'Best Damn Race' Coming To Safety Harbor This Weekend

The Best Damn Race, a multi-faceted event featuring three separate races, a runners expo and an after party, is coming to Safety Harbor this weekend. 

The event kicks off Friday afternoon with a health and fitness expo. The 5K, 10K and a half marathon will take place Saturday morning, followed by a post-race party at the marina.

Event organizer Nick Zivolich, who owns a marketing firm in town and is a veteran runner himself, said he wanted to produce an event that is “for runners, by runners” while simultaneously helping promote his town. 

“We have the opportunity to bring thousands of people to town from all over the Tampa Bay area," he said. "So this can only help local businesses and the economy.” 

The race itself is unique in the fact that entrants were able to register to run for as little as $1.00.  

The idea was such a success that the website’s server crashed on the first day, when 900 applicants registered. Zivolich says there are currently 2,700 applicants who have registered to participate.

“For a first-year event, normally you’d expect to see anywhere from 200-500 applicants,” Zivolich said. “But the response to this race is nothing like we’ve ever seen before.” 

He believes the response has been so great because of two reasons: the price, and the billing. 

“I attribute the attendance to the fee structure, which created excitement with runners throughout the Tampa Bay area. And the name of the race helps.” 

The entrance fees are now set at $35 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K and $80 for the half marathon. Applicants can still register for any of the three races online or at the event itself up until race day.

In addition to medals and tee shirts, runners will also receive swag bags and be treated to a post-race party featuring free food, beer and massages.

Runners can pick up their registration packets beginning Friday afternoon. There will be a health and fitness expo at the marina, where exhibitors will give free samples and showcase the latest in running and fitness gear.

Zivolich hopes the event is successful so he can host the race in town again next year.

“We’re not saying we’re going to be the best race ever. But we’re doing our best to make this event the best experience it can possibly be.”

For more information, visit the event website at bestdamnrace.com.

Note: City officials say the marina and surrounding streets will be closed before, during and after the events on Friday and Saturday. Leisure services director Andrea Norwood says the Marina will close on Friday morning until about noon and then close again on Saturday morning. Once the race is completed on Saturday and the organizers have cleaned up, the Marina will reopen at about 3:00 p.m. 

UPDATE: According to the course maps on the race website, road closures will include most of Bayshore Boulevard, from Philippe Park to the Ream Wilson Trail. Other closures include San Pedro Street, parts of Harbor Hill Parkway, 7th Street and 10th Street. Roads will reopen shortly after the race ends at noon.