The Melbourne Arts Festival puts on the city’s premier running event, the Flamingo Run. 2005 marks its 8th year.
Rain or Shine, the 5K Flamingo Run will be held Saturday, April 23rd at 8 am and will usher in the 21st annual Melbourne Art Festival as the first event of the weekend. Between 1200 and 1500 runners are expected to gather at Holmes Park to take their mark and set off for the 18th annual run.
The USAT&F certified course starts at Holmes Park and runs down Melbourne Avenue, along scenic Crane Creek, then over the Melbourne Causeway and back for a stunning view of the Indian River, finishing at Holmes Park where the post run festivities will be held.
Sponsored by Osler Medical , the 5K Flamingo Run, which is the largest and best executed race in Brevard County, features computer-chip timing, a challenging run over the Melbourne Causeway (twice!) and after the race, runners can enjoy a huge spread of mouth-watering treats including an array of fresh fruits, breads and juices, and a spectacular post race celebration that is unequalled on the race circuit. This year’s run has been selected as one of the Space Coast Runner of the Year series events. Included in the festivities, is a DJ spinning everyone’s favorite tunes, and therapeutic massage services provided courtesy of Space Coast Massage Therapy.
Chris Edwards, a volunteer who worked as a photographer there last year relates, “There is a camaraderie among runners, the end of the race is party like, with food; bagels, muffins, fruit, drink; coffee, water, juice, music, and awards for those that won. All over is a sense of accomplishment from the finishers, to those who didn’t win, right down to the stragglers. Last year we had 1200 runners.
“The view of the runners going up and down the causeway is impressive as a sea of colors. This is the largest race in Brevard County and if you are in the running circuit, this is one that you don’t miss.” finishes Chris
The Flamingo Run is a 5k run/walk from downtown Melbourne across the Melbourne causeway. It is a race, but don’t let that stop you from joining in the fun.
Registration and Check-in
Advance registration recommended to guarantee your T-shirt(s). Register on-line or complete application and mail to Melbourne Art Festival by Saturday, April 16th, 2005. Day of race registration & check-in for packet pick-up 6:30am. to 7:45am at Holmes Park at intersection of Melbourne Avenue and Melbourne Court.
We need help in all aspects of the event. It is never to late, to volunteer!
The Melbourne Art Festival will be held April 23 & 24 in historic downtown Melbourne. Along with the fine art show, the festival includes live entertainment, a Flamingo Fling Parade and a host of other festivities. For more information about the 2005 event, please contact the office at (321) 722-1964 or visit www.melbournearts.org