Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
The races will begin and end at the boat ramp near Walsingham Park's north exit on April 28.
By JULIANNE WU
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 13, 2001
SEMINOLE -- The annual Seminole Stampede -- a major fundraiser for the Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce -- will add a 10-kilometer event to its already popular 5-kilometer race and 1-mile fun run.
The Eighth Annual Seminole Stampede, "A Run In The Park," will be April 28 through Walsingham Park and around its 90-acre lake. Walsingham Park is located on 102nd Avenue between 125th and 131st streets N in Seminole.
"We wanted to do a 10K event last year," said the Rev. John Denmark, Stampede chairman for the second year and pastor of Seminole United Methodist Church. "But construction projects around Walsingham Park made it difficult. We have wanted to get involved in serious running for a long time."
Although the Stampede has always been billed as a family and community event, Denmark said, "We would like to see it become a regional event. We have had some serious runners participate from the region, and they have asked us many times to do a 10K. Now, we have arrived."
Races will begin and end at the boat ramp near Walsingham Park's north exit. On race day, late registration will take place at 7:30 a.m., followed by the fun run/walk at 8 a.m. Both the 10K and 5K events will begin at 8:15 a.m.
T-shirts will be available at the registration area before and after the races. Participants will need to present the stub from their race numbers to get their shirts. Those who sign up on race day may have to wait an additional week for their shirts.
The Stampede also will include warm-up aerobics and food and refreshments near the start/finish line.
The first two Stampedes were held in conjunction with other events in Seminole. In 1994, it coincided with the dedication and opening of the new Lake Seminole Bridge along 102nd Avenue, near Seminole Boulevard. More than 1,500 people took part.
In 1995, the second Stampede accompanied the dedication and opening of the new 350-acre Walsingham Park. It attracted about 750 people.
Although the community ran out of events or sites to dedicate, the Stampedes proved to be so popular they have been continued as Chamber fundraisers.
Limited parking will be available the day of the races until 7:30 a.m. at the park. Participants can also park at Heritage Village or the Gulf Coast Museum of Art, part of the Pinewood Cultural Park on Walsingham, between 125th and 119th streets N.
Trophies will be awarded to the top three men and women in 10 age categories in the 5K and 10K races. Trophies will also be given for first through third place for men and women in the fun run. Winner ribbons will be given to all registered entrants as they cross the finish line.
Major patrons of the Stampede this year include Beef O'Brady's of Seminole, Freedom Square retirement complex and the Seminole Chamber of Commerce. Additional sponsors and volunteers are being sought.
The Stampede goes on rain or shine. Planners expect between 500 and 1,000 participants. For information, call the chamber, 392-3245.
Registration for the 8th Annual Seminole Stampede must arrive by April 18. Send entry forms with a self-addressed envelope to the Greater Seminole Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 3337, Seminole, FL 33775-3337. Or register in person at the chamber office, 8400 113th St. N, Seminole, Allen Sports Center, 6585 Seminole Blvd. or the YMCA of Bardmoor, 8787 Bryan Dairy Road, Largo. Fees: 10K or 5K event $12 preregistration, or $15 on race day. One-mile fun run, $8 preregistration, or $10 on race day. For information, call chamber office, 392-3245.