What is the Kiwanis Midnight Run, and Is It the Right Race for You?
The Kiwanis Midnight Run is held every July 4th in Dunedin, Florida (virtual options available). In this race report, runner Stephen Todd reviews what to expect from the race course, some of the aspects that surprised him (like gators), and his tips for what gear to bring with you.
What is a race report?
At Team RunRun, we know that working towards a race is a great motivation for running. However, not all running events are created equal. Our athletes report back on their experiences so that you can figure out which race is right for you. Read on for a breakdown of what you can expect from the Kiwanis Midnight Run in Dunedin, FL!
Race: July 4 Kiwanis Midnight Run 10k
Runner: Stephen Todd
Race Date: 7/04/2021
Location: Dunedin, Florida
Results: 1:06:25 unofficial (PR)
What aspects of the Kiwanis Midnight Run did you like the most?
The run over the causeway bridges is beautiful. On top of that, the sea breeze propelled me going in both directions.
Was there anything about the Kiwanis Midnight Run that didn’t work for you?
Because the Honeymoon Island roads (miles 3-4) were partially flooded and too dark to run safely, I didn’t like that part of the course. I also didn’t like that there was no sea breeze, as a secondary reason.
What was the weirdest thing about the Kiwanis Midnight Run?
Hearing gators croaking while running thru Honeymoon Island in the dark was definitely weird. Despite the weirdness factor, it was a great motivator to get moving!
What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I finished well and set a PR! Plus, I conquered obstacles along the way. That gave me confidence for the next race and taught me some valuable lessons.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Kiwanis Midnight Run to help the next runner
Train in the humidity and bring a good light! Pedialyte was a good idea for me pre-race to hydrate well. So I was glad I drank that a couple hours before the race. It was 81 degrees and extremely humid.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
See above. I won’t run at night without a light again!
What is the most important course specific knowledge to know about the Kiwanis Midnight Run?
Don’t burn your energy on running uphill over the several bridges because that will suck the life out of you. In addition to that, be prepared for a very dark and partially flooded road at miles 3-4 (Honeymoon Island).
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Oh yes.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Yes, it was well organized. It was my second post-COVID race, and I just enjoyed being out running with real people.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes, lots of runners kicked my butt.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
No worries there. In addition, there was ample parking at the race site.
Were the aid stations regular and sufficient?
Water stations were sufficient.
What was the weather like?
Hot and humid.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next person running the Kiwanis Midnight Race?
A knuckle light, head lamp or ankle light is a must. (See Team RunRun’s recommendations for starter gear here)
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes.
How’s the Swag?
Kinda lame.
How many stars do you give the Kiwanis Midnight Run, and do you recommend that others run it?
3 stars out of 5. I’ve run this race 3 times (first time in 1987) so it’s kind of sentimental for me. One thing I like is the breeze running over the bridges. All in all, I certainly recommend it as a challenging summertime 10K.