The Caliente Bare Dare 5K, which has attracted runners from an average of 13 states in each of its first three years, will move to a permanent home the first Sunday in May. The next event will be Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.
The race is held just north of Tampa in Land O’Lakes at Caliente Resort, the most upscale clothing-optional resort in North America. The one-loop course takes runners from the Caliente clubhouse through the scenic, well-manicured, 125-acre resort and back. Refreshments and awards are poolside and most runners spend the day at Caliente, which can attract more than 1,000 visitors on sunny weekend afternoons. Entry fee includes access to Caliente for the day.
Also attracting top runners and triathletes from Florida, the USA Track & Field-certified Caliente Bare Dare 5K features a competitive field that has produced course-record times (16:25 male, 19:41 female) comparable to any 5K race. The race again will determine the National Championship of Nude Running. Though running nude is not a requirement for the race, the national champions will be the first nude male and nude female finishers and will receive special awards for their accomplishments.
At a time when race entry fees have escalated rapidly in the endurance sports world, with some events now charging for parking and offering little in terms of free refreshments, the Caliente Bare Dare 5K might be the best value in the industry. The race entry fee also grants runners admission to Caliente for the day, along with post-race refreshments poolside, awards to the top 25 male and top 25 female finishers, and soft, fitted T-shirts uncluttered with sponsor logos on the back. Registration is just $25 through March 24.