Running of the Bulls 5k

We are thrilled to be hosting 5th annual Running of the Bulls 5k this year! The Running of the Bulls 5k directly supports Bloomingdale High School Students. In the past, it has been held at Bloomingdale High School. Last year due to School District Covid-19 protocols we had to move the location of the race to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover. We're happy to be back there again this year! This beautiful course is a mix between a road and cross-country race. It is not a technical course. You will love the shade of the trees at the fairgrounds! January is the best time of the year in Florida for a 5k! 

On behalf of Bloomingdale High School and Bloomingdale band and guard students, which the race benefits, we would like to thank our race participants, our Title Sponsors, Acropolis Greek Taverna and Gentle Foot Care Clinic, and our many business sponsors in the community that partner with us to make this event a success.

Safety Precautions:

Our in-person 5k will be conducted within guidelines established by the CDC, state and local governments, and school administration. As such, our provisions are subject to chance. Our safety precautions will evolve and change as we plan. Our number one goal is to host a safe in-person event.

Packet Pickup:
There are 3 options for packet pickup:

1.    Thursday, January 13:  5 to 8 PM at Heroes Paradise, located at 733 Knowles Rd, Brandon, FL 33511.

2.    Friday, January 14:  5 to 8 PM at Heroes Paradise, located at 733 Knowles Rd, Brandon, FL 33511.

3.    Saturday, January 15, race day: 7 AM at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds near the start/finish.

Race Day Start:
The 5k starts at 8 AM on Saturday January 15. It starts and finishes at the pavilion at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds (215 Sydney Washer Rd, Dover, FL 33527).

Race Access Information:
The fairgrounds gate will be closed off at 7:55 AM. The gate will be shut when the race starts. The race uses the roads throughout the fairgrounds, and for everyone’s safety, no motor vehicle traffic is allowed until all runners have finished. If you have someone coming to watch the race, they need to arrive before 7:55 AM. We expect to be able to reopen the gates at approximately 9:05 AM.

Camels:
Camels? Yes, Camels! The camels of Camel Kingdom will be onsite during our 5k. They live at the fairgrounds when they are not participating in events. You will run by them during the 5k. Please do not cross the barrier to get close to them. They are friendly animals but if they don't know you, they don't know you. Feel free to take a picture from a safe distance away.

Restrooms:
The restrooms at the fairgrounds will be open for participants and spectators.

Concessions:

Coffee-
Basic Brew Coffee will be onsite selling coffee.  

Post-race food for participants-
Post-race food will be provided by Maple Street Biscuit Company and The Fresh Market. 

Kona Ice- 
Kona Ice will be onsite selling Kona Ice. Participants will also receive a free small Kona Ice.

Awards:
Results kiosks will be available at the FITniche registration tent upon your finish.  Make sure to check your results and stick around for the awards ceremony at approx. 9:15 AM!

Raffle:
Our generous sponsors have donated some great raffle prizes this year!  Every participant is entered into the raffle! Everyone's bib number is entered into the raffle and all you need to do is stick around (must be present to win)! NEW THIS YEAR: We will conduct the raffle as the race takes place and list the winners. When you are finished with the 5k, check the raffle table to see if you won.

Results:
Along with the results kiosks, you will also receive an e-mail following the race to find race results.  If you have any issues with your results right after the race, please visit the FITniche tent immediately!

Photos:
Smile!  We will be taking 5k photos.  We have on course and finish line photographers to capture you enjoying our race. Check your email after the race for information about photos. We'll be uploading the media as quickly as we can! They will likely be posted quickly on the Running of the Bulls Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bloomingdalebulls5k/) and later on the band website (www.bloomingdaleband.com). 

Social Media: If you post on social media, we would love for you to tag your post with #rotb5k22 or #bloomingdale5k so we can see your pictures.

Celebration:
At the finish of your race, you will be given a medal and a Kona Ice ticket.
Take your ticket to the Kona Ice truck for a free Kona Ice!

For our beer drinkers, celebrate the 5k with a discount at Bullfrog Creek Brewery! Bullfrog Creek Brewery is offering $2 off beer on race day for participants who bring in their race bib or medal.

If you have any questions, please email bloomingdalebulls5k@gmail.com