Poker Run
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Poker Run 5K
The Poker Run 5K is a timed 5K held at Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park in North Port. Proceeds after expenses go to the Imagine North Port Cross Country Sharks boosters account. The event charges a registration fee of $25.
The format is Texas Holdem style. Each participant who plays poker collects two hole cards at a table midcourse where water is also provided. Three community cards are dealt face up on the table. Runners reveal their hole cards after finishing and form the best five card poker hand using any combination of the hole cards and community cards. Straights beat flushes in this event. If players share the same best hand, the fastest runner wins the hand or the pot is divided equally if appropriate. Participants must be 21 or older to play poker. Runners do not need prior poker experience to participate.
Prizes for poker hands include a $100 gift card and a medal for the highest hand and a $75 gift card and a medal for the worst hand. In person awards for 5K finishers are presented after the last runner to top male and female in Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Master, and Veterans categories. Age group awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in these groups: under 12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85 plus.
Early packet pickup is available on the days before the race and race day packet pickup is available the morning of the event. Food and beverages on site include breakfast and coffee provided by Los Dos Christianos, hot dogs at the finish, and chip and snack bars. Parking is available inside the park by following the dirt road toward the big pavilion; participants are asked not to park on the residential side of Reisterstown Road or Estates Drive. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
