The Great West Chase

A letter From The President

The Upper Tampa Bay Library Foundation thanks each of you for your support.  The Great West Chase 5K/1K Run/Walk was a huge success!  We had almost 500  runners from all over the area and from other countries.

Many volunteers and even State Representative Faye Culp helped stuff the bags saying, "The Library Foundation and the WOW put on a first class event."  Other super volunteers helped set up the run while County Commissioner Ken Hagan and ABC News Anchorman Brendan McLaughlin were the emcees for the medal give away again this year and told me personally that the Foundation did a super job!  "I'm amazed every time I come to this event how nice it runs and how much work the Foundation workers and volunteers put into it," Commissioner Hagan told me.

The runners had nothing but positive praise for us as it started right at 0800, on the dot, and many of them commented that they have never seen so many goodies in a "goodie bag."  Everyone had fun and most importantly it was all for a good cause supporting our library.

Smiles...
Very Respectfully,
Brett Scharringhausen, President
Upper Tampa Bay Library Foundation

Event Description

The Great West Chase is a USATF/RRTC nationally certified 5K Run/Walk (Certification Code FL-02037DL) organized by the World of Westchase and the Upper Tampa Bay Library Foundation to benefit the Upper Tampa Bay Library Foundation , (a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization). The 5K run will begin at 8 a.m. The Children's Fun Run, a 1K run for children between the ages of 6-12, will begin at 9 a.m.

Location

The race will be held in the heart of beautiful Westchase in Northwest Hillsborough County. Start and finish lines for the 5K race will be located in the Village Plaza in West Park Village. The race will proceed westward along Linebaugh Avenue before looping back along the same scenic route. The Children's 1K Fun Run will begin in front of the Gables Clubhouse and will proceed around the West Park Village Plaza. The events will be held rain or shine.

Directions

From downtown Tampa (I 275) proceed north on Veterans Expressway to the Linebaugh exit. Proceed west on Linebaugh through the entrance to Westchase at the corner of Sheldon and Linebaugh. Entrances to West Park Village will exist one block east and west of Linebaugh'sintersection with Montague Street. (Click Here For MapQuest)

Parking

Parking: Graciously provided by Davidson Middle School, 10501 Montague Street, Tampa, Florida 33626. From Sheldon turn right on Montague Street, go straight down to Davidson Middle, it is on your right side, follow the signs and volunteers instructions. From Countryway Blvd., turn left on Montague Street, go straight down to Davidson Middle, it is on your left side, follow the signs and volunteers instructions. Walk towards Linebaugh into the West
Park Village Plaza to registration area.


Race Registration and Packet Pick-up

Application and a fee of $15 ($10 for the Children's Fun Run) are due by Monday, October 17. Late or race day applications for the 5K have a fee of $20; late or race day applications for the Children's 1K have a fee of $15. Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, October 28 from 4 - 8 p.m. at the Westchase Swim and Tennis Center's activity room at 10405 Countryway Boulevard, just south of Linebaugh Avenue. The center is located behind the firehouse.

Awards

Awards will be given three deep per age group. Awards for the Children's 1K Fun Run will be given in the following age groups: 6-8, 9-10, 11-12.

Online Registration

Participants can register online by clicking here . You can also print off a race entry form and mail it in by clicking here (This download requires Adobe Acrobat Reader .).

Goodies

All racers in both races receive a quality commemorative T-shirt and sponsor packet. Complimentary food and drink will be provided at the finish.

Restrictions

Sorry! For the safety of all runners, no pets, skateboards, inline or roller skates or jogging strollers will be permitted. Walkers with strollers are asked to participate at the rear of the event.

Contact

Race Co-Chairs Chris Barrett at 813-920-9809 or Tracy Urso at 813-891-9102.

Volunteer Opportunities

Organizers are looking for other UTB residents interested in volunteering to help with the events and further library fundraising. A number of different and exciting committees have been formed.  To explore volunteer opportunities, please contact Upper Tampa Bay Library Foundation President Brett Scharringhausen at 813-891-9429, Race Co-Chair Chris Barrett at 813-920-9809 or Co-Chair Tracy Urso at 813-891-1644.

Opportunities for Business Sponsorships

To become a commercial sponsor, print of the Race Sponsorship Form and/or contact Upper Tampa Bay Library Foundation President Brett Scharringhausen at 813-891-9429. Multiple sponsorships levels are available, beginning at $100. Sponsors will have their names (for contributions of $100-$499) and logos (for contributions of $500, $1000 or more) printed on the back of the events' commemorative T-shirts. Upper level sponsors ($1,000 or more) will also have their logos incorporated into advertising for the event.

Finally, to explore how your business can also receive great exposure through the distribution of coupons or products to all race participants, contact Race Bag Chair Betty Duque at 855-0809.