Town Chronicle

Get on your mark for Wellen Park’s inaugural half marathon




The St. Patrick’s Day 5K, now in its second year, kicked off Wellen Park’s new race series in 2022 and was a great success. COURTESY PHOTO

The St. Patrick’s Day 5K, now in its second year, kicked off Wellen Park’s new race series in 2022 and was a great success. COURTESY PHOTO

Expect a sea of green swarming Downtown Wellen and the streets of Wellen Park as the community hosts its inaugural half marathon and the second annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run on Sunday morning, March 19. The event is expected to attract 500 runners and pedestrians sporting the traditional color of the Irish holiday, with an after-race party featuring the obligatory green-tinged beer and music.

“Sign-up has been really strong,” said race director Patrick Vasquez of Beach Bum Timing. “Our numbers are really picking up and we’re getting 10 to 20 people each day. It’s going to be a good time.”

The USA Track & Field-certified half marathon – Wellen Park’s first – follows a 13.1-mile flat paved path, offers water and aid stations every 2 miles, and allots 3.5 hours for course completion. Both races start and finish at Downtown Wellen’s new Solis Hall, which is hosting after-race refreshments, live music and awards ceremonies.

Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each race, best male and female runners, overall and age group winners, and in master, grand master, senior grand master and veteran categories.

 

 

The half marathon, open to participants 15 and older, starts at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $80. The 5K run is open to all ages, including pedestrians with strollers and leashed dogs, and begins at 7:45 a.m. Registration is $35. All runners receive a race shirt and finisher medal.

Results and photos will be posted within hours of the races.

Portions of race proceeds will benefit Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida, a nonprofit youth development program designed to help pre-teen girls overcome gender stereotypes, societal obstacles and cultural challenges through emotional and physical health. The goal is to raise $2,500. Donations are also accepted on the registration site.

The St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon and 5K Run are sponsored by Wellen Park developer Mattamy Homes, several Downtown Wellen and local businesses and community homebuilders.

 

 

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