The change in the weather always means that it’s finally the perfect season to go for a run, and there’s no better way to do that than in participating, and training for the upcoming Live Ultimate event on Dec. 15 right here on Miami Beach.
This event, now also held in Los Angeles and San Francisco, has it’s roots here, when Miami Beach resident Marc Wachter established it as the “Ocean Beach Run” as a way to bring his friends together a fun run.
Last year, the Live Ultimate event attracted some 2,000 people, and this year, at least 3,000, and perhaps even 4,000 are expected, says Brian Huberty, the event’s chief running officer.
A key to Live Ultimate’s popularity is variety. The traditional 5K walk/run, which takes runners along Ocean Drive, remains the cornerstone of the event. But this year, a quarter marathon, has been added, Huberty and Geoff Bagshaw, Equinox’s area group fitness manager for Florida, will lead them. They will be held which takes runners by the Miami Beach Golf Course. In addition, there’s also an opportunity for teams to participate, and even a Kid’s Dash for children ages two to 10. The day will also include a festive postevent party at Nikki Beach, where trophies and ribbons will be awarded.
“South Florida is saturated with marathons and 5K’s, so we added the quarter marathon as an exciting new distance that incorporates a 5K and a 10K as well,” says Hubert. Live Ultimate is the first running event in South Florida to hold a quarter marathon, and is probably among the first in the state as well, he noted.
Also, just the word “marathon” connotes prestige and will provide participants with bragging rights around the water cooler on Monday morning, he noted. It’s also a great way to get ready for the Miami ING marathon and half-marathon on Jan. 27, 2013.
Live Ultimate is also a fundraiser, and will benefit charities including the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, a national initiative to end child hunger by 2015.
But it’s not only the run that gives you the opportunity to get fit; Live Ultimate’s sponsoring partner, Equinox, is holding two free training sessions prior to the event, on Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Huberty and Equinox Group Fitness Manager Geoff Bagshaw will lead the training sessions, along with two female running experts. For more information, call Equinox at 305-673-1172 or visit Live Ultimate’s website or Facebook page.
