Southwest Florida runners headed to the beach for a fun run and tune up to the 2013 cross country season. The athletes of all ages, met at Gulf Coast High School and headed along the shores of Vanderbilt Beach. The distances varied from six miles to twelve miles, with no exact measurements taking place and no clock. Coach Paul Barlow of Gulf Coast organized the event and says there was a great turnout.
"We had people from Ft. Myers, Golden Gate, Naples, and Community School who ran. I didn't count everyone, but I would guess 70 or more ran. It wasn't just high school athletes, coaches, parents, and alumni ran too."
Reigning 2A state champion Alex Padraza of Golden Gate tested his hand at the twelve mile loop and Barlow says looked very comfortable. Fort Myers senior Emily Edwards and Barlow's daughter Caroline who finished fourth at state last year also took part in the event. He says both looked strong as well and should be primed for a good cross country seasons.