RAP River Run Races Into Pasco This Weekend

There's still time to sign up for the fourth annual RAP River Run in New Port Richey and raise money for the Runaway Alternatives Project (RAP) House, which provides shelter to youths aged 10 to 17.

The run begins Saturday morning.

Registrations can be made at , 18855 State Road 54, Lutz, between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, or at Sims Park in New Port Richey from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10. It is also possible to register on the day of the race, between 6:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. at Sims Park, Bank Street and Grand Boulevard.

The event was started help raise money for the shelter that would not typically be available through state and federal funds, James Simms is the development director for Youth and Family Alternatives Inc., which runs the RAP House  The first race took place in June 2008.

Planners were told  they would be “lucky to get 75 runners” that first year, Simms said. They got 450.

The RAP House is open to children and teenagers who are homeless or runaways, as well those needing emergency shelter due to abuse or neglect.

“RAP House is the only shelter for runaway teens in Pasco County and offers a safe, clean environment, 24 hour supervision, and professional counseling services,” Simms said.

This year there will be a pre-race event taking place on Friday night with 80s retro and classic rock band Suburban Struggle playing in Sims Park. The food and entertainment are being provided by Sand Soldiers of America, an organization that supports the younger military veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq.  

The race has two courses for runner and walkers, a 5K route and a shorter one mile route. The 5k route takes participants along the Pithlachascotee River with the finish line located in Sims Park. This year’s shorter race has seen some changes, according to Simms. 

There will be several vendors in attendance on race day with food and drinks available before and after the race. Several local restaurants are getting involved as well as some local fitness organizations such as Suncoast Running and Fit Niche. There will also be free massages courtesy of Unger Chiropractic Clinic.

“Beef O’Brady’s is sending cookies. Sonny’s is bringing pulled pork sandwiches. We even have coffee available from Starbucks for those folks who don’t usually wake up this early on a Saturday,” said Simms.

The results of the run will be announced immediately after the event with awards going to the winners in nine different age categories. There is also Mid-Packer Award for the person who finishes exactly in the middle of all the participants. Everyone who completes the course will receive a medal along with a goodie bag provided by Best Buy.

Race Starting Times :
1 Mile: 7:30 a.m.

5K: 8 a.m.

Further details, as well as the registrations forms can be found at www.rapriverrun.com.