• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

the march ultimate coffee date

is running accessible

everyone can run! but is running accessible to everyone?

what’s running through my mind?

race report: the great candy run fun run {10.10.2015}

November 6, 2015      28 Comments

After little man’s triathlon, he was very clear that he was not interested in taking on another experience quite like that.

He did, however, say that he would like to do some more mile-long fun runs.

I was all on-board for that and immediately started looking at appropriate races for us.

Obviously, The Great Candy Run was the perfect choice.

Great-Candy-Run

 

With proceeds going to the Fetal Health Foundation, The Great Candy Run is a family-friendly, well-themed run with options for a 5K, a one mile fun run and a shorter, toddler-friendly distance. Costumes were encouraged, and there was promise of lots of candy and fun.

How could it be anything but?

I wanted to be really festive, and so I decided we would make our own, candy-themed shirts. Of course, my mind went immediately to Candy Crush. I was able to find a plain athletic shirts for each of us, and started making the famous candies out of felt. My mom was awesome enough to sew them all on for me, and I was able to use puffy paint to draw in the details.

They turned out really cute and little man was so thrilled that he won’t let me take the felt pieces off to use the shirt for anything else. Fair enough.

There was no early packet pickup for either of the kids’ runs (just for the 5K), so I made sure we were at the venue (Hemming Plaza) on the earlier side to find parking and pick up little man’s bib. A race t-shirt wasn’t included in the price of registration, but we were able to buy one for an additional $10. They had a full range of child and adult sizes available. We had plenty of time to stash everything in the car, and get back to the race site.

The real bummer of the morning was the weather. There were so many adorable candy-themed details, but the mist and drizzle really put a damper on the festivities. We hung out with some friends under one of the vendor’s tents to stay dry before our turn to race, but it would have been nice to wander around and enjoy the sights and the sunrise a little more.

Things got started a little late, but soon, the younger kids went off for their dash. It was very quick (and cute), and after the start line cleared out from those finishers, it was our turn to line up.

The course was an out and back: we were to run a half mile down the street, turn around and run right back. The only obstacles were a fairly surprising hill (who knew there was a hill in downtown Jacksonville?), and the slippery streets. We got ready, set and off we went.

Of course, little man is still learning about pacing himself, so he was off like a rabbit. I followed at a little distance and caught up to him soon enough. We took turns trading the lead until we got to the halfway point, where volunteers were handing out cups of water and little cups of Skittles.

I did have to use the Skittles as bait at one point.

However, we crossed the finish line, to the applause and cheers of the 5Kers who were waiting for their turn to start. Little man collected his medal and empty candy box, and it was on to even more fun!

The “post-party” was outside (bounce houses, clowns, face painters, games, etc, in Hemming Park) and inside, at sponsor Sweet Pete’s. Since the weather was so iffy, we opted to just hit the candy store.

On the porch of the store were two setups: a photo booth with props

and a nice little candy bar for runners to fill their empty boxes.

Inside, we were welcome to explore and shop, but there were also some interactive stations for the kids. They could decorate their own chocolate covered pretzels.

Or they could watch candy makers boil sugar so that they could make lollipops or taffy.

It was such a fun morning, and we both loved shopping for some sweet treats to bring home.

We headed out as the last finishers’ were crossing the line, and cheered them on as we made our way back to the car. Everyone looked like they were having a blast, which is a sure sign of a great race.

The Great Candy Run was a well-organized event with attention paid to every detail. While the race portion is obviously the most important part of a run, my event-planning self loves it when the whole experience is well-rounded and thought out.

What are some things that make a race feel like a more complete event?

What would be your favorite candy at a fuel station on a race course?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anne@candycrazedrun says

    November 6, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    Haha oh my gosh, THIS. EVENT.

    First of all, congrats to the little man, I hope he enjoed it!
    This cracks me up because when I was in college, my brother and I used to half-joke/scheme about opening a candy store where we would host group runs too.
    What a fun event!
    Anne@candycrazedrun recently posted…It’s Been a WhileMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:14 pm

      He loved it! How could you not love running AND candy?

      I will be a dedicated customer/runner if you and your brother ever make that scheme come true!

      Reply
  2. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    November 6, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    I love love how you have totally inspired and motivated your little guy to have a passion for running at such a young age. You rock!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Tips to Stay Healthy & Sane During The HolidaysMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      I am definitely trying. I hope it’s something that sticks with him as he gets older.

