Totally Tubular: Runners relive the ’80s at event in Nocatee

This past weekend, runners broke out their leg warmers and strapped on their leotards to participate in the Awesome 80s Race, hosted by Florida Race Day, in Nocatee.

Florida Race Day, a family-owned business offering full-service race timing and race organizing, coordinated the race with an ’80s theme, encouraging runners to dawn their best costumes. The starting line was filled with groups of runners decked out head to toe in ’80s gear, including lots of families and even a few guests with their four-legged friends.

Runners could choose to participate in either a 5K or a 10K race around the Nocatee neighborhoods, beginning and ending near the Nocatee Splash Waterpark.

Despite the slightly rainy weather, more than 200 participants showed up on Saturday morning to race for first place. All participants in the race received an ’80s-themed T-shirt, neon sunglasses, neon sweatbands and an honorary finisher’s medal.

Proceeds raised with the entry fee to the race were donated to St. Francis House, a nonprofit organization based out of St. Augustine with a mission to drastically reduce the homeless population by providing a safe, stable environment and access to essential services.

Winners of the 5K race included 17-year-old Julia Renetzky from Barrington, Illinois, in first place, L. Harman from Ormond Beach in second place and Amy McIntyre from Ponte Vedra Beach in third. Winners of the 10K race included John Richardson of Ponte Vedra Beach in first place, Andrea Richardson of Ponte Vedra Beach in second place and Amanda Taylor of Ponte Vedra Beach in third place.

For a list of other races hosted by Florida Race Day, including a Grunge Run ’90s-themed 5K on Feb. 27 and a SuperHero 5K in September, go to floridaraceday.com.