The Spud Run 5K was the race I wanted to run to commemorate my 45th birthday. There were three events that Saturday, but I had to return to Hastings to give this race another go. That’s how much I loved the 10K version last year.
About The Spud Run
The Spud Run is a local event that takes place in Hastings, the Potato Capitol of Florida. Yes, I’m serious. The event offers a 10K and a 5K, and a 15K (runners take on the 10K, and then the 5K, to make the 9.3 miles). This race winds through the local cabbage fields and makes use of the beautiful farm roads for its course.
The Night Before and Packet Pickup
So we took this race very much in stride. With an 8:30 AM start time, it wasn’t necessary to go to bed early or leave at the crack of dawn. There was a Friday packet pickup, but we decided we would just get our things in the morning. As a result, I didn’t have much of a flat runner set up.
We got everything on Saturday morning. Arriving at the venue at 7:10, after the 10K was already in progress, we parked a few blocks from the Hastings Library. It was an easy walk to the property, and packet pickup was located inside. We snagged our bags, bibs, and t-shirts, and then took a moment to get our produce from Blue Sky Farms.
Each runner got a head of cabbage and a bag of potatoes. We got ours in advance of the race, so we could stow it in the car while we ran.
Our friends arrived, and got their swag as well. I was so excited to have so many people running and walking with me!
Race Time
At 8:15 we lined up. It was pretty hot, but we had the cover of a huge cloud, which gave me some hope for decent temperatures. The best part of the 10K is the 7:00 AM start, but i wasn’t prepared for 6.2 miles, so we had to suck it up.
Fortunately, we had each other.
We also had a great conversation with a runner couple from the Panhandlle. They told us about their friend “Jello Shot Amy”, and J and I decided this needs to become a Northeast Florida thing.
But I digress. The race started and we were off.
The Spud Run 5K is a fairly simple course. It’s pretty much a square, cutting through the cabbage fields. It’s an open course, so there were a few cars out there, but otherwise it’s a straightforward path.
There is one waiter stop at the halfway mark, and mile markers along the way. Easy peasy.
Our efforts were solid. Both J and I are on the recovery track, and we maintained a nice 2/1 interval pace. I’m proud of us.
Finish Line and Post Race
J and I finished first oof our group. We grabbed our medals and cold water bottles, and hung out to wait for the rest of our group. Yay!
The Spud Run boasts a live band with awesome music playing all morning, cold water, and plenty of snacks. I love the attention to all the little details.
Finally, we collected the rest of our group and we were all ready to celebrate together!
Another successful race in the books!
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Do you run races for your birthday? What would you do with your cabbages and potatoes?
Congrats on your race and happy birthday! This sounds like a fun one. Although the late start time would be tough!
So hard!!!!!
Oh, I remember this race from last year!
I would love to do this one, it’s similar to the races we have here in the vineyards. But spuds and cabbages are more useful than wine!
Mmmmm. I would argue wine might be more useful.
funny, I grew up in southern Florida and never knew about the potatoes! It is always fun to do a race on your birthday. Looks like a fun way to celebrate with friends
It was the best time. Apparently, these are “chip potatoes.” use them to make mashed and other things too, though, and they are yummy.
This race sounds fun! I love cabbage and potatoes. What I want to know is, if we have a potato capital of Florida, how come I never see Florida potatoes in the store? I’m going to look more closely next time I go.
That is a late start time for a Florida race- but I get it, they’re giving people the opportunity to run both the 10 and 5k. I’m sure it was hot, but sounds like you had a great time. Congratulations!
So our potatoes are “chip potatoes”. My favorite kind LOL.
Yeah, I will definitely do the 10K again next time. I want an earlier start. And potatoes.
I love the swag!! We’ve had a shortage of potatoes in Botswana so I would have joined the race just for the potatoes! Beautiful photos – I love the close up of the bananas and the medal with the cabbage in the background. Very artistic x