EndorFun Hopes To Go The Distance With St. Pete Run Fest

ST. PETERSBURG, FL – It’s been several years since downtown St. Petersburg has hosted a major running event. But local business EndorFun Sports is hoping to change that in a big way.

The St. Petersburg-based company that develops world-class running events will bring it home this year with the inaugural St. Pete Run Fest on Nov. 18-19. To kick off the countdown to the event, EndorFun will host a Finish Line Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, May 23 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at 3 Daughters Brewing, 222 22nd Street S.

Based in St. Petersburg, Endorfun Sports has been producing long-distance running races since 2001. Co-owner Ryan Jordan has been in St. Petersburg all that time, and was joined by his brother and co-owner, Keith Jordan, two years ago.

The last major long-distance running race in St. Petersburg was the Women’s Running Half Marathon in 2013, said Claire Jordan, the manager of EndorFun Sports and Keith’s wife. The 2014 Women’s Running Half Marathon was canceled after it was purchased by the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon Series.

“It is time that St. Pete has its own Half Marathon downtown, like other prominent cities,” she said. “There is a vibrant running community here, and they deserve a world-class race in their hometown.”

EndorFun Sports has developed and produced world-class events around the country, such as Ironman 70.3 Timberman (awarded “Best Large Triathlon in the U.S.” by USA Triathlon), Ironman 70.3 Austin, Big Lake Half-Marathon, and the Gritty Goddess Women’s 5K Obstacle/Mud Run. Their events have attracted more than 200,000 participants and earned Keith Jordan the honor “Race Director of the Year” by USA Triathlon New England.

The company's pedigree helped them earn the winning bid when the City of St. Petersburg put out a Request for Proposal for the St. Pete Run Fest. The two-day festival will feature the 3 Daughters Brewing St. Pete Half Marathon, the Sunshine City 5K, the PeliKids Youth Runs, and a Health & Fitness Market that will include live music, local craft beer and food, artisans and entertainers.

“This is our home, and we are excited to produce (the event) here,” Claire Jordan said.

While the Finish Line Cutting Ceremony is the official kickoff for the St. Pete Run Fest, runners have been registering for the event since January.

“We are working with local running groups to offer group runs between now and the event, and our website has a series of training tips for those who want to get their training underway now,” Claire Jordan said.

The celebration on May 23 will feature music by DJ Fresh, specially crafted St. Pete Fun Fest IPA from 3 Daughters Brewing and Taco Tuesday with The St. Pete Taco Lady starting at 4:30. The brewery will offer a tasting and brewery tour starting at 5:30 p.m.

The St. Pete Run Fest Introduction and Finish Line Cutting Ceremony begins at 6 p.m., with Mayor Rick Kriseman, Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin and Chamber of Commerce President Chris Steinocher. Tampa Bay Rays mascot Raymond will also make a guest appearance.

Following the formal announcements, the Running for Brews running club will host an evening group run starting at 3 Daughters Brewing.

“The group run is a fun, laid-back run for those who enjoy the social aspect of running with a group,” Claire Jordan said.

For more information about the St. Pete Run Fest or to register, visit www.stpeterunfest.org.

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