Mardi Gras in May 5K – 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, 2021 – March 31, 2021:  $30.00
April 1, 2021 – April 30, 2021:  $35.00
May 1, 2021 – May 21, 2021:  $39.00
May 22, 2021:  $45.00

Participants will receive a personalized race bib with RFID timing chip, dri-fit shirt, beautiful finisher medal, and personalized race completion certificate.

*first 250 registrants are guaranteed full race participants package (personalized race bib, finisher medal, dri-fit shirt, and race completion certificate).

PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP
Friday May 21, 2021
3:00pm to 6:00pm

Fit2Run Superstore (International Plaza)
2223 N Westshore Blvd #1411
Tampa, FL   33607

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Thursday May 20, 2021 – Pre Race Packet Pickup – LOCATION & TIME TBD

SATURDAY May 22, 2021
Al Lopez Park
4810 N Himes Road
Tampa, FL   33614

6:45am  – Al Lopez 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
8:00am – LIME Food and drinks open for all participants
9:15am – Mardi Gras in May 5K awards ceremony
9:45am – Mardi Gras in May costume contest
10:15am – Mardi Gras in May costume awards

Few organizations have as rich a history and legacy as the Early Childhood Council of Hillsborough County, Inc. Formed as a grass roots organization in 1983 by a group of educators, social workers, parents and early childhood advocates, the ECC has always been focused on prevention and early intervention efforts with an emphasis on assisting young children with special needs and their families, because of the fundamental belief that “Every Child Counts”.

Historically, the ECC has been instrumental in identifying service gaps, conceptualizing creative solutions and developing partnerships and collaborative relationships to achieve its mission and vision. The Developmental Screening Program is a great example of addressing an issue through creative collaboration. Launched in 1986, the program has screened over 30,000 children, and has been replicated in Leon and Jefferson Counties. ECC partners with over 30 different community agencies during monthly screenings.

Inclusion Support Services are designed to support early care providers in making accommodations to support children with behavioral and developmental challenges. The desired result of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include a sense of belonging and membership, positive social relationships, and development and learning to reach their full potential.

The Infant Mental Health Project seeks to advance our community’s understanding and awareness of young children’s mental health, and stresses the significance of early attachments and relationships. Hillsborough County’s Early Childhood Court (ECC) addresses child welfare cases to minimize disruption and/or trauma for the children in care by working with the 13th Judicial Circuit and many committed community partners to bring about positive outcomes for the child and family