10th Annual First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay March 15th

Embracing a diverse range of participants from all walks of life, backgrounds and ages, the 10th Annual First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay proves that with a sound training program and a will to try, anyone can take on the challenge of a half marathon or two-person relay.

Record participation of nearly 5,000 demonstrates how half marathon races have evolved from hard-core runner-specific races to community-based events appealing to people of all fitness levels.

Key highlights of this year’s registered participants include:

Ages from 12 to 81

66 percent women

46 states and 11 countries represented

Runner & Walker Stories

The reasons and motivations for participating in the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon are many and varied, from the beautiful scenery and finisher’s medal, enjoying a family/friends weekend vacation, celebrating a milestone or running in memory of someone, to improving mental and physical health, trying to set a personal record, training for Boston, being a role model or, as many runners wrote, “to prove someone wrong.”

Army veteran Theresa Benner, runs because others can’t

Age: 25

Residence: Nashville, TN

Theresa Benner separated from the Army as a cook in January 2015. Stationed in Fort Bragg, NC with the 82nd Airborne Division, she was deployed to Afghanistan from February to October 2012. “I returned home safely even though many were not so lucky. I had seen fellow soldiers lose their ability to walk let alone run. My friends and family ask me why I run. Why I put myself through all the pain to get a medal. I run because I know others can’t. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love to do everyday.”

Erin Fuller, 100-pound weight loss

Age: 39

Residence: Sarasota, FL

Erin Fuller started running a decade ago in an effort to train for her first half marathon. She finished that race second to last in her age group, but she finished. Since her first race, she has competed in races on six continents including races in Indiana, Michigan, Cambodia, Thailand, South Africa, France, Brazil and even an unofficial race in Antarctica, when she was on a cruise and ran around the deck of the ship over 150 times to complete a half marathon in the Paradise Cove of Antarctica. The captain verified and gave her a certificate. Fuller completed her first marathon last year in Miami and is training for another. While training and running around the world, Fuller lost 100 pounds and “had amazing experiences that will last a lifetime.”

Shani Prine, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, 70-pound weight loss

Age: 43

Residence: Sarasota, FL

Shani Prine started running to combat stress and deal with anger; it didn’t take long before it became a regular part of her life. She wanted inspiration beyond the emotions she was fighting so she signed up for her first 5k race in 2012. Later that year and just one week after her honeymoon, her left eye moved up and over – she could look straight ahead and see the side of the room at the same time. After many doctor appointments and tests she was given a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The physician’s assistant told her that she shouldn’t run because of what “might happen,” to which she responded with a very simple “watch me.” Prine believes life is too short to not LIVE, and conquered her first half marathon in February 2013. The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon will be her eighth half since diagnosis and her second this year. “Running helped change my life. It helped me process emotions and lose almost 70 pounds. Now I make it a goal to encourage folks to live their BEST life!”

Dawn Brame, diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her 20s, “Perfect 10” First Watch Sarasota Half Marathoner

Age: 53

Residence: Sarasota, FL

Dawn Brame is a walker who hopes to complete her 10th First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon. She was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her twenties (it runs in her family) and trained at the age of 40 to walk her first full marathon in 2002 for the Arthritis Foundation. “As I have arthritis in my knees and feet I was trying to use it, not lose it!” Since then, she has done 50 half marathons in seven states. “My husband wonders why I put myself through these … because the finish line is magic!”

Elaine J. Kaup, 10-year breast cancer survivor

Age: 61

Residence: Lakewood Ranch, FL

Elaine Kaup started training for her first half-marathon after having spent one full year battling Stage 3B breast cancer. After all of the tests, shots, surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation, Kaup walked away with the life lesson of slowing down to appreciate the small stuff. Ten years cancer free, this will be her fifth half marathon. She has made it her mission to complete as many First Watch Sarasota Half Marathons as possible proving that “LIFE does indeed go on after cancer and that we are here to beat it and not let it beat us.”

