Jacksonville, FL- Brought back by popular demand, the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation is proud to announce the Jaguars 5K Stadium Challenge is returning August 15, in support of the Foundation’s youth sports and fitness programs in northeast Florida.
Held under the lights on Saturday evening, the unique course is entirely within and around EverBank Field and the Florida Blue practice fields. Typically, a 5K in Jacksonville is run on a fairly flat surface; however, in this 5K, runners will begin the race by weaving in and out of the practice fields, running up four different ramps to the top of the stadium, and back down and around EverBank Field. Participants will get a chance to run under the stadium lights while taking a scenic route with views of the St Johns River and downtown Jacksonville, and close the race by making their way on and around the playing field while being shown on the world’s largest video boards on the way to the finish line.
“This is a course designed not only to challenge you but is especially fun and fit for all ages and level of runners,” said Doug Alred, owner of 1st Place Sports. “It showcases the stadium in a way no other race can do. With the race in the evening under the lights and with the new video boards, it is sure to be an incredible experience for all.”
Alred, who designed the route, was instrumental in the inaugural stadium 5K three years ago, which at the time was held to help save high school sports in Duval County public schools, specifically cross country. After a lapse last year, area runners were asking when the unique race would be run again.
The Jaguars Foundation, in partnership with 1st Place Sports and SMG, answered the call. In addition to the 5K, there will be a One Mile Fun Run, which will also showcase the stadium. All proceeds will go directly to the Jaguars Foundation’s youth sports and fitness programs in northeast Florida as part of the Jaguars PLAY 60 initiative.
“We believe our youth represent our community’s future, and this race in particular promotes the importance of health and wellness in our youth,” said Peter Racine, President of the Jaguars Foundation. “Through the Play 60 programs, youth are provided the resources and support needed to become strong, healthy and confident individuals.”
All 5K participants will receive an official Jaguars 5K Stadium Challenge technical shirt and a custom designed finisher medal. One Mile Fun Run participants will receive a Fun Run medal and t-shirt. Guests are welcome to cheer on friends and family members. Throughout the course of the event there will be live entertainment, activities for the entire family and a variety of different food/beverage vendors.
Jaguars 5K Stadium Challenge details
When: Saturday, August 15, 2015 beginning at 5:30 pm. Participants can choose from different heats.
Where: Each run will begin and end outside of the South End Zone of EverBank Field. Parking will be located in Lot J.
To Register: Go online at www.1stplacesports.com, or stop in any 1st Place Sports store. Packets will be available for pickup starting on Thursday, August 13, Friday, August 14 and at the race site on Saturday starting at 4 pm.
Event Schedule
1 Mile Fun Run start: 5:30 pm
5K Waves:
5:45 pm First Wave start: Walker Wave
6:15 pm Second Wave start: Just for Fun
6:30 pm Third Wave start: Just for Fun
6:45 pm Fourth Wave start: Women’s competitive division
7:00 pm Fifth Wave Start: Men’s competitive division
Entry fees:
5K- Adults
Early Bird Special: $30, offer expires June 15
June 16 – July 31: $35
August 1 - August 14: $40
Day of Race: $45
5K- Youth and Seniors (18 and Under, 65 )
Early Bird Special: $20, offer expires June 15
June 16 – July 31: $25
August 1 - August 14: $30
Day of Race: $35
1 Mile Fun Run (13 and Under) $15
