Santa Speedo Run Moved to Ybor

Why wear a Speedo in December? For the fun run silly! The annual Santa Speedo Run is not only a fundraiser for a good cause but a celebration of the classic swim brief.

The 1-mile Santa Speedo run began in December 2010 in Gulfport with a handful of runners in less than ideal Florida weather.

Last year, the event lured 130 participants and many more onlookers. Organizers shattered their fundraising goal and collected more than $30,000 for ASAP.

While many Gulfport residents look forward to the annual run, organizers have made the difficult decision to move the fun run to a larger venue.

This year's event will be held at Centennial Park in Ybor on Sunday, Dec. 9. with registration at 1 p.m and the run at 2 p.m. The Tampa Bay Committee shared their reasons in a newsletter sent out to participants from last year's event.

"Moving to Tampa was a tough decision for us. We will always be greatful to the City of Gulfport for its support of ASAP and our mission of education, prevention and outstanding service to members of our community by providing us a starting point for Santa Speedo Run for the first two years.  After careful consideration of participants' remarks last year, however, it was clear that for this event to sustain, grow and continue to fund ASAP and our children's program, we needed to have a location that could host more runners with better parking and provide a 1 mile route that starts and stops at the same location."

People are encouraged to register online now. The fee is $30 and includes a t-shirt and finishers medal.

Wondering what to expect? Check our our photos from last year's event attached to this article!

About ASAP and Brighter Seasons For Children

The fun run helps raise money for the Brighter Seasons For Children, a program within AIDS Service Association of Pinellas Inc. (ASAP).

Brighter Seasons For Children helps provide holiday food packages, gifts for children, backpacks for school and school supplies and more for families and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS living in Pinellas County.

The yearly run is a unique way to build awareness of the many children in our area infected or affected by HIV/AIDS.