Huge Crowd Ran the 22nd Annual Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic Race Despite Rain

Clearwater, FL, December 30, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The 22nd Annual Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic Race (http://www.saynotodrugs.com) starting horn rang out to over 1700 registered runners who ran the race that started at 8:00 A.M., Saturday, December 19th, 2010 in downtown Clearwater, FL. Rain failed to dampen spirits for participants as Sally Gatza sang a beautiful rendition of Star Spangled Banner to kick off the event. Then runners young and old started off on the chip-timed, USATF Certified 5K & 10K races.

Winners of the First Place award for the Men’s Age Group 10K was Ryan Ripley of Tampa, FL and the Women’s Age Group 10K was Sara Patrick of Apollo Beach, FL. Winners of the First place for the Men’s Age Group 5K was William Ruggero of Las Vegas, NV and the Women’s Age Group 5K was Christa Stephens of St. Petersburg, FL. Full race results of the Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic Race can be seen at http://coolrunning.com/results/10/fl/Dec18_22ndAn_set1.shtml and race photos can be viewed at http://braddva.fotki.com/stuff/otc/sntdr10/.

After the race, all runners and families enjoyed a cooked-from-scratch pancake breakfast under the big-tent, with fresh ground spelt flour and all of the fixin's, put on by race volunteers led by Kitty Magness. Bananas and oranges were provided by Amy's Fresh Delivery at Amy’sFresh.com and VEGA Sport Protein recovery drinks were provided by Vega at MyVega.com.

During the breakfast, runners were able to get information and free Truth About Drugs DVDs from the Youth For A Drug Free Florida booth, browse and purchase running shoes from the American Running Company booth, get sunglasses from Boston Bill Sunglasses Booth, and browse the FitNiche running trailer.

Under the massage tent and health tent, Massage Therapists Maudi Taufer and Ellen were giving rub-downs, Dr. Jere Jarrett from Family Life Chiropractic was giving chiropractic adjustments, and Sue Morgan was there from LifeWorks Wellness Center. Claire from Tri-3-Bar was also there giving out free goodies.

For those who won in their age group, but were unable to stay to receive their award, they may pick up it up from Bayshore Trophies & Awards 727-669-7873 from December 23rd through January 30th.

”We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to: the Clearwater Police Department - Lt. Slaughter and his team for keeping the course safe! The City of Clearwater for providing the wonderful Coachman Park venue. The Florida Race Management and timing crew, Apex Holiday Tents, The Foundation for a Drug Free World, over 150 volunteers and the many sponsors,” said Chris Alexander and Sue Minkoff, Say No To Drugs Race Co-Directors.

Sponsors include WQYK 99.5FM, Crystal Springs Water, Gatorade, PowerBar, FitNiche, USATF, Active.com, SweetWheat, Einstein Bros Bagels, Chainwheel Drive, Sweet Tomatoes, Outspokin Bike Shop, and Dr. Michael D’Alesio.

All proceeds from the Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic benefit the local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the Youth Triathlon Series, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and Youth for a Drug-Free Florida, as well as many other deserving organizations.

Say No to Drugs Holiday Classic Race (http://www.saynotodrugs.com), started 21 years ago by Sandra Johnson, a member of the Dianetics Athletics Association of the Church of Scientology. The idea was to promote an anti-drug message by raising awareness through a road race. Top runners in prior years have included six-time World Ironman Triathlon Champion Mark Allen, Canadian Olympian Peter Maher, American Olympian Ronnie Holassie, Swiss Olympian Dan Otz as well as local Clearwater stars Mary Level-Menton and Judy Mercon-Maguire. For more information visit the website or contact: Chris Alexander 727 434-3409.

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