“A tradition unlike any other.” No, it’s not the “Master’s on CBS”, it’s the 27th running of the “Run for the Pies 5K” held every year in Jacksonville, FL on the first or second weekend of June. What makes this 5K so unique is the level of competition put together for the “Invitational” race, the atmosphere, and of course the luscious awards one can win.
See, it all started back in 1980 when Jacksonville’s nationally-renowned running store, 1st Place Sports, decided to put on a 5K that wasn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill race.
“We had heard about this idea from somewhere across the country, and thought hey, why don’t we do something like that. Every year it’s just gotten bigger and bigger,” said 1st Place Owner and Race Director Doug Alred.
Year in and year out, the Run for the Pies is always the fastest 5K in the state with the winner typically rolling in under 15 minutes and a top quality field that one year had 16 guys break the 15 minute barrier.
“This race actually use to serve as t...