On Saturday, Oct. 26, hundreds of runners will take off down Linebaugh Avenue, in a race that brings our community together for a great cause.
Why we run
The Great West Chase launched in 2002 as a simple 5K in a still-developing neighborhood and has grown to be WOW’s largest fundraising initiative of the year. More than that, the Great West Chase has become a beloved community tradition.
Today, the race draws more than 1,000 runners in the event’s three races: a 5K, a 10K and the Kids’ Fun Run. It also draws scores of residents who simply show up to cheer on the runners and take part in the post-race festivities made possible by our local business sponsors.
Since 2002, the event has allowed WOW to make $374,500 in charitable donations, with a majority of that going to schools serving a high number of underprivileged children. This year’s recipient is Morgan Woods Elementary, a nearby elementary school where 100 percent of the students are economically disadvantaged. Principal Jessica Kepa is on a mission to expand the school’s media center to foster new learning initiatives and your participation in the Great West Chase can help!
Most of all, runners love the Great West Chase because it offers a fun, supportive environment whether this is your first 5K or your 50th.
How to take part in the race
There is still plenty of time to register. Online registration is available at www.greatwestchase.com through Oct. 23. Packet pick-up for registered runners will take place Thursday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. at the Westchase Recreation Center located at 9791 Westchase Dr.
Walk up registration will also be available during packet pick-up and starting on race morning at 5:30 a.m.
On the day of the race, the 10K starts at 7 a.m., the 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the Kids’ Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. Beginning in West Park Village at the intersection of Montague Street and Brompton Drive, the race proceeds west on Linebaugh Avenue before returning and finishing near its start. Once again, to ease traffic concerns, the 10K route will be the same as the 5K route, completed twice. The Kids’ Fun Run stays on the internal Montague Street loop in West Park Village. Click here for a race map and information on road and lane closures.
In the interest of runner safety, WOW’s event coordinators worked closely with Hillsborough County officials last year to make some slight adjustments to the race route. All runners will stay in the southern lanes of Linebaugh and all cars will be diverted into the northern lanes, in order to keep cars and runners separate at all times.
Each runner will receive a fun T-shirt with race mascot “Chase” and a finisher medal. After running, participants can join a great post-race party featuring MEMO Modern Italian and Vudu Taco, PDQ, Blind Tiger Café, World of Beer/Blend, Carrabba’s, Irish 31, Doodle Noodle Bar, Celsius Fitness Drinks, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Mother’s and a beer truck from Pepin, staffed by generous volunteers from the Westchase Freebooters Krewe. Rockatar will once again serve as our race day emcee and DJ.
The Great West Chase awards ceremony will recognize the top two finishers, male and female, in five-year age groups. The Great West Chase also recognizes runners completing their first 5K or 10K, so be sure to get your commemorative pin. And remember, while Halloween costumes are not required, they are encouraged for added fun.
Other ways to help
Multiple volunteers are needed to help make the event a success, from preparing race bags to helping with early morning registration on race day. “This event takes the whole community from start to finish and any group or organization wanting to be a part of it is welcome,” said Event Chair Leslie Blaze.
Volunteers are needed at packet stuffing on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., packet pick-up on Oct. 24 from 9:00 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m., and on race day for various shifts running from 4:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Those looking to volunteer can email billing@westchasewow.com or sign up at bit.ly/3yy6RLm. This is a great way for high schoolers to earn Bright Futures hours as well.
Whether you are running, walking, cheering or volunteering, the Great West Chase is a fun neighborhood tradition you’ll want to be part of. See you at the race!
