATION: BROREIN & ASHLEY STREETS

Travels a similar route as the 15K but turns around at Gunby. West on Brorein, south down Bayshore, turns around at Rome, & north on Bayshore to Tarpon Dock.

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Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus Challenge

A two-day, two-race challenge: the 15K on Saturday and the 8K on Sunday.

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge

A two-day, two-race challenge: the 15K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday.

15K 5K

8K

Half Marathon

8K

SUNDAY, FEB. 24, 2019 START TIME: 9:15 A.M.

Late arrivals will not be permitted to run.

Seeded runners start at the front of the race, with other runners behind the seeded runners.

START LOCATION: BAYSHORE BOULEVARD & VERNE STREET

Travels south on Bayshore, turns around at West Stoval Street, and heads north to Tarpon Dock Finish Line.

Q105 Post Race Celebration presented

by Michelob Ultra This event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Cotanchobee Park. It includes awards presentations, live music, door prizes and more. Presentation of the awards is at 11 a.m. for the races completed that day.

15K – Top 5 Overall Male & Female, Top 5 Local Prize Purse Winners, Top Male & Female Masters, Top Male & Female Grand Masters, Wheelchair Division Awards andUSAA Military Division.

5K – Top 5 Overall Male & Female, Top Male & Female Masters, Top Male & Female Grand Masters and USAA Military Division.

Half-Marathon – Top 5 Overall Male & Female, Top 5 American Male & Female, Top Male & Female Masters, Top Male & Female Grand Masters, USAA Military Division, Michelob Ultra Amber Challenge and Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge

Half Marathon SUNDAY, FEB. 24, 2019 START TIME: 6:00 A.M.

Half Marathon Start Staging will be based on the registered participant’s Projected Finish Time that was provided with registration.

START LOCATION: PLATT STREET AND BAYSHORE BLVD.

Travels from the start down Platt Street to Plant Avenue, enters Davis Island and skirts around the eastern edge from Davis, to Arbor, to Columbia Drive, to Channel Drive (via Barbados Ave.), then along the Davis Trail (S. Davis).

Veers north at the roundabout toward West Davis, then East Davis, and off the Island to Bayshore, and then moves south along Bayshore to Gandy, turns around and heads to the Tarpon Dock Finish Line.

8K – Top 5 Overall Male & Female, Top Male & Female Masters, Top Male & Female Grand Masters, USAA Military Division, Michelob Ultra Challenge and Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus Challenge

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Q &A

Gasparilla

withSusanHarmeling

Susan Harmeling with Gasparilla’s Most Mature Participant, Betty Ashley

Susan Harmeling has spent 27 years as the Executive Director of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, an event that has made its mark on Tampa and elsewhere. As the 2019 Classic nears, she shares some thoughts about managing this prestigious affair.

By Tom Wuckovich, Times correspondent

Q. As you approach another year for the popular Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, what is your primary goal for the event?

Honestly, it’s the same every year. We do our best to offer a weekend that includes an event for every fitness level and member of the family… we’re in the business of touching lives and helping others to reach their goals and make memories.

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Q. What is the most important aspect of the event for you: Quality (how well the event is organized and run) or Quantity (increasing the number of participants)— or both?

The participation numbers are indeed crucial to our success and available charitable dollars, but we focus more on ensuring that those who do choose to participate and invest their hard-earned dollars, are treated to a first-class and well-run event.

Tampa Bay Times

Q. Sponsors play such a big part in the Classic’s success.

Why do you think they continue to want to be a part of the race weekend?

Great question – the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend, produced in cooperation with the City of Tampa, has over the years, been built on a strong foundation of trust and integrity… the event’s heritage as being a first-class wholesome and family-oriented event is deeply rooted in the community. Each of our partners is a valued member of the Gasparilla family… they too are well taken care of and through their participation every year, they’re able to touch and impact tens of thousands of lives.

Q. What important piece of advice would you like to give to participants, whether they are entered for the first time or have competed many times?

Open your eyes on Race Morning…look around… enjoy what you see…what you feel…think about all that you’ve done in preparation… be appreciative of those around you…of the volunteers…have fun…be safe and make lots of memories.

Q. We know how much the race participants benefit from the competition. What impression do you want spectators to come away with after they attend the race?

Honestly, after that part about them being well taken care of that next year, instead of being a spectator, they’ll have the desire to step up to one of the Start Lines!

Q. Is every year a new learning experience or is the Classic as fine tuned as it will ever be?

Oh my goodness…always a learning experience. There’s always room for improvement…tweaks here…tweaks there…ALWAYS! Every year, we listen, learn and immediately after the weekend, begin working to ensure that come next year, the overall PGDC Race Weekend experience will be better than the year before.

