St Pete Beach Classic 10K & 5K 4th Annual Marathon & Starlight Tower

The 4th Annual 2007 St Pete Beach Classic 10K and 5K Marathon plus 1 Mile Fun Run and Kid's Dash took place on January 13, 2007 with start and finish line of the races Trade Winds Sandpiper Hotel and Suits who was a major sponsor of the event.

The Start/Finish line at Trade Winds Sandpiper

The festivities started on January 12 with a free health and fitness expo from noon to 6 p.m. that was followed by a bonfire and beach party that started at 7 p.m. behind the Trade Winds Sandpiper.

The health expo was repeated again the day of the races from 6 to 11 a.m. The event showcased our city's beautiful beach, extended awareness of healthy living, attracted many competitive runners from many states and had lots of local sponsors.

Registration Fees:

$25 for the 5K run, 5K walk and 10K run

$10 for the 1-mile fun run

$8 for the children's race.

Staring Times

8 a.m. The 5K competitive run and the 5K fitness walk

8:15. The 10K competitive run

9:30. The Children's races

9:45. The 1 Mile Fun Run

2007 10K Results

Male overall winner:

Judson Cake from Blowing Rock, North Carolina with time 32:30.96
Female overall winner:

Sonja Friend-Uhl from West Palm Beach, Florida with time 35:20.91

2007 5K Results

Male overall winner:

Chris Hough from Tampa, Florida with time 16:57.24
Female overall winner:

Alexandra Crabb from St Petersburg, Florida with time 18:40.74

2007 Race Map 4th Annual Marathon St Pete Beach Classic 10K and 5K

Clicking the map above you will see a much larger version with complete details of the races route and notice that the Marathon passed in front of Starlight Tower twice that day: 

Once, while going to Treasure Island via Gulf Boulevard (see picture of Starlight Tower above as seen from Gulf Boulevard), 

and then returning from Treasure Island, via Sunset Way and Beach Plaza right in front of our parking lot (see picture above) and turning on 67th Street to meat Gulf Boulevard again until the finish line on Trade Winds Sandpiper.

The three pictures that follow below have captured the efforts of two runners as they are dashing to the finish line at the 2007 4th Annual Marathon St Pete Beach Classic 10K and 5K.

See runners on the upper corner in this picture

The same runners approaching the finish line

The same runners ready to cross the finish line.

It was a thrilling experience for me that day to be present at such a special event that took place in our neighborhood. I was proud beyond description even in my capacity as a spectator so there is no need to use a lot of imagination to understand how all runners must have felt, while giving it all they had and the final satisfaction of achievement as they crossed the finish line. Bravo to them, our town, the volunteers and the sponsors and looking forward to cheer them again next year.