DOWNTOWN AND RIVERWALK TOUR – 7K
Runner on the ground - LAURA
We will take off from the Tampa Convention Center and make our way along Tampa’s stunning, and recently renovated, Riverwalk. Lined with palm trees and endlessly gorgeous views of the water, we will jog by many of Tampa’s most commonly sought out attractions, such as the Tampa Theatre, University of Tampa, Amalie Area (for all of you ice hockey fans), Old City Hall, Curtis Hixon Park and many more.
Most of our sight-run will be along the river, as your guide tells you about the history of Tampa, as well as Tampa, today. As the smell of Cuban bread fills the air from the Columbia Café, we will break off from the Riverwalk and head downtown. Running right through the center of bustling downtown, you’ll learn all about Old City Hall and The Tampa Theatre (known as one of the most beautiful theatres in the world, as well as one of the most haunted buildings in the city). We’ll even breeze by the famous Tampa postcard before making our way to the former Tampa Bay Hotel (now University of Tampa), which is by far the most beautiful building in the city and one that is rich with Tampa history.
Along this beautiful sight-run, you won’t be limited to just a list of tourist sights. We will point out the more local spots to go, while giving suggestions for anything else that you might be curious about. And, who knows? You may see dolphins, manatees or maybe even an alligator along the way, so keep your eyes peeled!
Tanya –
I am so pleased I did this run with Laura- it was the best way to see Tampa and discover what a delightful city it is! Laura has a wealth of information and takes some fabulous photos as well 🙂 would highly recommend this !
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Eb –
I had the best time running with Laura on two private tours. She catered both tours to my needs. The tours were informative and had allowances for creativity. She has extensive knowledge of Tampa’s history. Laura should add run photography to her many list of talents as we had so much fun capturing moments with video and photography along the way. Not to mention she knows all the go to eateries as well. On day two I was tired from all the fun we had day one so we walked the majority of the tour. The whole experience was like catching up with a girlfriend I hadn’t seen in a while. 10/10 definitely recommend. I will be booking with Laura every time I return to Tampa.
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Amanda –
I have taken this tour, the mural tour and the haunted tour and they all were awesome! Laura really knows Tampa and it’s history so you get a great learning experience and a fun run!
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Bri Freites –
I’m kind of shy so I was a bit nervous going into this run. Would conversation be awkward? Is my pace too slow? Within minutes I realized my concerns were silly; Laura is super sweet and friendly and immediately made me feel comfortable. I could tell she wanted to hit my expectations by asking if there was anything specific I wanted to see and customized my tour. She was also super knowledgeable and showed me areas I had never seen — and I’ve lived here 20 years! I can’t wait to book one of her upcoming tours (top of list: haunted/ghost tour).
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Braden Bolerjack –
Amazing. Absolutely amazing. I met Laura for the 6:30 DT/Riverwalk tour. Her pace was great, her knowledge top-notch. She is even a great photographer. Highly recommend and look forward to their other options.
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Tracy Sarallo –
I just moved here and wanted to learn about my city, I also just started running again. So this combination was awesome. Laura was very knowledgeable about the city and landmarks to learn about. Before i knew it we ran 4 miles. Laura adjusted to my pace, stopped when needed (my request or a beautiful spot to learn about)! A very enjoyable morning to appreciate the city!! Thanks I look forward to running in other cities near me and learning about those cities too!! Thanks awesep, Tour!
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Antonia Quinn –
I came to Tampa for a conference at the end of March. I met up with Laura at 6am!! It was such a great way to start the day. Laura was an engaging host and very knowledgeable. She was also very encouraging since there were runners of all different abilities. I was able to set a personal distance record since I’m new to running. This just made my week. Definitely take this opportunity when you come to Tampa.
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Laura –
Much appreciation for the super awesome and thoughtful review, Antonia! I had an amazing time running and chatting with you on our first run and I was super impressed especially when you emailed me to tell me about your 4 miler and how you crushed it not long after our tour! Add in the fact that you came back and brought your friend (who actually never ran- and finished a 5k!!!- I still brag about this…) and that makes for a week of awesome running and even better running company! If I’m ever up your way, I’m taking you up on that offer to come out and run with you. Cheers and happy running!
-Laura
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Karron –
I did a 6am tour of downtown Tampa with Laura in March. The meet-up point by the waterfront was easy to find and she was on time. There were 4 of us on the run of differing abilities. I think Laura managed to strike a pace that kept the front runners engaged without leaving the slower runner far behind. Also, pauses were included to check out some interesting sites and probably to ensure that everyone got back together at intervals. It must have been a challenge but Laura managed to pull it off. The city tour commentary was very interesting and engaging, especially the history of the old theatre now protected by the city and the former hotel across the bridge that is now a part of a school/university. We picked up the pace near the end and finished on a high.
Laura was a very pleasant, engaging, knowledgeable guide. I highly recommend her if you are visiting Tampa and want to get a tour with a difference.
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Laura –
Thank you so much for the amazing review, Karron! I had such an awesome time running with you and the rest of the group early that morning and I’m super happy that you had such a great time! You even emailed before this to tell me how much you enjoyed it and it really meant a lot that you took the time to do that AND write a separate review on here. If I ever get the pleasure of visiting Antigua I will have to reach out and maybe you can take me on a run like you mentioned! I’ve read this review a million times, because it makes me so happy and it is just an awesome review (no better way to put it). I’m so glad that you ran with me and I hope to see you back in Tampa one of these days!
Cheers,
Laura
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Jamie –
Did the Downtown and Riverwalk Tour last time I visited Tampa! It was well worth it! We went early to beat the heat – the weather was sunny and perfect with a slight breeze. We were able to take as many drink breaks as I needed and spent the breaks learning about the historic buildings in downtown Tampa! I highly recommend this tour with Laura!
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Laura –
Thank you so much for the amazing review, Jamie! I had such a great time running and talking with you and I could tell that you really enjoyed seeing the old Tampa Bay Hotel, given your civil engineering background. 🙂 You were perfect company and I really enjoyed our conversation along the way! And you’re absolutely right- that weather was fantastic! I’m so happy you enjoyed it and maybe I will see you again back in Tampa soon!
Cheers,
Laura
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