'Best Damn Race' Draws Thousands of Runners To Safety Harbor

The first annual Best Damn Race took place on Saturday in and around the streets of downtown Safety Harbor, and by most accounts, the event billed as "for runners, by runners" was considered a success.

Thousands of runners from all over the Tampa Bay area and beyond flooded the city over the weekend to participate in one of the three road races and engage in the pre- and post-race festivities put on by event organizer Nick Zivolich.

And although there were some snafus regarding the results, most everyone we spoke to was pleased with the results.

"I just moved here from Ohio so I'm trying to run some different races than I'm used to," said Meghan Mattson of St. Pete, who finished 3rd in her division in the 10K.

"I thought this event was very nice, very well run."

Woodley St. Juste, a Tampa resident who has run numerous road races over the years, had the distinction of finishing last in the half marathon.

But rather than being upset with his performance, St. Juste praised the course and the event.

"I was doing this to get ready for the Gasparilla race, and I got here an hour late" he said. "But the event was really good and the course was nice."

"I'll definitely come back if they have it again."

Zivolich believes the event was a success just based on the number of people it brought to the area.

"I'm hoping the community felt an impact from the amount of people we brought to the city," Zivolich said of the 3,027 registered applicants, 2,500 of which crossed the finish line.

"I want to thank the cities of Safety Harbor and Clearwater for allowing me to host the event," he added. "And I owe special thanks to Joe Cooper and (Pinellas County Sheriffs) Deputies Fisher and Skipper for being such vital cogs in pulling the whole thing off."

Zivolich did acknowledge the issues with the final results, saying he promises to deliver every medal and award to each winner who didn't receive them.

"Unfortunately accidents happen when dealing with data," he said.

"But we emailed all the first, second and third places finishers in the 10k and half marathon, and I will make sure anyone who didn't get their medal or award will have them whether I have to hand deliver them myself."

After he wraps up post race duties this week, Zivolich said he will start concentrating on Best Damn Race 2014, which he hopes to hold in Safety Harbor again.

"This was a terrific course and a great venue."

"Nothing can be perfect," he added. "But overall this was a huge success."

So Harborites, what did you think of the event? Do you feel the city received an impact from the Best Damn Race? Would you want to see it held here again next year? Let us know in the comments below.