Over the past two weeks, a few of my blogging friends posted about running by letter of the alphabet. I thought it sounded cool, so thanks to Judy and Darlene, I’m giving it a go.
Can I hit every letter? Let’s find out!
A is for ATC Peachtree Road Race
Let’s start with a bang, baby: the ATC Peachtree Road Race kicks off my racing alphabet. If you haven’t done this epic 4th of July 10K, what are you waiting for? Make it happen! It’s hot, hilly, and loaded with runners and walkers, but it is an experience not to be missed.
B is for BRIDGE of Lions 5K
The Bridge of Lions is another July race, this time in downtown St. Augustine. Who doesn’t love bridges and swampy humidity? However, it’s a local staple with a pretty course, a fun little after-party and awesome spectators and turnout.
C is for COTTONMOUTH Quarter Marathon + 5K
We have a three or four racing companies in the area: one is huge, and the others are smaller, but still put on really nice quality events. The Cottomouth Quarter Marathon is one such race. I loved that we got to take medal photos in the sunflower field.
D is for DONNA Half Marathon
I have participated in several DONNA events. They are always in honor of our local breast cancer foundation, and each one is top-notch. Of course, weather is out of the races’ control, so my first half marathon back after my broken leg meant a very wet, windy, and cold DONNA. What can you do?
E is for EVERGREEN Pumpkin Run 10 Miler
The Evergreen Pumpkin Run 10 Miler is a bit of a nemesis for me. lt takes place in Jacksonville’s oldest cemetery, and it’s really quite beautiful. For some reason, I always tank towards the end. It gets warm pretty fast, and those last three miles can drag.
F is for FLORIDA Strider’s Memorial Day 5K
The Florida Strider’s Memorial Day 5K is the first race I ever ran, and it’s kind of a sentimental favorite. It’s just a generic road 5k, but there are nice medals and a good vibe, and I do try to make it every year, if I can.
G is for GATE River Run
The Gate River Run is the country’s largest 15K, and it takes places every March in Jacksonville, Florida. It’s a tough race, but also one of the most fun around. I highly recommend everyone take on the River Run, especially if you want a very real taste of the Jax running scene.
H is for Spud Run in HASTINGS
The Spud Run is one of my newer favorites. Every runner scores a shirt, a medal, and a bag of potatoes and two cabbages. What? How fun is that? I’ll be running this as my birthday race in two weeks, and I can’t wait!
I is for IOA/Jaguars Stadium Run
What’s the fun of having an NFL stadium nearby if you don’t get to run the ramps and concourses once a year? The whole family can participate in the fun and it’s great to finish a race by running around the football field.
J is for JEKYLL Island 10K
Once upon a time, I ran a 10K in Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is just over an hour away, and it’s the most beautiful barrier island. It’s full of gorgeous beaches, great hiking and kayaking. There are also several really nice races that show off the natural glory.
K is for New Year’s RocKIN 5K T
This was a reach so I used the most recent race with a K in the name. Hey. You do what you have to do. I loved ringing in the New Year with an event that runs through a brand new neighborhood with a finish line right near the manmade lagoon. Perfect.
L is for Daytona LAP The Track 5K
Have you ever run on a NASCAR track? Well, the Daytona Lap The Track 5K allows for just that. Even if you’re not a race fan (I’m not), the Daytona International Speedway is an awesome venue, and it’s a privilege to race there.
M is for MARCH To Get Screened
I love March To Get Screened. It’s a 5K in support of colon cancer, and it’s always a great time. The location of the race has changed several times over the years, from Jacksonville Beach on the sand, to a downtown loop that starts and finishes at the Riverside Arts Market. It’s a worthy cause and is always well supported.
So far, so good! Will I be able to finish off the list? Come back next week to find out!
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Very nice list! I dont think I would be able to cover all the letters, especially since Ive done so many repeat races. I hope you can get through the rest of the alphabet!
Me, too!
These are some nice memories, Jenn.
I love these alphabet series – Shathiso also did a great one: https://thegaboronerunner.com/2022/04/25/running-the-alphabet-a-g/
That was a clever one with the letter “K”! I’m looking forward to seeing how you solve for the “X”!
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I forgot about this one! She did an awesome job too!
X and Q might do me in!
I agree with what Catrina said–I saw what you did there for K! Love it. What a cute post!
I’m a master of manipulating words!
This is a fun series and I plan to do it as well. The Peachtree is on my bucket list too.
LOVE the Peachtree but it is hard!
Ooh! I can’t wait for X and Q 😉 It’a really fun to look back on all these races, isn’t it? I wish I didn’t live so far from you- some of these races look amazing and I would love to do them. This state of ours is so frickin’ long, it would take me all day to get up there.!
Those might get me. I guess we will see. I know Florida is just so huge. I think we are literally five or six hours from each other. Darlene comes down almost annually and does a race, but even that is almost three hours away from me. It’s crazy! However, you have a place to stay if you have ever want to try one of these out! You will absolutely outpace me, but we will have fun anyway!
Love this. I did another post adding races that were not half marathons. No X for me! Boo.
I might not have an X either. We will see!
Wow, I’ve run a lot of races but I’m not sure I ran the alphabet. What a fun idea for a post.
I have 13 letters to go! We will see!
LOVE, LOVE this! And your smile in the Jekyll Island photo is fantastic!! I’m on a mission to find H which I thought was a common letter – but seems not to be where I live! Can’t wait to see if you complete the Alphabet of Races!
The jekyll Island photographer is AMAZING. He’s been at every race I’ve done there and make us all feel like rockstars. The race director actually gives him a few minutes to address the runners regarding how he takes photos and how he expects everyone to just sprint and smile and he’ll do the rest. I love him.
We will see if I can finish this out!
So many FL races! I’m not sure I could’ve done it with local races. Although I realize a few (or one?) was out of state.
There are many firsts I don’t remember but my first race, my first Half & my first race longer than a half are all fond memories!
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We have A TON of races here! It’s kind of insane.