Runners Gear Up for 5th Annual Brandon Half-Marathon, 5K

A fast, flat course awaits runners for the Fifth Annual USAmeribank Brandon Half-Marathon and 5K scheduled to start Dec. 4 at the Sports Authority at Lumsden and Providence roads.

Organized by the Brandon Running Association, the race is held the first weekend in December and typically draws hundreds of runners.

The race course starts and finishes in front of Sports Authority, just off Gornto Road and Causeway Boulevard, and follows a course largely along the boulevard and South Falkenburg Road.

RACE DETAILS FOR LATE ENTRANTS:

• Start time for the half-marathon is 7 a.m.; the 5K race kicks off at 7:30 a.m.

• The cost for the half-marathon for runners who show up on race day is $45.

• The 5K fee on race day is $35.

• Awards are slated for best Overall Male, Overall Female, Overall Masters Male,  Overall Master Female. Also, top-three finishers in standard age groups.

• Half-marathon runners will receive half-marathon medallions.

• Race packets will be available on race day at 6 a.m.

• Advertised amenities include long-sleeved T-shirts, a “mammoth post-race party with several local restaurants” and “fresh fruit, soft drinks, beer, great tasting foods, grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken.”