DeSoto Historical Society To Host Bradenton Area Half Marathon

BRADENTON, FL – The non-profit organization that puts on Manatee County’s biggest events is adding another to its roster this fall.

The Hernando de Soto Historical Society will host its first-ever Bradenton Area Half Marathon on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 a.m. at Bradenton City Hall, 101 12th St. W. This marks the first time Manatee County will play host to a half marathon.

The 13.1-mile chip-timed race will start in downtown Bradenton. The course winds through many of Manatee County’s iconic sites, including the Green Bridge, the Manatee River, historic Palmetto, Bradenton’s Riverview Boulevard and other parts of its downtown.

Also added to the mix will be interactive stops featuring cheerleaders, bands and mascots to motivate runners throughout the race.

The event will also feature the Conquistador 1-Mile Fun Run, which will start at 7:45 a.m. The course follows the Bradenton Riverwalk and also ends at the Farmer’s Market.

To celebrate the Bradenton Area Half Marathon, Bradenton’s Darwin Brewing Company will host members of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society and brew a custom craft beer for the race on Monday, Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. The brewery is located at 803 17th Ave. W. in Bradenton.

“We felt a new signature event for our area deserved a special touch, and we are thrilled that Darwin’s was able to give us this unique aspect,” said Stacey Romano, the race’s director.

Hernando de Soto Historical Society members Zeke Eckersen and Captain Bob Richardson will join members of the Darwin’s Brewing team to brew the custom beer to ensure it’s ready in time for the race.

“The DeSoto Society has produced the area’s signature community events for the last 77 years, and Darwin Brewing Company is honored to be included in that tradition. While our brews are evolved from the flavors of Latin America and Florida, the DeSoto organization honors the legacy of Spanish explorers. It’s a perfect paring,” said Matt Cornelius, the general manager of Darwin Brewing Company.

All finishers of both races will receive a medal that can be mounted on a plaque. The medal also functions as a bottle opener. Finishers of the half marathon also will receive a Tech Shirt and access to the Beer Garden for those 21 and older. Fun Run finishers also will receive a conquistador helmet.

Winners in 15 age categories and the overall category will receive an award for placing first, second or third.

Registration is currently $75 for the half marathon and $15 for the Conquistador 1-Mile Fun Run. Prices will rise to $90 and $20 on Monday, Oct. 12.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Conquistador Historical Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society. The foundation contributes to student scholarships and local charitable organizations.

Organizers are still seeking sponsors and entertainers for the event.

For more information on the Bradenton Area Half Marathon, visit http://bradentonhalfmarathon.com/. For more information on the Hernando de Soto Historical Society, visit http://www.desotohq.com/.

Image courtesy of the Hernando de Soto Historical Society