32nd Annual Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic "Leftover" 5K, 10K & 1 Mile Kids Race @ Sand Key Park!

Here is some important information:

PACKET PICK-UPS

   Tuesday, Dec 14th from 5:30pm - 7:30pm
   American Running Company
   26024 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33763
   Come attend their annual party.  HOKA will be there too!

   Wednesday Dec 15th  from 3:30pm - 6:30pm
   Bayside Urgent Care
   1001 S Ft Harrison Ave #101, Clearwater, FL 33756 

YES, it is ok to pick-up for friends!   Please just ask them to text you a picture of their ID.

You may also pick-up your packet on race morning at Sand Key Park starting at 6:30am.

PARK CLOSURE:  The park will be closed while runners are still completing the 5K and 10K loops, so there will be no entry or exit between 7:45am – 9:30am or when the last runner is in.  Please plan accordingly. If you know you will need to leave early, PLEASE find parking outside the park and walk in (it is close so you won’t have to walk far).

PARKING: We are paying for your parking, however we encourage you to car-pool to save spaces and money for charity.  Please remember, there will be no park entry or exit between 7:45am – 9:30am.

START TIMES: 
7:30AM    1 mile kids race
8:00AM    10K
8:00AM    5K
The chip-timed 5K and 10K races will take you out along a combination of road, trail and hard-packed beach sand within Sand Key Park.  The 1M kids race is a beautiful, well marked trail loop. 

SHIRTS:
Since this is a leftover race, we will have shirts from many earlier races, divided by size.  When you get your packet and race bib, you will be able to pick and choose whatever year and size you want.
 
1-MILE KIDS RACE:
This is a kids race, however some parents might run with their kids which is OK, however please note that the parents don't get a shirt or finisher medals.  All kids, however, DO get a finisher medal and a t-shirt, which will be a kids medium or large t-shirt.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST:
Everyone is welcome to participate in the breakfast including family and spectators.  Gluten-free options are available, so come hungry and enjoy!

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We are back for our 32nd Annual Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic!  We missed you in 2020, so sorry about that!

This is year will be at beautiful Sand Key Park where we will have our first "Leftover Race" where you get to choose from previous year's shirts and finisher medals, as well as enjoying delicious pancakes!!  We have many older versions of shirts and medals that we would like to provide instead of new ones.

New custom bibs and age-group medals will be given out and we'll have a post-race expo with food, music and good times.

And don't worry, in 2022 we plan to have everything back to "normal" if at all possible!

Chip timed 5K and 10K races will circle the park.

1 mile kids race for only $10!

Lots and lots of free raffle giveaways!

Everyone knows someone who has had their lives affected or even devastated because of drugs or alcohol abuse. More specifically, due to the use of illegal drugs or the abuse or misuse of prescription drugs.  The mission of the Say No To Drugs is to raise awareness and education about this to as many people as possible, while offering an alternative which is to go for a run, get in shape, run a race and connect with positive, like-minded people.  

Many times the reason people resort to drugs is because of an emotional problem, upset or situation in their life. As runners and athletes, we know that going for a run, being active and eating healthy can be very beneficial and are a much better solution than drugs. So let's spread that message, while educating people about the true, harmful effects that drugs can have on a person's life.

Financial support for the race comes only from local businesses as well as from race entry fees.  After race expenses are paid, available proceeds go to local charities and children’s organizations.  No monies related to the Say No To Drugs race go to or from political or religious organizations.

Charitable donations are given annually to organizations such as the Boy Scouts (Council & Troops), Girl Scouts (Council & Troops), Challenged Athletes Foundation, Police Athletic League and others.  Our hope is that with the help of our financial contribution, that these groups and others, can help further their goals to help as many people as they can.

History: 32 years ago, this race was started by local resident and elite runner Sandra Johnson. She wanted to follow along with Nancy Reagan’s slogan of “Just Say No”. A few years later, some local Clearwater residents (all non-paid volunteers) took over the organizing of the 501(c)3 charity race and continues to this day with the help of hundreds of volunteers and wonderful people