Mardi Gras in May 5K
benefiting Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County
Sunday May 21, 2023
Gadsden Park - Tampa
Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, refers to events of celebration. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating rich, fatty foods before the ritual Lenten sacrifices and fasting of the Lenten season. Mardi Gras, as a celebration of life, nearly always involves the use of masks and costumes by its participants. In New Orleans, for example, these often take the shape of fairies, animals, people from myths, or various Medieval costumes, as well as clowns and Indians. However, many costumes today are simply elaborate creations of colored feathers and capes.
The Mardi Gras in May 5K will practice many of the traditions with costumes, food, music, and atmosphere. We encourage everyone to “dress the part” and engage in the spirit of the event. We will hand out neck beads, mask, and lots of fun. We will host a costume contest following the completion of the 5K. This promises to be a fun, festive, and entertaining event. The Mardi Gras in May 5K is the next best thing to being in New Orleans. Don’t miss out on this fun event. The 5K will be a chipped timed event. Awards will be provided to the Top 3 overall and in each age group.
PRICE:
January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023: $35.00
April 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023: $37.50
May 1, 2023 – May 20, 2023: $39.50
May 21, 2023: $45.00
The first 250 registered participants will receive a personalized race bib with RFID timing chip, dri-fit shirt, beautiful finisher medal, and personalized race completion certificate. Sign up early, to secure your awesome race packet!
PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP
Friday May 19, 2023
PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP
4:30pm to 6:30pm
Fit2Run - International Plaza
2223 N Westshore Blvd - Space B230
Tampa, FL 33607
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
SUNDAY MAY 21, 2023
Gadsden Park
6910 S MacDill Ave
Tampa, FL 33611
6:45am – Gadsden Park gates open
7:00am – Mardi Gras themed music begins
Vendors open
7:55am – Announcements and National Anthem
8:00am – Start Mardi Gras in May 5K
9:00am - Mardi Gras Dance Party with DJ Petey
9:15am – Mardi Gras in May 5K awards ceremony
9:30am - Mardi Gras in May costume contest
9:45am - Mardi Gras in May costume awards
Few organizations have as rich a history and legacy as the Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County, Inc. (ECC). ECC was formed as a grass roots organization in 1983 by a group of educators, social workers, parents and early childhood advocates. Through the years, the ECC has always been focused on prevention and early intervention efforts with an emphasis on assisting young children with special needs. The mission of ECC is to promote the healthy development of all young children because of the fundamental belief that “Every Child Counts”.
The vision for ECC is that each child, no matter the challenges, will enter Kindergarten healthy, happy and ready to learn. Considered a leader among early childhood organizations, ECC is focused on evidence-based practice and longstanding research which chronicles the first five years of life as being the most critical in a child’s development. The ECC partners with families and community organizations to bring about the best possible outcomes for children and families.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We need your support of the 3rd Annual Mardi Gras in May 5K Tampa benefiting Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County.
Please review the sponsorship packages available.
CLICK HERE to submit the sponsorship package you wish to participate in 2023.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (Q&A)
Q: Where is the Mardi Gras in May 5K benefitting Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County being hosted?
A: Gadsden Park: 6910 S MacDill Ave, Tampa FL, 33611
Q: Where should I park my car for the event?
A: Entering from the gate on S MacDill Ave, you follow the event signage to the parking lot. The parking lot will be located near the baseball fields.
Q: Can I wear headphones during the event?
A: During the run/walk 5K you are permitted to wear headphones.
Q: Where can I find the course map?
A: Above is a copy of the 5K Course Map at Gadsden Park.
Q: Are there awards for this event?
A: We will host an awards ceremony for the Top 3 finishers overall and top 3 finishers in each age group.
Q: What is included in the participant race packet?
A: Each participant will receive a personalized race bib (with their name, if they register by May 16, 2023), event shirt, finisher medal, and personalized race completion certificate. The complete race packet is guaranteed to the first 250 registered participants.
Q: Is there a pre-race packet pickup?
A: Yes, Date and Time Coming Soon.
Q: Can I register on race day?
A: Yes, but you will be required to register online at www.victorysportsmgt.com/ecc5K. You can use your phone, computer, or tablet to register. Once you register you can proceed to packet pickup to collect your race package. Please note, those who register on race day are not guaranteed their shirt.
Q: Can I pickup my race packet on race day?
A: Yes, please arrive early if you intend to pickup you packet on race day. We will have a packet pickup station available on race day.