Founders' Day Run

Melbourne Village Run May 1, 2011

Melbourne Village 20th Annual Founders' Day 3 Mile Run

May1, 2011 Start at 8:00am

Results for 2010!
Scroll to the bottom, click, then enlarge

Awards in the usual five year age categories. The course will be the same as 2010. Entry is free as in all past years. Registration starts at 7:00am. There is no pre-registration. Water stop and free food at the finish. The website will be updated with course map,etc. and questions should be addressed to : downeystudios@cfl.rr.com

Scroll to the bottom for waiver and registration. Fill out before race day and bring or wait until Sunday when forms will be available.

Google Earth Map-My-Ride Route (click link)

Notes About the Course and Map:
The green start arrow on the map should face in the opposite direction (west).
Description of first .3 miles: Runners will do a loop around the open field, briefly run on a trail and exit onto Hammock Rd.
Right turn to Live Oak Ave. and left to head north on Acacia Ave. The first 1.25 miles is mostly road to avoid congestion on the trails. The route will be well marked on both trail and road sections.

Lantana

Click on Images to Enlarge

Printshop Bridge

Nutting-Wood Green

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Gopher Tortoise on Red Bay Trail

Village Trails

The annual Founders' Day run began with nine Village residents racing on the morning of the traditional celebration in 1991(?) In year 2000 the homeowners association (American Homesteading Foundation) which owns the parkland, was asked to allow runners from outside of Melbourne Village to participate.

Since then, the event has attracted runners seeking a very different venue from the normal 5k road races. The course does have 1.5 miles of paved surface but the lush tropical vegetation of the parkland is what makes the 3 mile course unique.

The trails are hard-packed from 50 years of use and shaded by ancient oaks, stands of bamboo, and bordered by head-tall ferns. Each section of trail has a different personality.

The race remains a small affair but has the same amenities found at much larger events with drinks, food and custom awards. Because only one or two other local races don't have entry costs, I have always wanted runners to have a no-cost event.

There was a time in the long-ago past when city and town recreation departments would provide a budget to hold running events. At least in Brevard, that no longer happens.

The Melbourne Village Commission is the lone exception and has continued to fund the modest amount needed to provide an event that many return for each year.

You're invited to share the experience this Sunday, May 1st at 8:00am.
Rob Downey, Race Director

Cardinal Posts Marking Trail Entrance