Q. Besides the prize money, why do the top men and women athletes like to compete in the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic?

Think about it! Florida in February, a flat, fast and beautiful waterfront course, and, like the other thousands of runners and walkers, they’re appreciated and well taken care of.

Q. At the end of the day, when you have time to reflect on the event, what would you hope to feel the most pleased about?

This one is easy and it’s the same every year. For everyone that’s associated with the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend…the City of Tampa personnel, the sponsors, the volunteers, the GDCA board and organizing committee members, the runners, the walkers, the first person that crosses the Finish Line…the last person that crosses the Finish Line, the spectators – they must walk away feeling that they’ve been well taken care of…that they were appreciated and not taken for granted.

Q. I don’t want to put you on the spot, but you’ve probably had many great memories over the years. Is there one incident or episode that stands out above the rest?

Every year has been special and all with meaningful stories and memories.

Last year, I happened to be in the Finish Line Area when our most mature 5K Walker was headed towards the Finish Line…96-year old Betty Ashley of St. Petersburg. I was able to give her a hug and thank her for being a part of what we do for yet one more year. At 97, Betty is registered for the 2019 Kashi 5K Walk…I hope to be there again to welcome her at the Finish Line.

Q. When you decide one day to give up the management of the Classic to someone else, what do you want to be your legacy?

That while under my watch, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association and Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend were well cared for and nurtured…that great respect was given to those that came before me, to what they worked so hard to build…that when folks look at the success of the events, they know and recognize that it’s been a team effort.

Race Day Etiquette

Professionals and amateurs alike usually have developed a training routine while preparing for a race, but here are some expert tips for race day etiquette that generally hold true for all participants.

By Tom Wuckovich, Times correspondent

1. WAIT YOUR TURN. A race like the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic draws a lot of contestants and there’s a flow to the race that is best to follow. It can be tedious to wait for your assigned wave to start, but sneaking into a faster corral is not good for anybody.

Races are seeded by ability level and that makes for a smoother and safer start. Starting in a too-quick group can also throw off your pacing strategy and produce an undesirable result.

2. Stay Tuned In. Always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t wear portable listening devices even if they are allowed. When you are listening to music, or taking calls from a loved one or friend, you won’t hear anything else, whether it’s a person yelling at you or a car that’s honking its horn to warn of some danger. If you must run to music, use just one ear bud and keep the volume low.

3. SOCIALLY SPEAKING. Save it for that type of event. No one expects you to be quiet for an entire race, but limit the conversations and skip controversial topics. Pointless conversations show a lack of respect for other runners and distract from the task at hand. Social media also fits into this category. You are not really racing if you are tweeting or texting.

4. OBSERVE RIGHT-OF-WAY PROTOCOL. There’s no shame in slowing down during a race. Take care to work your way to the side first or another runner could easily slam you. If you feel ill or are hurt, announce it to anyone around that you are stopping by putting up your hands and yelling “stopping.” It alerts runners behind you that something’s going to change in front of them. If you plan to run-walk the entire race, stick to the edge of the course where your pace is less disruptive to other runners.

5. TOGETHER…BUT NOT! Running with a friend or a group of friends often helps you maintain your pace and provides needed encouragement. But if you are running side-by-side with a friend or trying to stay together in a group, you could be blocking the path of other runners. It’s best to never run more than two abreast and agree on a signal beforehand to go from two wide to one, and decide who will go first every time. Everyone will appreciate your consideration.

6. FINISH WITH A FLAIR. The end is in sight and you get a rush of adrenaline. That’s great, but don’t charge the finish line at the peril of other runners, or retrace your steps so you have two options for a finisher’s photo op. Everyone is trying to complete the race, so move through the chute and accept that you may not have an 8x10 to hang on your wall.

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Cigna Kid’s Running Program promotes

healthy lifestyle balanced lifestyle that will hopefully stay with them into adulthood. It is a well-known fact that obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue, with many health and social consequences that often continue later in life.

Today, nearly 1 out of 4 children and teens in developed countries are overweight or obese. Those extra pounds put kids at risk for developing serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.

Childhood obesity also takes an emotional toll.

The City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department oversees the Cigna program for third-to-eighth graders and gives them the same type of activities enjoyed by the grownups.

By Tom Wuckovich, Times correspondent Being fit can be fun! That philosophy is the concept that drives the Cigna Kids Running Program, a primary feature of the noted Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic that involves more than 300 elementary and middle-school students from inner city and economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the Tampa Bay area.

