[stuckinparadise]

I'm sure this topic has been on TOTV before but I've done several searches and haven't read anything about a runners club in the Villages. I love to run and was hoping to find others who also like to compete in races. Does TV sponsor any running events? Thanks to any comments in advance.

[graciegirl]

There is a 5K run on campus for some good cause because we have a friend who is 76 and he always competes. Draws quite a crowd. But I can't remember the details.

[stuckinparadise]

Thanks GG, I'll check into it. When part of your entry fee goes to a good cause, it makes the running more enjoyable.

[sgiamp1]

Here are a few 5K races that you can look forward to running:

Polo grounds: This year is was Oct. 6th
Sumter Landing: I believe it's the second week in January
Polo grounds: Was in April this year.

I've run the polo field a couple of times so I can give you an idea of what to expect: There is a service road that circles the 2 adjacent polo fields and it's probably not a coincidence that it's almost exactly 1 mile. So, we run 3 laps and then finish next to the grandstands. No traffic, no hills and a little shade so you should enjoy it. Oh, if you like a little competition, The Villages Charter School cross country team took part this year so you can focus your training on beating them.(The Villages Cheerleaders will be there to give you a little encouragement)

Haven't run the Sumter Landing race but I'm sure that it's 1st class like everything else the Recreation Dept. does.

That's about it - see you at the starting line

[stuckinparadise]

Thanks for the information. I'll try to attend the race in January because we will be there that weekend to check on our house. We will be "frogs" next July so I plan to run as many races as possible. I've done the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon and loved it! My husband and I also participated in the Disney Expedition Everest Challenge and had a blast! I too look forward to meeting you and other TV runners very soon.

[goodgrief]

Expedition Everest was my very first 5k run too!! What a hoot that was. And I did WAY better than I thought I would. If it wasnt for the trivia my time would have rocked! A friend of mine came in 7th last year on that one. She's a marathon runner type and boy she took off like a shot and road the rollercoaster a few times before I got to the end LOL. I need to get back into running. Especially now the weather is cooling down. May try to find out abou the lake sumter run.

[cathyw]

Here's a good website that lists races in Florida(including the Villages 5k's)
You can sort by month,length of race, city, etc

Upcoming Florida Races

[stuckinparadise]

Thanks Cathy, great website!

[Tornado Topliss]

The Villages has a strong track and field club with athletes competing in events from 50m to Marathons. All standards from ex Olympians to beginners.
We meet at the High School track on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays from 7.30am to 9.30am(runners and jumpers). Throwers practise at the Polo Fields.

Contact details are in the weeklly Daily Sun Recreation News.
We are actively involved in coaching and generally helping out The High School Track and Field Team and the Cross Country team. Today we are over the Polo Fields as the High School is hosting a very large cross country meeting.

Come to the High School track when you are next down.