      Reply
  3. Marcia says

    November 6, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    What a cute event for kiddos! Love how crafty you were with the outifts. I too appreciate and very well thought out event and this definitely looks like one!
    Marcia recently posted…5 Ways to Rock Your Treadmill WorkoutsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:15 pm

      It really was. We had such a blast – it was great for the kids but the grown ups seemed to be loving it, too! I know I did.

      Reply
  4. Darlene says

    November 6, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    Looks like fun. I’d want Kit Kats or red licorice.
    Darlene recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Race SignsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:16 pm

      I have stolen all the Kit Kats (and Twix) out of little man’s Halloween bucket. Love them.

      Reply
  5. Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says

    November 6, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    I love how my ch fun your son has at these events! It’s so exciting that he has found running early. I’m not sure skittles are a great thing to hand out mid-race. They don’t seem to go with running (not the being candy part, the idea that they are so small and could be easy to take down the wrong way while running).
    Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs recently posted…The Striving for Balance WorkoutMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      That’s a good point. I know that in the 5K, they handed out a variety of different candy at the water stops, although I’m not sure what kinds. Most of the kids stopped to eat their snacks when they had their water.

      Reply
  6. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    November 6, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    They need to turn this into a marathon! How fun!
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Fit & Fashionable Friday: Ryka’s 2016 Spring CollectionMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      Can you imagine??? Candy for everyone!!!!

      Reply
  7. Stacie Seidman says

    November 6, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    This looks like a great time! What a fun idea! Looks like you and little man both had a blast!
    Stacie Seidman recently posted…Thursday’s Threads!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 6, 2015 at 10:18 pm

      It was so fun. I was a little sad that I didn’t get a crack at the 5K and get my own bling, but it was worth it to have that time with little man.

      Reply
  8. Ariana says

    November 7, 2015 at 1:08 am

    This looks like such a cute event!! Congrats to your little guy – I don’t blame him about the triathlon haha, as much as I love them the swimming part scares me.

    I hope the two of you get to enjoy more races like this together!
    Ariana recently posted…Get Better at Running By Not Running: Strength Training for RunnersMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 7, 2015 at 1:18 am

      I think the whole thing was incredibly overwhelming for him. There was a lot going on, and I don’t blame him for being completely opposed for the future. At least he tried!

      Reply
  9. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    November 7, 2015 at 1:42 am

    Normally, I don’t love Skittles, but I think that would be about the only thing I could eat on the run!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…5 Race Signs that are off the hookMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 8, 2015 at 7:33 pm

      They are not my favorites either. However, they were a big hit out there. I do like gummy bears though. The Haribo ones.

      Reply
  10. Natalie says

    November 7, 2015 at 1:59 am

    What a fun race!! I really think you are such a great role model for showing your son that running can be so fun!
    It would be fun to have Swedish Fish in a race!! 🙂
    Love your race shirts too!!
    Have a great weekend!
    Natalie recently posted…Friday Favorites!!My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 8, 2015 at 7:35 pm

      Thank you, Nat. We try hard to model a healthy lifestyle, and I hope it’s something he remembers fondly. I don’t have great memories of being active as a child, so it’s up to me to break that cycle and try to reflect something more positive.

      Reply
  11. jill conyers says

    November 7, 2015 at 9:59 am

    What a fun race! The look on your son’s face is priceless.

    I have to pass on candy at the fuel stations.
    jill conyers recently posted…12 Vegetarian Thanksgiving RecipesMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 8, 2015 at 7:42 pm

      He makes my heart so happy!

      Reply
  12. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    November 7, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    What a fun theme for a race! And I love your matching mother-son race shirts. So fun, and what a great way to get little man out there running with you!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Favorite Race SignsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 8, 2015 at 7:43 pm

      I am really happy with how the shirts came out. No one else had anything like them, so we had that going for us.

      Reply
  13. Celia at Chicago Jogger says

    November 8, 2015 at 2:56 am

    I LOVE your shirts! So sweet & creative. Looks like you two had a great time.
    Celia at Chicago Jogger recently posted…Nike Get Out Here Contest + November Fitness ChallengeMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 8, 2015 at 7:44 pm

      Thank you! We definitely did!

