The 2023 Great West Chase will kick off on Sat, Oct. 28, with the 10K at 7 a.m., the 5K at 8 a.m. and the Kids’ Fun Run at 9 a.m.
Registration is now open at TheGreatWestChase.com.
Online registration continues through Oct. 25. Packet pick-up for registered runners will take place Thursday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-7 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, runners will set off from 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.
New this year: In the interest of runner safety, WOW’s event coordinators worked closely with Hillsborough County officials to make some slight adjustments to the race route. This year, 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 join a great post-race party featuring Catch 23, PDQ, Blind Tiger Café, World of Beer/Blend, Carrabba’s, Irish 31, Doodle Noodle Bar, Celsius Fitness Drinks, Whit’s Frozen Custard and a beer truck from Pepin, staffed by generous volunteers from the Westchase Freebooters Krewe.
Why we run
Since 2002, the event has allowed WOW to make $351,500 in charitable donations with a majority of that going to schools serving a high number of underprivileged children. This year, all proceeds from the race will go to Bellamy Elementary, a nearby elementary school where 85 percent of the students are economically disadvantaged, will be the recipient of this year’s race proceeds. Principal Michele Toscani is on a mission to create a much-needed food pantry for her students and their families, and your participation in the Great West Chase can help!
Of course, our race would not be possible without our generous volunteers. Click here to see open volunteer spots.
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!
