Race Promoter Challenges Patch Editors to Run Frenchy's 5K, Phinley 10K

Suzanne Henslee is passionate about creating a buzz about health and fitness.

So passionate that she lives by her own community health initiative, inspired by her late husband's battle with cancer. The Dunedin woman once said she'd even be willing to walk door to door to promote that initiative.

Earlier this summer, Henslee threw the health-and-fitness gauntlet down to Patch editors across Tampa Bay, challenging them to run in the Frenchy's Tiki 5K Beer Run And Phinley's Holiday 10K, a race that she helps organize every year.

The popular afternoon race begins and ends on home plate at Bright House Field, home of the Clearwater Threshers. It features a Kid's Fun Zone, a cornhole contest and live music at the after party at Frenchy's Tiki.

Seven Patch editors, including Gulfport Patch Editor Cherlene Willis, and an advertising manager — each with varying degrees of athletic experience — accepted Henslee's challenge to run on Dec. 1.

For some editors, the Frenchy's Tiki 5K will be his or her first race and have been preparing for months. For some other, more seasoned Patch runners, the Phinley's Holiday 10K will be more of a fun way to spend the afternoon. 

Whatever the individual Patcher's experience or reason for running, they each have Henslee to thank for getting a little extra fit this holiday season.

Runners participating from Patch include:

• Jason Bartolone, assistant regional editor for seven north Pinellas Patch sites
• Katie Dolac, Dunedin Patch
• Rachel Jolley, Tarpon Springs Patch
• Jared Leone, Clearwater Patch
• Lauren Lowry, advertising manager for south Pinellas Patch sites
• William Mansell, St. Pete Patch
• Cherlene Willis, Gulfport Patch
• Chris Taylor, regional editor for 23 Tampa Bay-area Patch sites

Wish them luck!