Wednesday's Main Event: Race Expo Without the Race

The Dunedin Blue Jays bring all the race-day excitement of a fitness expo without the grueling early-morning wakeup and race to the stadium on Wednesday night.

Nearly 20 vendors from local running and cycling shops, health food stores, and yoga and massage studios will be selling products and giving samples in an expo-type feel, explained Morgan Bell, community relations and game day promotions coordinator with the D-Jays.

Crossing the Finish Line with the Dunedin Blue Jays Running and Cycling Expo is “basically a social event for runners and bikers to come out,” she said. “I’m passionate about running and biking.”

There will be Armstrong Rum Punch for adults and Prefontaine Juice for the kids. Prize baskets from participating vendors will be raffled every inning.

Proceeds go to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, she said, because “They are big supporters of races.”

And there shouldn’t be any excuses for the fitness enthusiasts to stay home.

“We’ve got the right next to our stadium,” Bell said.

Some of the local vendors and participants include:

• TriKidsRock, an organization that promotes family bonding through exercise.
• My Race Ragz, custom running apparel
• Chainwheel Drive Bicycles, a Clearwater bike shop
• Mix1, protien shakes vendor
• Palm Harbor Running
• JuicePlus
• Multiple chiropractors

The Dunedin Blue Jays play game No. 2 of a three-game series against the Lakeland Flying Tigers starting at 7 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. Wednesday's stadium special is $1 hot dogs.