      Reply
  14. Sandra Laflamme says

    November 9, 2015 at 3:10 am

    What a fun idea for a kids race! And, I absolutely love your race shirts! I wouldn’t have wanted to take the felt pieces off either!
    Sandra Laflamme recently posted…Running Form. Using Your Arms.My Profile

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. race report: arlington toyota kids fitness zombie chase {10.18.2015} | Runs With Pugs says:
    November 18, 2015 at 6:21 pm

    […] the Great Candy Run, one of the promoters of the Arlington Toyota Kids Fitness Zombie Chase mentioned the race to […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • the march ultimate coffee date
  • everyone can run! but is running accessible to everyone?
  • what’s running through my mind?
  • |week 9| marching on + back to nature
  • five february runfessions

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
“Running! If there’s any activity happier, mor “Running! If there’s any activity happier, more exhilarating, more nourishing to the imagination, I can’t think of what it might be.”
Joyce Carol Oates

Today was one of those days. Everything just worked right (even coming off a migraine). 

Days like this are always a treasure.

I hope your run brings you joy today ❤️

#Running #SetbackToComeback
Stinging rain, cold wind, and just a whole lot of Stinging rain, cold wind, and just a whole lot of “no.” 

I’m tight today, so I’ll be looking into a stretch break, for sure!!!

Who’s with me on some recovery?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
What do you think about when you’re out on a run What do you think about when you’re out on a run?

I’m sharing my inner monologue over on the blog today! Link in bio! Come check it out! ☝🏻

#Running #RunningThoughts
The bad news: we got rained on!!! Booooooo! The g The bad news: we got rained on!!! Booooooo!

The good news? At least I was with friends.

Did you have a rainy run? A sunny run? Hot or cold? Friends or alone? Tell me how it’s going!

#running #setbacktocomeback
Every month this year, I’ve been committing to s Every month this year, I’ve been committing to some kind of wellness challenge. 

January ➡️ planks
February ➡️ balance

Lately, I’ve had the urge to get back in a gym. Kickboxing is out for right now but I think I could take on boot camp or spin. 

Then I felt a little guilty about spending the money when I have some weights and bands at home, our neighborhood has a gym, and I have a surgical procedure on the horizon (boo, wisdom teeth), so I thought I would work my way up to group classes by starting at home.

Day 1 done! ✅ with an assist from @sweetlunapug!

What’s your favorite strength workout?

#crosstraining #fitmom
Happy Monday! Headed to the bridge for some hill Happy Monday!

Headed to the bridge for some hill repeats and then walked over to the beach to really breathe in that salty air. 

Starting this week strong! How about you?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
Had some company for an easy walk today. Thanks to Had some company for an easy walk today. Thanks to @ktemedicaljobs for joining me!

Finishing February with 143.5 running and walking miles and feeling great about it! Can’t wait to see what March will bring!

#Running #SetbackToComeback
❝Whatever you think you can do or believe you ca ❝Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it.❞
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

All action for today’s 10 miles! It was hot and my ankle was a little cranky, but thanks to a change in route and some awesome pacing from @montarriba, it got done!

What magic are you making today?

#Running #SetbackToComeback
Sometimes, you just have to remind yourself that y Sometimes, you just have to remind yourself that you are the Best Damn Runner! 

And remember that @BestDamnRace is coming! In 2021! We have three #BDR2021 cities and dates, and we hope you will join us for the Best Damn Medals, Best Damn Swag, Best Damn After-Party, and Best Damn Series around!      
💚New Orleans (VIRTUAL) - 3/28
💜Orlando, FL (9/25)
❤️Safety Harbor (10/16 & 10/17) 

Save 10% off any distance in any of these cities, with code RUNSWITHPUGS!

#RaceDiscount #Running #BestDamnRace
Twinning with our @roadid and @dogid! Wearing thes Twinning with our @roadid and @dogid! Wearing these keep us both safe and protected in case of an emergency.

@SweetLunaPug wears hers on her harness, but I just ordered her a new Rock Solid collar so she can change things up.

How do you keep your pup safe?

Save 25% on your www.RoadID.com order with code RUNSWITHPUGS!

#RoadID #DogID #DogSafety #RunnerSafety #TeamRoadID #running #runninggear #runnerdiscounts

Copyright © 2021 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!

This site uses cookies: Find out more.