Canes Cross Country Classic 5K & 1K

29th Annual Canes Cross Country Classic 5K and 1K

This year marks the 29th Annual Canes Cross Country Classic 5K & 1K. This is Manatee County's oldest foot race. The Canes Classic began as a fundraiser for the Manatee High School cross country team back in 1993. It continues to be our team's only fundraiser. The money we raise from this event funds our entire cross country season. What does that mean? We pay for our own meet entry fees which range from $200-$300 per meet. If we cannot pay for entry fees or transportation, we cannot compete in the required meets during the season to be eligible to compete in the state series. We have not purchased new uniforms since 2009. Each year we also like to purchase team items that make us look like a team, including team t-shirts, bags, water bottles, and socks. Again, for all these items that we purchase, we must raise all the money. At the end of the season, we like to award MVP, Coaches Award, Team Spirit, and Most Improved. These awards come out of the money we raise.

When you register for, donate to, and sponsor the Canes Cross Country Classic, you not only receive a very cool and unique event shirt and all the amenities of a top quality event, you support a team that is self funded. We are frugal with our expenditures and proud that we do raise all our own money to fund our season every year. Last year we faced a unique and very difficult challenge with COVID-19 and were not able to raise much money for our team so we start this year at a deficit.  The minimum we must raise this year is $3300 which is $1800 for our meet entry fees and $1500 for new uniforms.  

This year we are asking you to register and participate and also encourage as many people as you know to do the same.  We also accept donations on our donations link and are in need of sponsors of our event.  Please share our event with family, friends, and co-workers via email and social media. 

ON RACE DAY:

Packet pick up is race morning at the GT Bray amphitheater starting at 6:45 a.m. and ending at 7:50 a.m. for the 5K as the 5K starts at 8:00 a.m. and the starting line is a quarter mile away.  Packet pick up for the 1K will continue until 9:00 a.m. with the race starting at 9:15 a.m.

We will offer race day registration but we cannot accept credit cards so it will be exact change cash or check only. 5K is $50 and 1K is $20. If you wish to pay by credit card on race morning, we will have to reopen registration on here and you will have to do it on your phone.

Results will be emailed to you and posted online.  Awards will be mailed/delivered to you.  There will NOT be an awards ceremony after the race as we do not want runners congregating after finishing the race due to COVID-19.  Once you finish and pick up your bottle of water and snacks, please head out for your warm up or to your car. .

Awards:  female and male overall, masters, grand masters, senior grand masters, veteran grand masters, and first through third in age groups 9 & under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ will be awarded.  The complete results will be posted on http://www.CanesClassic.com and also submitted to the Bradenton Runners Club for scoring in their 2021 racing series.

  Click here for the 5K course map.

PARKING: Park at any of the GT Bray lots. The main road into GT Bray from 59th St W will close at 7:45 a.m. You may still park but you will not be allowed to drive through to the 51st St W side. You may also park at Colonial Baptist Church. The parking lot at 2900 51st St W will fill up early and anyone parked there will not be allowed to leave until after 9:15 a.m.

Canes Classic Strava Club:  https://www.strava.com/clubs/canesclassic  Join us on Strava!

We thank you for your support.  Your registration this year will help our team tremendously.  Remember that donations and sponsorships are tax deductible. Please register today and invite your friends and family to join you. 

We are Manatee County's oldest running tradition!

Your entry fees, donations, and sponsorship will help us achieve our goals to have a successful cross country season and make it to the State Finals as a team.  We thank you for your support.  Please share our race page on your social media and with family and friends.  Thank you.

Tag us on Social:  please share photos as you train and especially on race day and be sure to tag us and use our hashtag  #canesclassic  https://twitter.com/canesclassic  https://www.facebook.com/canesclassic