24th Annual Manatee River Run 5 Mile RRCA-FL State Championship

4681 17th Street West
Palmetto, FL US 34221

There is no race day registration but you may pick up your packet at the events below or on race day.

Thursday, December 28th 5:00-7:30 p.m. at 3 Keys Brewing and Gastrobrew, 2505 Manatee Ave E, Bradenton, FL 34208.

Friday, December 29th 4:00-7:00 p.m. at New Balance University, 315 N Cattlemen RD, Sarasota, FL 34243 (across from UTC near Benderson Park).

Plan to walk (or use the opportunity to warm up!) for 1/2 mile from parking lot to the starting line.  There is ample parking in the identified field.  Restrooms are available in both the parking area and the starting line area. 

A scenic adventure on hard shell-packed winding trails through a variety of native ecosystems including beaches, lagoons, salt marshes, mangrove swamps, tropical hardwood hammocks, coastal strands and finished on a paved 1.5 mile roadway to the finish.

 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Q: How can I register for this event?
Answer: You can register online anytime 24/7 up through the deadline or up until the maximum field size has been reached.  Packet pick-up dates, times, and locations will be announced in the event information section as they are confirmed.

Q: How much is this event?
Answer: Please review the Event Info section of this page for specific race fee schedule information. 

Q: Do BRC members get a discount?
Answer: Bradenton Runners Club members in good standing will receive a $5 discount which will be applied at checkout.  If you are not receiving your discount during the online registration process, please ensure you are logged into your RunSignUp account.  You can confirm if your membership status by logging into RunSignUp and clicking on My Profile then locate the My Club Memberships section.  Provided that your membership is still active and not expired when you register you will receive the discount. If you're still having problems receiving your discount at checkout, please contact RunSignUp at info@runsignup.com.  

Q: I'm not a BRC member, how can I get a discount on this race?
Answer: We strongly encourage people to become a BRC member.  That is the easiest way to save money on our races and also includes other benefits which will save you money.  The membership more than pays for itself. Click here to learn more. 

Q: I'm not sure if I'm registered, what should I do?
Answer: If you registered online, you should have received a confirmation email.  Be sure to check your spam filter if you cannot find the confirmation email.  If you think you may have deleted the email, you can find your registration on your RunSignUp.com account. You may also search on the Participant Tracking tab on this website.

Q: How do I pick up my race packet?
Answer: Packets may be picked up at one of the pre-race packet pick up events. There is also race day packet pick up, but no race day registration.

Q: What if I can't attend a packet pick-up event?
Answer: Please arrange to have someone else pick up for you at one of the packet pick up events or arrive very early on race day to pick up in the parking lot. There is no race day registration.

Q: Can someone else pick up my packet?
Answer: Yes. We do allow friends and/or family to pick up packets.  Anyone picking up packets for another participant will be required to show a copy of your registration confirmation.

Q: Can I register on race day?
Answer: No. There is no race day registration.

Q: How is the race timed?
Answer: This race is chip timed with the chip attached to the back of the bib number which is why all bib numbers must be worn on the front.  There will be timing mats at the start and finish. Timing begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m.

Q: Where can I see results from the race?
Answer: Race results will be posted on this website shortly following the race.

Q: I lost my bib/chip, what do I do?
Answer: Bibs are chipped so if you lose your bib and attempt to run without it, you will not be included in the results.  Please contact us as soon as possible so we can deactivate your old bib/chip # and assign a new one.  There is a $10 cash only fee to replace a lost bib/chip so please bring exact change with you on race morning to expedite this process.

Q: Will there be plenty of parking?
Answer: Yes.  We have never run out of parking at this event.  However, please note the parking area is roughly a half mile from the start area so please plan ahead to walk to the start.

Q: Is the course USATF certified?
Answer: Courses that include sections of trail cannot be certified.

Q: Where is the starting area?
Answer: The starting area is about a 1/4 mile into the entrance of the park.  After you walk (or do a nice warm up jog) from the parking area to the park entrance, proceed further into the park to the starting area.

Q: Where is the finish line?
Answer: The finish line is not far from the start and is located about 0.1 miles from the starting line. Check out the course map for more details.

Q: Can my friends and family watch me finish or participate?
Answer:  Yes. All parking is a half mile away.  There is no parking inside the park.

