Hey ya’ll. Happy Friday! If you’re reading from the East coast… burrrrr. It’s cold. Even for us Floridians, it’s nippy. The low last night was in the 20’s here. <— that’s seriously cold for us. I even had to run my heater this week. I think it warms up into the 70’s by this weekend, so I guess I can suck it up for a few days. And since I have another race this weekend, I’m thrilled for the cooler temps. Before we know it, we will be forced to running before the sun comes up to escape the heat, so I really should keep my mouth shut about the cold. Anyways, today for the #FridayFive, we are talking about races to run in 2015. I’m super excited for a few in particular this year. So they’ll be the races that I’ll be listing below.
Don’t forget to link up with our Friday Five hosts: Courtney, Cynthia and Mar. 
- Best Damn Race – I know I’m an ambassador, but I truly think the racing experience is one of the best you’ll experience. If you like smaller races, with flat and fast courses, amazing on course support, fun finisher parties with free food and drinks, then this is definitely not a race for you to miss. Also, my discount code is still good to save $5 off registration.. HALEYD
- Athleta Iron Girl – The Bridges, the beach, the medal and the finisher party. It’s an all around fabulous day.
- Sarasota Half Marathon – Another gorgeous course over a big bridge with a beautiful view of the coastline. Add a huge finisher medal, and you’ve got a seriously awesome event. That could be why it’s sold out again.
- Richard’s Run for Life 5k – I’m not a big advocate of 5k’s, but this one really got me hooked big time. This nighttime race course takes participants through historic Ybor city and ends in the square with some of the most delicious food and drinks compliments of The Columbia restaurant (Florida’s oldest restaurant). This race doesn’t take place until November, so mark your calendars now!
- NYC Marathon – Okay, okay, this is a no brainer. Thousands of runners each year toe the start line at this race, but I’m super duper excited for this year’s event because it will be my first time. (happy dance) Any advice?
What’s a great race that you think shouldn’t be overlooked?
Have you ever ran any of these races on my list?
Haley
Hey there! Thanks for stopping by my little space on the web. I'm Haley. I’m a digital marketer & social media strategist, a running coach, compulsive movie quoter, wannabe photographer, Capricorn, and a slightly sarcastic, ultra chatty extrovert living in Tampa with my awesome family. I love spending my time helping folks find their best self through fitness, health and wellness. I strive to help you live your best life, and enjoy the journey. Sometimes I write. It’s rarely worth reading, but I like to put it out there anyways.
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oh! i’ve eaten at the columbia — a couple of years ago my former job had our annual conference in tampa and we had an awesome staff dinner there. so great! a race through that area would be awesome 🙂
Yes, I love a good post race food spread. The Columbia has a salad called “The 1905” with an unbelievable dressing that I just crave sometimes. They were serving it this year and I went back for thirds! he he….
So excited for you and NYC!! Even a little jealous!! Can’t wait to follow your training journey!
Thanks Sue. I’m super excited and nervous. Those bridges will be tough for this FL girl.
Everytime I read about NY on your blog I do a little happy dance 🙂 Next January I will be going to Miami again for the half.
Awe thanks Jenny. I’ve always wanted to do the Miami one. I have friends that do it every year. Maybe 2016 will be the year.
I love the Best Damn Race series! I was so sad to have missed Safety Harbor this year and then Orlando is the weekend after Princess and I just couldn’t swing it 🙁 I love that they are adding on more locations and I am excited to see where they go next! The Richards Run for Life 5K sounds like fun and complimentary food from the Columbia – yum!
Ahhh…. sad you missed BDR. It was a great time this year, as always. check out Richards Run in Ybor. It’s a great time!
My Aunt & Uncle live in Sarasota…I think I’ll add that one to my bucket list! The New York Marathon is already on my bucket list!! Have fun & good luck!
Thank you Amy.
NYC is definitely on my bucket list! How exciting that you’ll be running it!! And, I am freezing up here on the East coast, perhaps next year I’ll have to plan some winter races down in Florida!!
woohoo! excited to see you through your training of NYC!
Fun!
I’m about to run BDR in two weeks, and I am so excited! I’ve heard such great things!
We have a Columbia Restaurant up here. We went for the first time a couple of weeks ago and it was delicious. I need to go back.
I have swung back and forth between little local races and huge Disney-esque races. Space Coast is one of my favorites. I was hoping to check out Daytona this year, but it was canceled due to construction on the track, or something like that.
Oh yay!!!! BDR Orlando is such a great course too. I think it’s my favorite one. Although I’m not a big fan of running on the cobblestone streets.
The Columbia is such a great place. I’m glad to see them expand.
I’m so excited for you that you’re running NYC! Can’t wait to follow along in your training and then on race day!
Congrats on getting to do the NYC Marathon this year! That should be an amazing experience! I can’t wait to see pictures!
NY Marathon was always on my list of marathons to run, but I never got around to running it. Hope you have a great time!