2019 TAMPA BAY MLK BOUNCE ROCK SKATE ROLL 5K WALK\ RUN FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASE

EVENT DETAILS

Tampa Bay, get ready for the MLK Bounce Rock Skate Roll 5K - RUN\WALK for Sickle Cell Disease (5K)!  Sickle Cell Disease is a GLOBAL disease that affects MILLIONS of people worldwide.  It predominately affects those of African American\African, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, Mediterranean, Southern European, and of Middle Eastern backgrounds.  In the United States, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS have Sickle Cell Disease and 3 million have Sickle Cell Trait. Individuals with Sickle Cell Trait are generally healthy, however, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that two parents with the Trait will have a baby born with Sickle Cell Disease.  “Be a Sickle Cell Warrior, Join The Race And Get In The Fight Against Sickle Cell!” 

Proceeds and Registrations benefit Sickle Cell Disease Not-For-Profit Organizations in the Tampa Bay Area and the Dr. Martin Luther King Parade Foundation.  All Registrations and Sponsorships from the 5K are to be paid to the DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING PARADE FOUNDATION (Foundation).The Foundation is a Certified State of Florida 501(c)3 Not-For-Profit Organization.

Our special 5K Race is located on the Main Campus of the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, FL at Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza (MLK Plaza) located off of USF Alumni Drive to USF Beard Dr. and USF Sugar Gum Drive.  Yes, the University of South Florida MLK Plaza bears the name of the most iconic figure in the fight for Civil Rights, that leader of leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was the foremost figurehead of the Civil Rights Movement, and continues to have an enduring legacy. 

In 1982, the University of South Florida unveiled the Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza in his honor and, to this day it provides a rallying point for the cause of justice.  The MLK Plaza, located at the center of USF’s Campus, is one of the most familiar features on the grounds of USF. As the first monument erected in Dr. King’s honor at a public Florida University, it promotes the Activist’s spirit by providing a place where students can speak freely about issues dear to them. 

Join us on Saturday, January 19, 2019 for this timed 5K that offers you the choice to run, walk, or stroll through the beautiful campus of USF at MLK Plaza.We offer a Dry-Fit Shirt, Race Medal, Custom Bib, Goodie Bag, Awards and Prizes, Food and Drinks, and much more!

MLK Plaza and the adjoining park is the perfect location for our special 5K.  Not only is it meaningful because of its location, namesake, and our cause, MLK Plaza with its oak tree canopy covered sidewalks is very scenic, and there’s a lake with wildlife.  It doesn’t get more peaceful, beautiful or serene than this.  

The Course is completely paved (sidewalks) and flat, providing beautiful scenery as you complete three loops that make the full 5K.  Water stations will be provided along the Course.  You may opt to run or walk with a stroller.  We ask that those with a stroller start in the back of the start corral to avoid accidentally tripping other participants. 

The OVERALL TOP MALE and the OVERALL TOP FEMALE finishers will receive Prizes.  Top Male and Top Female finishers in each age category will also be acknowledged.Every finisher registered before Monday, January 14, 2019 will receive a Race Shirt and Finisher's Medal.