Discover Manatee in Motion Introducing the RUN Manatee 5K Series

MANATEE COUNTY, FL (December 30, 2024) – Lace up your running shoes and get ready to explore Manatee County in a whole new way! The RUN Manatee 5K Series is a family-friendly series of running events designed to combine fitness, community fun, and the unique charm of Manatee County’s diverse locations. With a focus on wellness, family activities, and the spirit of discovery, each race offers an engaging experience complete with a dynamic warm-up, chip-timed race, yoga cool-down, and local wellness vendors.
Three races. One Community. The series will highlight the unique features of each race location:

• April 12th – Tom Bennett Park (400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton):
  The 5K run/walk presented by Run With Purpose Nutrition includes a scenic route around ponds and along mixed terrain such as grass, crushed shell and asphalt. Warm up will be provided by Nick Nolting Training and yoga cooldown is by Kayla McCarthy-Asha of Akasha Yoga Room.
  

• July 12th – Coquina Beach (1495 Gulf Dr. S., Bradenton Beach):
  The 5K run/walk presented by Run With Purpose Nutrition includes a scenic route along Coquina Beach asphalt trail under the trees with a gulf breeze. Warm up will be provided by Ray Gardner of Prosper Bradenton and yoga cooldown provided by Rachael Croll of Salty Buddha at dusk.
  

• November 22nd – Rye Preserve (905 Rye Wilderness Trl., Parrish):
  The 5K run/walk presented by Run with Purpose Nutrition will allow runners to explore this beautiful slice of old Florida on mixed terrain. The preserve's trail system leads visitors through four distinctive ecosystems, including sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, oak hammocks and the river community. Look closely for a glimpse of the variety of interesting creatures that can be seen in these areas including the rare gopher tortoise and Florida scrub-jay. Warm-up will be provided by Graham Anderson of Anchor Fitness & Performance, and yoga cooldown by Operation Warrior Resolution.

Each race is more than just a run—it’s a celebration of family, fitness, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, the RUN Manatee 5K Series is the perfect opportunity to stay active and have fun while exploring the county. This event series is also supporting local non-profits that enable children of all abilities to get outdoors and live an active lifestyle! 10% of registration fees will be donated to Bradenton Kiwanis, whose members worked to bring the first-of-its-kind-in-the-county ADA-accessible playground to Tom Bennett Park, with additional 10% going to Chastenation that gives children with varying abilities the chance to go fishing and to the Foundation for Dreams which operates Dream Oaks Camp within Rye Preserve.

Early Bird Registration is NOW open! Register Now for One or All Three Races:

• Tom Bennett Park: runsignup.com/runmanateetombennettpark

• Coquina Beach: runsignup.com/runmanateecoquinabeach

• Rye Preserve: runsignup.com/runmanateeryepreserve

Sign up for all three races for just $75 (valid through April 11th).

For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.