Fitness By Frank Adornato
Competition is Back On (We hope!)
- August 2nd. Siesta Sprint Triathlon / Duathlon. Siesta Key, Sarasota
- August 15th. Cool Sommer Sprint Triathlon / Duathlon. Clermont.
- September 19th. PB&J 5K, 10K. Clearwater.
- October 17th. Ronnie’s Run. 5K, 5 mile, 10 mile. Fort Desoto Park
- October 24th. Rock n Roll 5K and Half Marathon. Clearwater.
- November 13 &14. St. Pete Run Fest 5K, 10K, 13.1, Kids Race. DTSP
- December 20th. Florida West Coast Half Marathon and 5K. Sarasota
- January 16th, 2021. St. Pete Beach Classic. 5K, 10K, 13.1, and Beach Fun Run.
Have fun. Be safe. Train smart and race fast.
One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was the cancellation or indefinite postponement of every race across the country. Running races, triathlons, swim meets, cycling events, etc. – every competitive event was either cancelled or postponed because of concerns over possible spreading of the virus due to the large numbers of athletes coming together to compete. Race directors scrambled to figure out how, if, and when they could reschedule their events, and what needed to be done to protect the safety and health of competitors, race staff and volunteers, and spectators.
The St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay area has long been known as a mecca for competitive, endurance athletes. Runners and cyclists can be seen working out every day on the many roads and trails throughout the area, and it’s very common to see swimmers putting in their freestyle miles in the Gulf of Mexico or in one of the many community pools. And all that training gets put to good use in the myriad of races held literally every weekend in our area.
Since March however, there have been zero races. In spite of this, athletes have continued training and hoping for some good news. Well, we’re finally starting to see some events being added back onto the race calendars. And as you would expect, there will undoubtedly be changes implemented to ensure that all COVID – 19 guidelines are met. Look for procedural changes and restrictions in everything from race packet pick-up, set-up and transition areas, race starting lines, water aid stations, finish line corrals, and awards ceremonies.
If you’re anxious to get back into the game, here’s a partial list of races in the Tampa Bay area. The list has been changing weekly as races are either cancelled or postponed. Since everything is in a state of flux, we recommend that you go to the race website to confirm dates and to get event details, including the new format being implemented by the race directors for the hygienic safety of all.
Frank Adornato is an author, speaker, triathlete, college certified wellness coach and trainer. He is a five-time Ironman finisher, including two finishes at the World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii. He and his wife Judy live in St. Petersburg. For more information on Frank and the training services he provides, visit his website at www.triitall.com.