How do you look at Tampa? Better yet, from which vantage points have you SEEN the Big Guava? From your car navigating the city streets? From the water via the Pirate Water Taxi or paddleboarding? Laura Bradley is betting you haven't seen it the way she often views it - via a sight running tour.
"One morning, I was sitting up at 2 a.m. to figure out what I loved. And it was running. It was the first thing I did when I traveled. That's how I explored a city."
And just like that, a vacation became a new career path for Bradley, who signed up with Go! Running Tours in Copenhagen. The company, which launched in 2014 in Denmark and Spain, operates in 50 cities on six continents and Bradley, who is the city manager, runs (no pun intended) Florida's first and only sight running company.
"When I take people on tours, it's a pleasant surprise how happy they are and how much they enjoy it. At the end of the day, they just don't respond - people love it!"
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Dispensing Tampa historical tidbits along the way and allowing runners to take pictures, Bradley has four routes, all launching from the Tampa Convention Center: the Hidden Brewery 5K through Tampa Heights that includes a beer stop at the end, the Downtown and Riverwalk 7K, and a pair of 10K runs. The Cigar City - Tampa Through Time in Ybor City and the Island Hopper, covering Davis and Harbour Islands.
"It's my life now. It became something I had to do. Running helps me organize my thoughts, get focused and feel good for the day. I have big goals for the company and the Bay Area, but first, want to get Tampa up to speed. But you won't catch me in the background. I want to be running also."
For more information or to plan your running adventure, check out Go! Running Tours in Tampa to connect with Laura Bradley.
And for more fit and fun things to do in Tampa, check out 813area. Your local guide to your favorite city!
Photo courtesy Go! Running Tours
