CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT: Aug. 22, 2013

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

RUNNERS TO EXPERIENCE REAL FLORIDA DURING SOUTHWEST FLORIDA RUN SERIES

~Runners can experience eight races in eight weeks in eight Southwest Florida state parks~

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Park Service is pleased to host the Real Florida Run Series in eight Southwest Florida state parks. The Real Florida Run Series provides residents and visitors an opportunity to exercise and enjoy Florida's natural beauty.

The series is sponsored in part by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's South District Office in conjunction with Southwest Florida Naturally, Fit 2 Run, Chico's FAS and Endurance Sports Timing this October and November.

Each race event features a themed 5K and 10K chipped race, open both runners and walkers.  Each park offers fantastic views and gorgeous trails for all levels of experience. The Real Florida Run Series is open to all ages with medals to be presented to the first three male and the first three female finishers at the end of each race and in each age category. Adventurers who run five or more of the total of eight races will receive a special award.

Participants are invited to enjoy the park before and after each race. Post race celebrations will include raffles, exclusive park tours, and an experience unique to each different park.  Spectators are welcome to enjoy the excitement of the races and the park activities.

Oct. 6 at 9 a.m.

The Bobcat Run

Lake Manatee State Park

20007 State Road 64

Bradenton

Oct. 13 at 6 p.m.

Sunset Celebration Run

Lovers Key State Park

8700 Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach

Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.

The Haunting of Fort Chokonikla Halloween Run for Your Life

Paynes Creek Historic State Park

888 Lake Branch Road

Bowling Green

Oct. 26 at 5 p.m.

Halloween Costume Run

Koreshan State Historic Site

3800 Corkscrew Road

Estero

Nov. 2 at 6 p.m.

The Fall for Fakahatchee Run

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

137 Coastline Drive

Copeland

Nov. 10 at 9 a.m.

The Charlotte Harbor Mud Run

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

12301 Burnt Store Road

Punta Gorda

Nov. 16 at 9 a.m.

Going Native Run

Little Manatee River State Park

215 Lightfoot Road

Wimauma

Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.

Nature Bound Run

Oscar Scherer State Park

1843 S. Tamiami Trail

Osprey

Register at http://endurancesportstiming.com/realfloridarunseries. Pre-Registration fees are $20 for 5K races and $30 for 10K races.  Participants who are 65 years or older, who are active duty military or veterans, or emergency responders should enter the promo code "discount" for a 20 percent discount. Family discounts are available for families of 4 or more with children under the age of 18. 

Please see registration website for more details. Please check back regularly for updates to race activities and additional discounts. For questions regarding the run series please contact Arielle Poulos at 239.344.5686 or Arielle.Poulos@dep.state.fl.us.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails

Florida’s 171 award-winning state park and trail properties have inspired residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that helps to strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With 161 parks, 10 state trails, nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the official Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and for an enhanced experience while visiting.  For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org

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