Wellen Park’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K and Half-Marathon were a huge success

VENICE, Fla. (March 27, 2023) – More than 680 people participated in Wellen Park’s annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K run and inaugural half marathon on March 19. The 13.1-mile course was certified by USA Track & Field.

Both races started and ended at Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen. At the finish line, an awards ceremony 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. Runners and attendees also enjoyed live music from Solis Hall’s outdoor stage, green beer, mimosas and food.

“The St. Patrick’s Day 5K and half marathon was wonderful opportunity to bring everyone together in Downtown Wellen, especially our running, cycling and walking community,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “Wellen Park is a popular destination for running groups and pedestrians because of our network of trails. During this race, participants were able to experience the nature trails, views of the Grand Lake and a grand finish in Downtown Wellen.”

A portion of the race proceeds benefited Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida, the local chapter of a national nonprofit youth development program combining an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and a healthy lifestyle for pre-teen girls.

Downtown Wellen tenants Florida Lakes Spa and Florida Lakes Vein Center, and Capstan Financial Consulting Group were sponsors for the St. Patrick’s Day Half Marathon and 5K run. Mattamy Homes, AMC Contracting, Inc., Lennar, Willis Smith Construction, Tropia at Wellen Park, The DeMoya Group, Stillwell at Wellen Park, Solea Wellen Park and Streetsense were also sponsors for the event.

With businesses opening throughout spring 2023, Downtown Wellen is the region’s new must-visit central gathering and social hub for dining, shopping, entertainment and outdoor recreation. The pedestrian-friendly downtown emphasizes connections to nature and community and celebrates a waterfront vibe with Grand Lake providing a scenic backdrop and opportunities for fishing and paddle sports. Visitors can enjoy time on the water and along downtown’s 2.8-mile lakefront trail with bicycle, e-bike, kayak and paddleboard rentals at Kind Vibes Outfitters.

Downtown Wellen’s thoughtfully designed spaces create unique outdoor experiences – from intimate parks and an alfresco living room shaded by decades-old relocated live oak trees to larger locales like the Great Lawn for community festivals, markets, celebrations and events, and the lakefront fountain and splashpad. Solis Hall, an elegant rental venue, features an outdoor stage, a lakefront patio and an easy flow from inside spaces to neighboring alfresco destinations.

To learn more about upcoming events, Downtown Wellen and living at Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, 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.

Contact:

Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, [email protected]