Run Cancelled!

The Founder's Day run has been cancelled. There is a chance the Town will find a run director before April 21st but I have opted not to continue with that role. You can call the Town office weekdays between 9am and 3:30pm at 723-8300 to confirm the status. This could be just a one year interruption  if you have more interest in the reasons and story for this change of plans go to this link on the website Myendurosport.com

 

Race Day: Sunday, April 21, 2013

 

 Run Cancelled!

The Founder's Day run has been cancelled. There is a chance the Town will find a run director before April 21st but I have opted not to continue with that role. You can call the Town office weekdays between 9am and 3:30pm at 723-8300 to confirm the status. This could be just a one year interruption  if you have more interest in the reasons and story for this change of plans go to this link  http://myendurosport.com/melbourne-village-bike-pedway/on the website Myendurosport.com

 

The 22nd Annual

Melbourne Village Founder’s Day 3- Mile Run is scheduled for Sunday, April 21, 2013

There are no changes planned from previous races. More information will be posted as needed.


April 21, 2012
The forecast for terrible weather and fear the trails would be muddy from the previous day's rain caused the field to be one of the smallest in recent history for the 21st annual run. The weather and trails turned out to be fine. But who wants to set their alarm clock to face miserable conditions in the morning? Apparently the 34  people listed below! Thanks for your participation. Rob Downey

Click Here for 2012 results

Melbourne Village Run April 21, 2013

Melbourne Village 22nd Annual Founders' Day 3 Mile Run

Sunday, April 21, 2013 Start at 8:00am

This website will  be updated with new information as needed.  There will soon be a video link showing the course as viewed from a bike.

Awards in the usual five year age categories. The course will be the same as 2012. 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

Click Images to Enlarge

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 past when city and town recreation departments provided  budgets 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 attracting many to return each year. 

You're invited to share the experience this Saturday, April 21 at 8:00am.
Rob Downey, Race Director

Cardinal Posts Marking Trail Entrance

Bamboo Arch

Griffith Woods Trail

Griffith Park Sign

Childrens' Playground

AHF & Town Halls

Hammock Rd, Melbourne Village

Map & Directions To Melbourne Village

To help get you to the start on time, here is a map with directions. Click on the image to expand, download and print.

Click on Waiver & and Registration form to save and print. Those under age eighteen please have parent or guardian sign. Note: Ignore the April 25th date on the registration form. The race is April 21, 2013. Start is at 8a.m.

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