CIGAR CITY – TAMPA THROUGH TIME TOUR – 10K

Starting along the Hillsborough River, in the heart of downtown, we will make our way toward Ybor City. We will leave Amalie Arena and the beautiful Harbor Island views behind as we make our way into the Channelside District. Running through Tampa’s port, we’ll pass by many restaurants and shops, the aquarium and of course, cruise ships. We will even see the American Victory ship (one of only four remaining operational WWII ships), along the way.

When we cross into Ybor, you’ll immediately feel like you’re running taken back in time. The buildings and signs that stand here now are the same ones that stood over a century ago when Ybor was first coming to life. Mostly an entertainment and somewhat residential district now, Ybor is still very much like it was when Martinez was first making Ybor into the Cigar Capital of the world (at the time). We will tell you everything from how it came to be called Ybor to the role this little cigar neighborhood played in making Tampa what it is today. We will also tell you the best places to grab a Cuban Sandwich or maybe a nice hand-rolled cigar (they still have plenty of those), because Ybor is all about a good time!

As we depart Ybor and return downtown, we’ll make one last stop at Jose Marti Park- land that is still Cuban owned, yet sits right here in Tampa. We will then run downtown, being first greeted by Perry Harvey Sr Park. Coming into downtown from this direction also allows for a more urban feel and comes with more opportunities to pass more local spots. Running throughout downtown will allow for tons of different views for photos, while also seeing all of the sights, like the haunted Tampa Theatre or the beautifully designed Sacred Heart Church.

The tour will wind down with a relaxing jog down the Riverwalk back to where we first met. Still learning about the city, you’ll pass by stunning views of the University of Tampa, and of the skyline, itself. We can even run up on the Platt Street Bridge before we finish to grab some really great skyline views for photos! If you want a tour with all the history of Tampa and Ybor, a really great workout and lots of local knowledge, this is the tour for you!