Runners to gopher it at Weedon Island

Tired of pounding the pavement? Go-pher something different and enjoy eight kilometers of natural trails through one of Tampa Bay’s hidden gems.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, at 9 a.m., the Friends of Weedon Island will host the third annual Gopher Weedon Trail run at the Weedon Island Preserve. The event will take runners and walkers along well-maintained dirt and boardwalk trails journeying through gorgeous native Florida habitats, which include amazing views of Tampa Bay. 

All proceeds from the race will benefit the Friends of Weedon Island's mission to support the environmental preservation and education at the Weedon Island Preserve.

All registered runners/walkers will receive:
• One-year membership to the Friends of Weedon Island Inc.
• Technical race T-shirt
• Professional race timing and race results
• Awards for each age group, three-deep
• Great food and post-race party
• Opportunities to visit the Cultural and Natural History Center.

Spaces are limited. Register at www.fowi.org. For more information, go to gopher_run@fowi.org.

Weedon Island Preserve protects more than 3,700 acres of natural ecosystems and is located at 1800 Weedon Drive NE in St. Petersburg. The preserve is operated under the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department and is open to the public seven days a week, including holidays, from 7 a.m. to 15 minutes before sunset. Its many outdoor activities include walking trails, a fishing pier and a canoe/kayak launch.

To learn more about Weedon Island Preserve and its upcoming programs and events, call (727) 453-6500. To register for programs and events visit www.weedonislandpreserve.org. Videos featuring Weedon Island Preserve can be viewed at www.youtube.com/pcctv1.

Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in an event or class, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. At least seven days prior to the event or class, please contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 500, Clearwater, FL 33756, (727) 464-4062 (Voice/TDD).

For more information about Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobile on any smartphone. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.