Bloomingdale High Seeks Race Participants, Sponsors

Unlike the event held annually in Pamplona, Spain, there will be no real bulls at Bloomingdale High School's annual Running With the Bulls.

But there will be plenty of Bulls fans on hand to raise funds for Bloomingdale's football program.

Registration is now under way for the annual Runnining With the Bulls 5K race is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 a.m. at Bloomingdale High School, 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico.

Organizers also are seeking sponsors for the event as well as donations of water and other items for the anticipated 100 runners.

A $1,000 sponsorship includes a name of the business or individual on the race T-shirt, an individual banner at the football stadium and recognition in the football program.

A $500 sponsorship includes the name on the T-shirt, recognition on a banner with other sponsors and recognition in the football program.

A $250 sponsorship includes the name on the T-shirt and recognition in the football program.

Sponsors of $100 or less will receive recognition in the football program.

Those interested in a sponsorship can make checks payable to BABA, the Bloomingdale Athletic Booster Club, and mail them to booster parent Pearl Chiarenza at Bodyworks Health & Wellness Center, 605 W. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, FL 33511.

Businesses that wish to make a donation can call 813-449-3308.

For those interested in running, there's a $25 registration fee for adult runner; $15 for kids 9 to 12; and $5 for kids under 9. Fans are invited to be "virtual" runners by making a $20 donation.

Runners can register online.

Both experienced and novice runners are welcome.

Race packets also will be available at the high school, 1700 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, the day before the race.

The first 100 runners will receive a race T-shirt. The top three finishers in each age bracket and the top three overall will receive prizes.