Second Annual Wellen Park Half Marathon and 5K draws big crowds to Downtown Wellen

VENICE, Fla. (March 26, 2024) – More than 730 people participated in Wellen Park’s second annual Half Marathon and 5K, presented by Hotwire Communications, on March 16. Both races started and ended at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen, with the 13.1-mile half-marathon course certified by USA Track & Field.           

An awards ceremony at the finish line recognized the top three male and female finishers in each age group, best male and female overall winners, male and female grand masters, male and female masters, male and female senior grand masters and male and female veterans’ grand masters. Attendees also enjoyed live music from Solis Hall’s outdoor stage, as well as beverages and food from different Downtown Wellen restaurants and The Yard eateries.

 “The half marathon and 5K was a huge success this year,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “We had even more participants this year and we are already looking forward to next year’s race. Wellen Park is a popular destination for running groups and walkers because of our expansive network of trails and scenic environment.”

Hotwire Communications was the presenting sponsor for the half marathon and 5K run. AMC Contracting Inc. was the gold level sponsor, and the silver level sponsors were Homes by WestBay, Jessica Costanzo Memorial Scholarship, Mattamy Homes, Stillwell at Wellen Park and West Villages Animal Clinic. College Preparatory at Wellen Park, Homes by Towne, Lennar, Pulte Homes and Streetsense were the bronze level sponsors for the race.

To learn more about upcoming events, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla., open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.