Saturday, November 3rd, 2012, 8 AM Tired of pounding the pavement on the same ole 5K race course? Go-pher something different and enjoy 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) of natural trails through one of Tampa Bays hidden gems! The Gopher Weedon trail run will take runners and walkers along a journey through native Florida habitats, including gorgeous views of Tampa Bay. This unique, professionally-timed race will occur on Saturday, November 3rd at the Weedon Island Preserve - a 3,700 acre preserve nestled along Tampa Bay in northeast St. Petersburg. The race course winds through mangroves, salt marsh and Florida scrub habitat along well-maintained dirt and boardwalk trails. Runners may catch a glimpse of wildlife, including the slow-moving gopher tortoise (a threatened species for which the race was named), as well as relic Indian mounds and dune ridges left by the preserves earliest inhabitants. After the race, enjoy refreshments before strolling through the Cultural and Natural His Saturday, November 3rd, 2012, 8 AM Tired of pounding the pavement on the same ole 5K race course? Go-pher something different and enjoy 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) of natural trails through one of Tampa Bays hidden gems! The Gopher Weedon trail run will take runners and walkers along a journey through native Florida habitats, including gorgeous views of Tampa Bay. This unique, professionally-timed race will occur on Saturday, November 3rd at the Weedon Island Preserve - a 3,700 acre preserve nestled along Tampa Bay in northeast St. Petersburg. The race course winds through mangroves, salt marsh and Florida scrub habitat along well-maintained dirt and boardwalk trails. Runners may catch a glimpse of wildlife, including the slow-moving gopher tortoise (a threatened species for which the race was named), as well as relic Indian mounds and dune ridges left by the preserves earliest inhabitants. After the race, enjoy refreshments before strolling through the Cultural and Natural History Center, where you can learn more about the prehistoric people and the natural environment. There will be special educational activities and festivities, commemorating the 10 year anniversary of the cultural center. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Friends of Weedon Island, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that supports environmental preservation and education at the Weedon Island Preserve. All registered runners/walkers will receive: 1-year membership to the Friends of Weedon Island, Inc. (FOWI) to provide environmental preservation and education;Race T-shirt;Professional race timing and race results;Awards for each age group, 3-deep; Refreshments and aid stations; andEducational and cultural festivities celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the cultural center.Thanks to our sponsors: Total Air, Farese Physical Therapy, PMB Painting, Inc., Friends of Tampa Bay National Wildlife Refuges, Trader Jesse's, Derby Lanes, ABC Bicycles, Feet First, Sweetwater Kayaks, Ricky P's, Pepsi-co, Publix, Fresh Market, and Road ID. Event schedule and times Saturday, November 3, 2012 Check in: 7:00 - 7:45 AM Race Start: 8:00AM