The long-running program sponsored by Cigna, a global health service company with a mission to help improve the health and well-being of the community, focuses on positive experiences for kids, encourages team-building and teaches important life skills that will help the youngsters sustain a more healthy, safe and

For six weeks, the kids participate in recreation-staffed fitness drills and life goals training. The drills introduce the kids to running as a lifestyle activity and to the concept that being fit can actually be fun. Other goals of the program include making sure that the youngsters attend all the training sessions, don’t miss any classes, develop a positive attitude, are polite and respectful, and form a strong bond as a team.

The culmination of all that hard work and dedication will be rewarded on race day when in addition to running the final two miles and crossing the finish line of the 2019 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon, they will touch the lives of thousands of Half Marathon runners and walkers who are also in the final two miles of their half marathon. To many of these runners, the kids will be an inspiration and give them the extra push that will get them over the coveted finish line.

At the end of the run, the kids will be awarded their own Cigna Kids Running Program Finisher’s Medal as a testament to their accomplishments.

Publix Super Markets, Cigna, Kellogg’s, DICK’S Sporting Goods and Under Armour will also provide each youth participant with a Cigna Backpack, an Under Armour/PGDC Kids’ Running Program T-shirt, a pair of Under Armour Running shoes and a pair of Gasparilla pirate-themed running socks for their efforts.

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Garmin International Teams Up With The Classic

By Tom Wuckovich, Times correspondent

The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic welcomed another sponsor to their stable of supporters and a better match couldn’t be made in Heaven. The company offers a diverse line of fitness, wellness, running and outdoor products that are designed with one goal in mind: to beat yesterday!

In fact, the company has created an entire campaign behind the theme “beat yesterday.” The phrase is a simple challenge to people of all fitness and activity levels to better themselves each and every day. It’s an encouragement to get moving, go faster and farther than the previous day and to compete with no one other than oneself. Those goals are definitely in line with the Publix

Fruit & Nut Muesli 10 servings

Gasparilla Distance Classic.

Garmin products and programs can help runners meet those goals and give them the means to measure their progress. No matter your experience level, there is a Garmin running device purposely built for you. From training for your first 5K to conquering a marathon, the Garmin Forerunner lineup has you covered every step of the way. To see how you can “beat yesterday,” push yourself by taking one more step, one more mile or one more lap and track your data on any of Garmin’s activity trackers and watches so you can improve your daily performance. The Garmin Connect app easily keeps track of each day’s progress and makes answering these questions a little easier with Fitness Reports.

These summary emails show all the ways you moved in the past week or month. You can even share these reports with a coach, trainer, nutritionist or an accountability partner to monitor your progress and help you stay on track.

To sign up for Fitness Reports in the Garmin Connect app, follow these steps: 1. Open Settings from the main menu.

2. Select Messages.

3. Choose Connect Emails from the toggle at the top.

4. Turn on the Weekly or Monthly option under Fitness Reports. Or both.

Your Fitness Reports will be sent to the email address you used to set up Garmin Connect. To see how runners around the world are crushing their personal fitness goals, follow @GarminFitness on social media and get ready to be inspired by the community engagement, race and training photos, #MedalMonday posts and more.

The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is the perfect venue to begin taking a closer look at your fitness level and gauging where you want to go in your pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.

We welcome Garmin International and look forward to a long and rewarding relationship.

Healthy Eating with

Ingredients 1 (2.5-oz) bag dried apple chips

1/4 cup canola oil

1 cup crispy rice cereal

Nonstick Aluminum foil

2 cups rolled oats 1/4 cup flax seeds

1/4 cup honey

1 cup sliced almonds

5 cups plain Greek yogurt, divided

1 cup shredded coconut flakes

2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, divided (or favorite fruit)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Steps 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine all ingredients (except yogurt and blueberries). Place on a foil lined baking sheet.

2. Bake 10–12 minutes; stirring halfway through. Remove from oven and stir. Let stand 30 minutes to cool; place in airtight container until ready to serve.

3. Assemble by placing 1/2 cup yogurt in serving bowl; topping with 3/4 cup muesli and 1/4 cup blueberries.

CALORIES (per 1/10 recipe) 390kcal; FAT 18g; SAT FAT 4.5g; TRANS FAT 0g; CHOL 5mg; SODIUM 90mg; CARB 42g; FIBER 5g; SUGARS 22g; PROTEIN 17g; VIT A 2%; VIT C 15%; CALC 15%; IRON 15%

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