Oldsmar Tap House 5k

A bar sponsored 5k on a Friday night with all you can drink beer at the end?

Don’t mind if I do!

I first heard about the Oldsmar Tap House 5k when I moved to Tampa back in March. Every runner I met knew about the race and every runner told me I had to to do it. The ’5k’ is really a 3 mile fun run excuse to get you to the big party (and all you can drink beer) at the end. There’s no timing chips, but the first 50 male and female finishers do win ‘das boot.’

I fueled up before the 7:00pm start time with a 3 minute Peanut Butter Cookie at 3:30 and a tiny apple around 5:00. I wasn’t quite sure what to eat before a late run (I’m a morning runner), but this seemed to hold me until after the race.

It was a beautiful evening for a race. Clear skies, shining skies, and highs in the upper 80s. It’s definitely summer time in Florida!

Derek and I arrived just in time to pick up our race shirts, say hi to a friend, and squeeze into the start area.

As this was a fun run (and un-corraled race) the start was a little crazy. There were 2,000 runners of all different level standing anywhere and everywhere. They were in it for the beer.

I was warned this was a hot race and not to push it (unless I wanted to feel like I was dying). Good to know. Instead of going all out, I decided to stick with Derek at his pace. This was his first race since January and only second run since that. I was full prepared to take it easy and just enjoy the run.

At 7:00pm on the top the crowds were off.

The race was a pretty simple loop that took us around the gorgeous suburban neighborhoods of Oldsmar. All flat, no hills, and great pavement to run on – all good minus the awful sun. The run got HOT.

For not running consistently the last 5 months, Derek did great! We kept a 10 minute pace the majority of the race and only walked a handful of times. Even when we did walk Derek said ‘I probably could run, I just don’t want to’ – doesn’t say much for his desire to race, but shows he still has endurance.

I loved the quite houses along the water. I want to live here!

It wasn’t long before the finish line was in reach.

Just a little further…

Almost got it….

Done!!

We headed straight to the beer tents. Obviously.

Free home brew? Yes please!

I also ran into my friend Sarah in line. Hi Sarah!

We tried the Strawberry Wheat. It was a little too ‘wine cool beer’ for my taste.

The Summerfest Sierra Nevada brew was more my style.

Oh yeah. That’s the spot.

Post-race I grabbed a Mango Rita’s Italian Ice Sample (yum!)

And Derek and I split a mini bag of kettle corn. (Double yum! Totally grabbed another one to take home.)

Major Congrats to Courtney for being one of the top 50 female finishers to win a boot! My goal for next year is to come home with one too!

At this point Derek and I decided to turn the after party into a free dinner.

Starting with FREE Tijuana Flats

(Chicken Taco!)

And the Taphouse sausage and potato salad.

And more Italian Ice. Of course.

They had a great party going with plenty of drinks, food, and entertainment. It was honestly the best post-race party I’ve actually taken the time to stay and enjoy. A great way to spend a Friday night with a couple thousand sweaty running friends.

Even better having my man by my side.

Nothing like a late evening run to wear a girl out.

Good Night!