On Saturday, Oct. 25, hundreds of runners will take off down Linebaugh Avenue in a race that brings our community together for a great cause.
The Great West Chase launched in 2002 as a simple 5K in a still-developing neighborhood and has grown to be WOW’s largest fundraising initiative of the year. More than that, the Great West Chase has become a beloved community tradition. And this year, we are excited to support our very own Davidsen Middle School!
Who can take part in the race?
In a word: everyone!
The Great West Chase draws more than 1,000 runners in the event’s three races: a 5K, a 10K and the Kids’ Fun Run. Both the 10K and 5K are chipped, USATF/RRTC nationally certified races and are the perfect opportunity for avid runners to set their sights on a new personal record. We even have a PR bell you can ring to let the crowd know you’ve reached a new goal.
The Great West Chase also offers a supportive atmosphere for families and friend groups looking to walk or run at a slower pace. Our race is stroller-friendly to ensure all can take part.
The Kids Fun Run is the perfect opportunity for young runners to get in on the race and develop a love of running. The Fun Run begins at the intersection of Brompton Drive and northbound Montague Street and proceeds around the West Park Village Plaza.
The Great West Chase also draws scores of residents who simply show up to cheer on the runners and take part in the post-race festivities made possible by our local business sponsors.
The Great West Chase after-party is one of the best around. The community is welcome to join a great post-race party featuring food and drinks from local eateries like MEMO Modern Italian and Vudu Taco, PDQ, Blind Tiger Café, World of Beer/Blend, Carrabba’s, Irish 31, Doodle Noodle Bar, Celsius Fitness Drinks, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Outback Steakhouse and a beer truck from Pepin, staffed by generous volunteers from the Westchase Freebooters Krewe. Additional sponsor booths from local businesses feature fun games and giveaways. Turn to page 7 to see a complete list of sponsors. Plus, Rockatar will once again serve as our race day emcee and DJ. It’s a party you won’t want to miss!
How to take part in the race
There is still plenty of time to register. Online registration is available at www.greatwestchase.com through Oct. 22. Packet pick-up for registered runners will take place Thursday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. at the Westchase Recreation Center located at 9791 Westchase Dr.
Walk-up registration will also be available during packet pick-up and starting on race morning at 5:30 a.m.
On the day of the race, the 10K starts at 7 a.m., the 5K starts at 8 a.m. and the Kids’ Fun Run starts at 9 a.m. Beginning in West Park Village at the intersection of Montague Street and Brompton Drive, the race proceeds west on Linebaugh Avenue before returning and finishing near its start. Once again, to ease traffic concerns, the 10K route will be the same as the 5K route, completed twice. The Kids’ Fun Run stays on the internal Montague Street loop in West Park Village. See page 18 of this issue for a race map.
In the interest of runner safety, all runners will stay in the southern lanes of Linebaugh, and all cars will be diverted into the northern lanes, in order to keep cars and runners separate at all times.
Each runner will receive a fun T-shirt with race mascot “Chase” and a finisher medal. After running, participants can enjoy the post-race party while they wait for the race results.
The Great West Chase awards ceremony will recognize the top two finishers, male and female, in five-year age groups.
Get in the spirit
The Great West Chase always takes place on the Saturday before Halloween and, while not required, costumes are encouraged! WOW staff will be making the rounds with Starbucks gift cards to hand out to participants who show up in costumes. WOW photographers will also be on the lookout for costumed runners to grace next year’s cover, so get those creative juices flowing and see what fun, running-friendly costumes you and your running mates can come up with!
Why we run
Since 2002, The Great West Chase has allowed WOW to donate more than $400,000 to local schools and charitable organizations, with a majority of that going to schools serving a high number of underprivileged children. This year’s recipient is our very own Davidsen Middle School, the performing arts middle school located in the heart of Westchase. Principal Stacy Arena is on a mission to create an outdoor classroom to expand the school’s educational opportunities and your participation in the Great West Chase can help!
Most of all, runners love the Great West Chase because it offers a fun, supportive environment, whether this is your first 5K or your 50th.
Race day parking
It is essential to head out early on race day to allow plenty of time to find parking and get to the start line in plenty of time for your designated race. Beginning at 6 a.m., the entrance to Montague Street on the south side of Linebaugh will be blocked off. The best parking options include the front and back parking lots at Westchase Elementary School, the Westchase Recreation Center and nearby Westchase Early Learning parking lots and the Westchase Town Center parking lot, which is accessible using the entrance to the east of Blind Tiger. When using street parking, please be sure to leave plenty of clearance for through traffic.
Volunteers needed
Multiple volunteers are needed to help make the event a success, from preparing race bags to helping with early morning registration on race day. “This event takes the whole community from start to finish and any group or organization wanting to be a part of it is welcome,” said Event Chair Leslie Blaze.
Volunteers are needed at bag stuffing on Oct. 22 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., packet pick-up on Oct. 23 from 9:00 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-6 p.m., and on race day for various shifts running from 4:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Those looking to volunteer can email billing@westchasewow.com or sign up at https://tinyurl.com/ydbbbhct. This is a great way for high schoolers to earn Bright Futures hours as well.
Whether you are running, walking, cheering or volunteering, the Great West Chase is a fun neighborhood tradition you’ll want to be part of. See you at the race!