Q: Are strollers allowed?
Answer: No. Strollers are not allowed at this event.  As a member of RRCA we observe all guidelines and recommendations related to safety.  Strollers present a risk to other runners plus the Manatee River Run course in particular has various types of terrain including soft sand, narrow trails, roots, and some high curbs that have to be crossed over which makes strollers impossible.  All participants sign a waiver stating "If I violate the safety guidelines I accept legal responsibility for any injuries I may directly or indirectly cause to myself and/or others."

Q: Can I run with my dog?
Answer: No. Dogs are not allowed at this event.  As a member of RRCA we observe all guidelines and recommendations related to safety.  Dogs present a risk to other runners and with the narrow trails on our course, present a tripping hazard for participants.  Dogs and crowds often don't mix, even with the best behaved dogs due to tripping hazards and unpredictable behavior.  In crowded, unfamiliar places, even well-mannered dogs can become unpredictable and protective of their owner.  All participants sign a waiver stating "If I violate the safety guidelines I accept legal responsibility for any injuries I may directly or indirectly cause to myself and/or others."

Q: What about headphones?
Answer: Headphones are strongly discouraged due to safety concerns and any participants wearing headphones during a race accept legal responsibility for any injuries caused to themselves or others.   The use of personal music devices is strongly discouraged at this race. To enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, The Bradenton Runners Club encourages a headphone-free environment during the running of the Manatee River Run.  We believe your race experience and those around you will be greatly enhanced by leaving the headphones at home or in the car. Running headphone-free allows opportunities to develop camaraderie with your fellow runners and to enjoy everything the race has to offer. Plus, volunteers will be on course cheering you on and providing directions to help get you to the finish line.  Runner safety has always been, and will continue to be, a top priority for our event. Please be mindful of the other participants and respect the race personnel to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.

Q: What time should I arrive?
Answer: There is a half mile walk from the parking lot to the starting area.  We strongly recommend all participants arrive no later than 7:15 a.m. to park, use restroom, and walk to the park entrance. The start is promptly at 8:00 a.m. and late starts are not permitted and therefore will not be timed or scored.

Q: Is there a time limit?
Answer: Yes. The timing will shut off after 1.5 hours. 

Q: Can I walk this event?
Answer: Yes, although keep in mind that timing/results will cease after 1.5 hours.  Walkers are permitted but must complete the course in under 90 minutes.

Q: Will there be water stations?
Answer: Yes. There will be two aid stations on the course.

Q: What are the age groups for the awards?
Answer: Age group awards will be awarded to the top 3 in the following age groups:  9 & under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+.
RRCA Florida State Champion awards for first place overall and masters female and male winners will be awarded as follows: Overall, Masters (40+), Grand Masters (50+), Senior Grand Masters (60+), Veteran Grand Master (70+).  There are no finisher medals.

Q: Where do I pick up my award?
Answer: Awards may be picked up at the post race awards ceremony.

Q: Is there a bag drop?
Answer: There will be an area to leave your bag, but it will be unstaffed and we are not responsible for your belongings.

Q: Who benefits from this race?
Answer: The Bradenton Runners Club is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.  All of our races are hosted by our board members and generous volunteers.  All of the proceeds from the race, after expenses are deducted, go to our scholarship fund for Manatee County student-athlete distance runners.  We also provide financial assistance to local high school cross country and track programs for gear and uniforms on a case-by-case basis. We also support other local charities annually.

 

 

Awards to the following overall categories:

• Male and Female Overall RRCA-FL State Champion
• Male and Female Masters (40+) RRCA-FL State Champion
• Male and Female Grand Masters (50+) RRCA-FL State Champion
• Male and Female Senior Grand Masters (60+) RRCA-FL State Champion
• Male and Female Veteran Grand Masters (70+) RRCA-FL State Champion
• In addition to the RRCA-FL State Championship awards, the overall winners will also receive gift cards to local running stores. Who doesn't love free running gear!?!

 

 

Awards for top 3 in age groups for male and female as follows:

• 9 & under
• 10-12
• 13-15
• 16-19
• 20-24
• 25-29
• 30-34
• 35-39
• 40-44
• 45-49
• 50-54
• 55-59
• 60-64
• 65-69
• 70-74
• 75-79
• 80+

There are no finisher medals, just the many, many awards listed above.

If you have any questions about this 5 Miler, click the button below.

Questions?