Runners Race to Pensacola This Winter

The Pensacola Bay Area Offers Runners Several Races on Breathtaking Courses

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. October 14, 2008

PENSACOLA, FL, November 29, 2007. From a qualifying marathon to the nation's largest prediction race, Pensacola, Florida offers runners a variety of races that are competitive, fun and scenic. This winter, runners of all ages and skill will flock to the Gulf Coast to enjoy mild temperatures and challenging courses along the waterfront.

o Pensacola Runners Association 5K, 10K and Half Marathon

This race takes runners on a beautiful scenic flat along paved roads between the glistening Gulf of Mexico and the serene Santa Rosa Sound. Details: Jan. 8, 2008, 9 a.m. start time, (registration 8 a.m.) Pensacola Beach, pensacolarunners.com, (850) 476-7434

o Double Bridge Run 15K/5K

This exhilarating race begins in Downtown Pensacola and continues over Pensacola Bay and the Santa Rosa Sound to the Gulf of Mexico for a post-race beach party. It's been named a top 20 event for February 2008 by the Southeastern Tourism Society. Details: Feb. 2, 2008, 7 a.m. start time, (registration by Feb. 1), Pensacola, www.doublebridgerun.com, (850) 434-2800

o Pensacola Marathon and Half Marathon

The 26.2-mile scenic USATF-certified course is one of the last Boston Marathon Qualifiers in the Southeast. The course begins and ends in Historic Downtown Pensacola and winds along Pensacola Bay and through neighborhoods crowned with oaks. Details: Feb. 16, 2008, 6 a.m., (registration by Feb. 15), Pensacola, pensacolamarathon.com, (850) 435-9222

o McGuires Irish Pub St Patty's Day 5K Prediction Run

The Gulf Coast's liveliest Irish Pub has been a landmark for 30 years. Runners start at the pub, go along Pensacola Bay and through the streets of historic downtown. This is not only Pensacola's largest run with more than 8,000 participants, it is the nation's largest prediction run. Awards go to the fastest as well as the most accurate in predicting the time it will take them to walk or run the 3.1-mile course. A post-race party features music by Rich McDuff, beer, Irish wakes, Irish coffee, soft drinks, water and Irish fare. Details: March 15, 2008, 9 a.m., (registration 6-8 a.m.), Pensacola, mcguiresrunners.com, (850) 433-6789

Where to Eat

Recent studies have shown the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are a natural inflammatory, good for the heart and the perfect remedy for a runner's aches and pains. The Pensacola Bay Area boasts award-winning restaurants that serve fresh-from-the-docks seafood and delicious entrees sure to give runners a boost. The area is also home to the largest natural foods co-op between New Orleans and Tallahassee offering wholesome, nutritious food.

o The Fish House offers a daily selection of fresh fish such as salmon, wahoo, grouper, cobia or tuna prepared a variety of ways from ginger and pecan crusted to grilled or blackened. Goodgrits.com

o Skopelos has been serving delectable seafood dishes for nearly 50 years. Choose from oysters, shrimp, Florida lobster and crab - all low in fat and high in protein. Myskopelos.com

o Ever'man Natural Foods is committed to serving whole foods, free-range and organic poultry and meats, organic eggs, and organic produce. Ever'man's features the only organic juice bar in town, including carrots, apples, celery, beets and cucumbers enhanced with ginger, garlic, ginseng and wheat grass. The Ever'man Deli serves hot entrees and a daily variety of cold salads such as pasta, grain, bean, veggie or tofu. Everman.org

For more information about the Pensacola Bay Area or to request a visitor guide, call the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 874-1234 or (850) 434-1234 or go online to www.VisitPensacola.com.