The DeBary Rotary River Run 5K was a new race that took place at Gemini Springs, just about a mile from my house. A race so close is hard to resist entering. The local Rotary club put on the race along with Florida Hospital Fish Memorial to benefit the Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Deltona's Love Your Heart 5K was a nearby race that I could bike to, so registering was practically inevitable. The cute cupid finisher's medal didn't hurt, either. This race took place at Deltona Middle School and benefitted the American Heart Association. The out-and-back course followed the bike trail spur from the school to Thornby Park and back.
So I kind of signed up for the Volusia Pines Elementary 5K on a whim. I was looking for races on RunSignUp.com and this nearby event came up. There weren't a lot of participants listed and the price was right ($10) so I thought I'd go for it. After I registered online, I realized I hadn't been asked my shirt size. And that it wasn't a timed race, which was something I'd meant to avoid. RunSignUp allowed cancellation for a while before the registration went through, so I cancelled my registration and sent an inquiry to the race director... who thanked me profusely for signing up. I got the t-shirt business sorted out and signed up again for the race. The race was to raise money for the school's kindergarten playground.
My first race of 2016! The Soaring Soles 5K and 10K races started just down the street from our house. How could I resist a race I could walk to, and that offered free unlimited beer to participants? The dual races raised money for Volusia County Special Olympics on behalf of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
The Naughty or Nice 5K in Lake Mary was my third race. Costumes were encouraged, and lots of people dressed up as elves or Santa Claus. One woman dressed like an angel and I heard a lot of jingle bells on the run. I wore a festive outfit and got photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and a candy cane stilt walker.
The Peace Love Cure 5K in Sanford was my second race. It was a nice out-and-back course through downtown Sanford and along the waterfront. Proceeds went to the American Diabetes Association.
