Wellen Park to host inaugural St. Patrick’s Day half marathon in addition to 5K run
VENICE — Wellen Park is adding a half marathon to its annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K run on March 19 with both races starting and finishing at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen.
The 13.1-mile course is certified by USA Track & Field. An awards ceremony will recognize the top three male and female finishers in each age group and best male and female overall winners. The top male and female grand masters, masters, senior grand masters, and veterans grand masters will also be honored.
“We are thrilled to host our first half marathon and offer long-distance runners another local qualifying event,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “As a USATF-certified course, the Wellen Park half marathon allows runners to compare their performance to other races and qualify for larger national events.”
The half marathon is open to runners 15 and older and starts at 7:30 a.m. The 5K run at 7:45 a.m. is open to all ages of runners and walkers, with strollers and leashed dogs permitted. The half marathon and the 5K have also been cleared for disabled runners.
Entry fees are $80 for the half marathon and $35 for the 5K. Entrants receive a dri-fit performance race shirt (register by March 12 to guarantee size) and a finisher medal. The event also will feature live music from Solis Hall’s outdoor stage, green beer, mimosas and food.
For registration and event details, including race packet pickup, visit wellenpark.com/events/st-patricks-day-half-marathon-5k.
With several half marathons canceled in late 2022 because of Hurricane Ian, race director Patrick Vasquez of Beach Bum Timing expects a good turnout for Wellen Park’s inaugural race.
“Wellen Park has been planning a larger race and the St. Patrick’s Day 5K was the right opportunity,” Vasquez said. “Runners always appreciate a nice environment and both courses pass lakes with the grand hurrah of the finish in Downtown Wellen.”
A portion of race proceeds benefit Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida, the local chapter of a national nonprofit youth development program combining an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and a healthy lifestyle for pre-teen girls.
“Wellen Park is a popular destination for running groups and pedestrians because of our network of trails,” Severance said. “We look forward to introducing Downtown Wellen to our running, cycling, and walking community.”
Mattamy Homes and new Downtown Wellen tenants Florida Lakes Spa and Florida Lakes Vein Center are the Platinum Sponsors for the St. Patrick’s Day half marathon and 5K run. AMC Contracting, Capstan Financial Consulting Group, Lennar, Willis Smith Construction and Tropia at Wellen Park are Gold Sponsors. The DeMoya Group, Stillwell at Wellen Park and Streetsense are Silver Sponsors. Additional sponsorships are still available by contacting events coordinator Elizabeth Barroso at events@wellenpark.com.
Submitted by Laura Hardin
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wellen Park adds half marathon to annual St. Patrick's Day 5K run/walk
