To your good health!

Ever wanted to run with abandon down Manatee Avenue without fear of being plowed down?

Yeah, me too, all the time.

Actually, I'm thinking about doing just that, considering there will be hundreds of runners 6:15 p.m. Saturday, April  28, for the DeSoto 5K Run, which immediately precedes the Grand Parade. There is safety in numbers.

The Bradenton Runners Club says  “the run before the parade” is the closest most of us will ever get to being a participant in the Boston Marathon. Thousands of spectators will have their lawn chairs out there for the parade and they will cheer the runners on, too.

Runners board buses at the Manatee County School Board Administration Building on Manatee Avenue for a ride up to Manatee High School, where the race begins. The 3.1 mile race ends back at the Manatee School District building.

 The race is open to runners and walkers of all abilities, and is  timed with age group awards at the finish.

Information: www.bradentonrunnersclub.com.

While we're on a bit of a health kick, here is something else for your calendar:


A month-long celebration of Healthy Counties, Healthy Families ends Thursday, April 26, with the Spring into Health event at Bennett Park. The free event is set for 3 – 7 p.m., and will feature healthy activities for families, games, healthy snacks from local vendors and drawings for giveaways including a $100 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods.

“We’ve been working for the past month to plan an event that promotes healthy choices for the entire family at a fun and free atmosphere,” said Brenda Rogers, Manatee Community Services director. “I think there’s going to be something there for everyone. It’s also a great chance for the public to see the new Bennett Park.”

Bennett Park opened in November and is located at 400 Cypress Creek Blvd., Bradenton.
Information: www.mymanatee.org/hcm