ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — About 3,000 people marked the Fourth of July by taking part in the annual St. Pete Pier Run in St. Petersburg, an event, organizers said, that celebrates the holiday and the opening of the St. Pete Pier year after year.
The race began early in the morning and brought runners and walkers of different skill levels to the pier. Participants wore red, white, and blue as vendors were set up across the area with hydration and food options.
Rachel Mastin participated in the race with friends for the first time this year. She said her friend encouraged her to sign up.
“My inspiration is my friend Lupe,” Mastin said. “She has been getting me to run since last year. She got me on a half marathon, and she dragged me out here today.”
Mastin said the race felt different from others she has completed because of the community atmosphere.
“I know there’s a lot going on in the world, but things like this just bring everybody together regardless of your beliefs,” Mastin said.
This year marks the fifth year the St. Pete Pier Run has been held. Event organizer Ryan Jordan, with the Good Sweat Foundation, said the run began as a way to celebrate the opening of the St. Pete Pier, which took place in July.
Jordan said the event has since become an annual way to commemorate the pier’s opening while celebrating the Fourth of July.
“Every year it’s really grown as you see more and more people out walking, running and really kicking off their holidays in a fit and healthy way,” Jordan said. “So, it’s an exciting way to start the holidays, for sure.”
Jordan said this year’s run was larger as the event celebrated America’s 250th Independence Day.
Mastin said support from people along the route helped her during the race.
“Just having and seeing everybody, and even the people on the sidelines cheering for you, they don’t know you, but they give you high fives if they see your bib, they’ll yell out your bib number, it’s just so fun,” Mastin said.
Mastin said the event is welcoming no matter a person’s running experience, and she is already looking forward to participating again next year.
“(It) doesn’t matter if you’re a tried-and-true runner or just getting into this,” Mastin said. “It’s just so fun to have this kind of event. You can go by yourself, you can go with friends, but it’s just a great place to spend the early day of Fourth of July.”
Event organizers said St. Pete Run Fest will take place in November and is a race just as large as the one held on the Fourth of July.
Lizbeth Gutierrez
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