Barbara Miller, pre-diabetic, rheumatoid arthritis, 60-pound weight loss

Age: 61

Residence: Sarasota, FL

Two years ago, Barbara Miller was told by her physician that she was pre-diabetic and needed to take medication. She decided that was unacceptable and became determined to be healthier. She has lost 60 pounds and lowered her blood sugar to an acceptable level. She has also been treated for rheumatoid arthritis for the past 20 years. “What makes this walk/run so special for me is that I will be joined at the start line by my 12-year-old nephew who is my inspiration. He runs for Team Challenge because of his own experience with ulcerative colitis.” Miller is a social worker for Tidewell Hospice – “I know how important it is to take advantage of every day.”

EVENT DETAILS

First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay

Sunday, March 15, 2015

7:00 am start; 9:30 am awards ceremony

Start/finish at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236

COURSE INFO

The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay takes place on one of the most picturesque courses in the country. Participants start in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot, head over the John Ringling Bridge, around St. Armands Circle, back over the bridge and north on Tamiami Trail toward the Ringling Museum of Art before heading south along Sarasota Bay to the finish line, which is also in the Van Wezel parking lot.

WALKER-FRIENDLY EVENT

Truly walker friendly, the course is open for four hours (approximate 18 minute/mile pace) to allow all ages and experience levels to take part in this event.

RACE PERKS

Half marathon and relay finishers are awarded the largest medal in Florida.

Gender-specific 10th anniversary commemorative jacket

Nationally-recognized Giant Dolphin Finisher Medal

Aid stations with Lemon-Lime Gatorade

Medical support

Award-winning post-race gourmet brunch catered by First Watch

Complimentary Michelob ULTRA beer for all participants over the age of 21 (ID required)

Live band at the finish line presented by First Watch

Awards ceremony

Goodie bags

CHARITY

The First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon contributes several thousand dollars to local charities as well as serves as a national platform for individuals and groups to gain exposure for the great causes they represent.

ECONOMIC IMPACT/NON-LOCAL VISITORS

The total economic impact for the 2014 First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon and Relay in Sarasota County was $3,785,786.00, with over 5,500 non-local visitors in attendance. With this year’s participant number surpassing that of 2014, even greater economic impact and non-local visitor numbers are expected.

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers can join the fun by assisting participants pre-race, welcoming and guiding them to the start areas, cheering them on along the course, and celebrating their accomplishments at the finish line and during the post-race festivities. Visit www.sarasotahalfmarathon.com/volunteer for more information.

ABOUT LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC.

As The Healthy Way of Life Company, Life Time Fitness (NYSE:LTM) helps organizations, communities and individuals achieve their total health objectives, athletic aspirations and fitness goals by engaging in their areas of interest — or discovering new passions — both inside and outside of Life Time’s distinctive and large sports, professional fitness, family recreation and spa destinations, most of which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Company’s Healthy Way of Life approach enables members to achieve this by providing the best programs, people and places of uncompromising quality and value. As of March 5, 2015, the Company operates 114 centers under the LIFE TIME FITNESS® and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC® brands in the United States and Canada. Additional information about Life Time centers, programs and services is available at lifetimefitness.com.

ABOUT FIRST WATCH

First Watch specializes in award-winning, made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch. A recipient of more than 200 “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch offers traditional favorites, such as omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and salads, and unique specialty items like the fan-favorite Chickichanga® and Fresh Fruit Crepes. Named one of the 2013 “Next 20” Emerging Brands by Nation’s Restaurant News, a 2014 Top Franchise Value by FSR Magazine and the recipient of the 2014 Menu Masters Award for Best Healthful Innovation for its Quinoa Power Bowl, First Watch is the largest and fastest-growing daytime-only restaurant concept in the U.S. with more than 120 restaurants in 17 states. It also operates 19 restaurants under The Good Egg name in Arizona and one Bread & Company restaurant in Nashville, TN. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.