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Village Runners Will Take Scenic Route

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By ELIZABETH LEE BROWN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 23, 2008

CARROLLWOOD - A 3.1-mile footrace that lets runners scamper through woods, around ponds and behind homes is returning to Carrollwood Village.

The annual Tour de Village 2008 competition, planned for March 15, is expected to attract 350 runners and walkers - the highest turnout since the contest started in 2003.

The run takes participants twice around a scenic loop that traverses Carrollwood Village.

It is one of three major community events within Carrollwood Village. The other two are a kids' day in May and Village Fest in November.

The 5-kilometer run started five years ago because organizers wanted to host an annual community event and thought a road race would appeal to the numerous runners and walkers who exercise on Carrollwood Village roads.

"It was in the concept of doing three annual events within Carrollwood Village, and we thought one of them had to be for the sports-minded residents," said event organizer Maria Hochwarth-Alvarez.

Last year's competition had 280 participants. Most participants competed in the 3.1-mile portion.

The course is one of the few mapped out entirely on grass.
Runners and walkers start at Carrollwood Village Millennium Garden at West and South Village drives.

For the third year, part of the proceeds will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The charity received $1,500 last year, and organizers hope to surpass that amount.

The nonprofit group's Team in Training program helps train runners for marathons and half-marathons while raising money for cancer research.

The remaining profit will fund future events, Hochwarth-Alvarez said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: A 5-kilometer run and 1-mile fun walk through Carrollwood Village

WHEN: 8:30 a.m. March 15

WHERE: Carrollwood Village Millennium Garden, 4535 W. Village Drive

COST: $15 for adults and $5 for ages 6 to 12 for the run; $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6 to 12 for the fun walk

REGISTRATION: Download an entry form at www .carrollwoodvillage.com and mail it in by March 7.

Reporter Elizabeth Lee Brown can be reached at (813) 865-1502 or ebrown@tampatrib.com.

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