You can be sure that Wendy Johnson will be smiling when the first participants in the 2014 Walgreens St Pete Beach Classic (WSPBC) cross the finish line during the January 17-19 events.
The 10th anniversary event is being held four years after the tragic passing of Wendy, who with husband Al were the heart and soul of the annual event. The weekend race program hopes to top the prior 2011 record of almost 1,900 participants. “We’re going in the right direction,” Johnson told Paradise News. His Motion Sports Management firm operates the event, with the strong support of Walgreens, the City, the host Sirata Beach Resort and about 400 dedicated resident volunteers and numerous local sponsors.
Established in 2004, the Classic began as a one-day event featuring 5K and 10K races plus Kids’ Dashes. Fast forward to 2014, the 10th running, and you will find a weekend filled with races and activities for runners and walkers of all ages.
The WSPBC welcomes both runners and walkers, and offers a race for every level of participant: 5K, 10K, Beach Fun Run, Half Marathon, Duo Competition (combined 5K and 10K times), Individual Marathon Challenge and Team Marathon Challenge (combined times in all four events), and Kids’ Dashes (see accompanying Classic schedule). The competitive, scenic race courses guide participants through the streets of beautiful St. Pete Beach, the Sunset Capital of Florida. They are certified, flat and fast!
A two-day free Health and Fitness Expo is open to the public and participants, 11 am to 7 pm Friday, and 10:30 am to 5 pm Saturday. Everyone can also enjoy a beach bonfire and live concert on Saturday evening free of charge. All activities, including the start and finish lines for all races, are located at the Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center, 5300 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach.
Proceeds from the event will benefit charities as designated by the Board of SPB Classic LLC, a 501(c)(3) and owner of the event. Johnson explains, “Our registration system allows participants to donate funds to three of Walgreens’ partner charities: American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and American Diabetes Association.”
Brief Classic History
Recalling the event’s history, Al noted, “The race was initiated in February 2004 by Wendy and managed by her and our Motion Sports Management firm, which she started in the fall of 2002. Wendy created a 501(c)3 corporation, Beach Charities Inc. (BCI), which owned the event as well as others. We also created Tampa Bay Youth Running to promote healthy lifestyles and fight obesity among young people. The SPB Classic continued under the ownership of BCI until the 2010 event was cancelled because of Wendy’s medical condition.
“In an effort to continue the event, the City took the financial lead and the event was restructured for 2011 as a partnership between the City, MSM and the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. Financial management under the City’s ownership allowed the event to continue, utilizing the intellectual capital of MSM and the 400-plus volunteers who have been involved with us in the event since its inception. In coordination with the City, the TBB Chamber partnered with us to provide marketing, sponsorship and volunteer assistance.
“Our Race Committee has more than 30 volunteers who have the same love for the event and commitment to the sport and MSM that Wendy and I shared.” The 2014 Race Committee includes Carol Smith, Susan Rea, Diane Sector, Vicki Franklin, Scott Seubert, Deb Bechtel, Royston Dillon, Pearl Murphy, Paul Pfister, Joann Pfister, Patrick Ruta, Michael Lehman, Kathy Mick, Bud Cherry, JoAnne Meladayo, Joann Mercer, Jerry Zibrida, Helen Maxson, Glen Hunt, Darren Farris, Danny Walker, Deborah Martohue and Bev Jackson. Several committee members have not been able to make the meetings, but work with Al individually when their schedule permits. They have a piece of the event that they organize and make a huge effort race week/weekend.
Walgreens is the event Title Sponsor and the Sirata has been the host hotel since 2007, with Fit2Run the event’s “Training Partner.” Other Expo exhibitors include Mango Bay Trading Co., Premier Vein Institute, Performance Massage, Golden Sports Chiropractic, Palms of Pasadena Hospital, Zoom Athlete, Fit Life Foods, Ocean Potion and St. Pete Road Runners.
“We’re very excited about the 2014 Race Week events,” Al concluded, “and invite all Tampa Bay residents and visitors to join us for the festivities and raise money for some worthwhile charities.”
Story by Steve Traiman
[Steve Traiman is President of Creative Copy by Steve Traiman in St. Pete Beach, offering freelance business writing services. He can be reached via email at straiman@mindspring.com.]