Today we’d like to introduce you to Jami Iuli.
Hi Jami, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I used to be a teacher and loved it. I left teaching thinking that I was moving. After not moving, I worked at The National Training Center in Clermont, FL. I helped facilitate track meets, running events, and triathlons at the NTC. I also work for IRONMAN Triathlon. I have gained most of my race-directing experience and knowledge in IRONMAN. The foundation of teaching helped me understand timelines and organization. There are so many details and moving parts to producing and racing. My staff is exceptional! They love working with these races, are professionally caring, and truly enjoy producing races. We also have a Boy Scout group that volunteers at all our races and greatly encourages the athletes. There are so many people involved that make our races enjoyable for everyone.
In 2015, The Florida Run was established. It started with our first trail run at Lake Louisa State Park. In 2018, we added another race at Colt Creek State Park. These offer a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distance. In 2021, we added our OVERFLOW race. This is a 4-mile- and 8-mile evening race at Lake Louisa State Park. We are looking at another State Park and would like to add it in 2025. When I first started, I wanted to add a ton of races, but a wise family friend told me to move slowly. Get established, and get the right people in place. It will grow when the time is right. I have taken his advice and am enjoying the process. If it fits, the athletes want it, and we have the right people, we will add it. If not, we will continue to finetune the races we have.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Yes and No. There have been times of intense stress. From day one, I know I can not do this alone. Getting the right crew and finetuning our processes is always a challenge. But it has always worked out. Sometimes, it’s the 11th hour, but so far, the gaps have always been filled. There can be a lot of pivoting; sometimes, it can be as smooth as day. COVID-19 made us pivot. We had to go from an in-person race to a virtual one. Last year, a hurricane turned into a tropical storm that came through central Florida 2 days before our race. But the State Parks have been super supportive, and our marketing team helps get information out to all the athletes.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I explained most of this in the first question. But to further explain. The reason I produce these races is because I love to watch people do what they love or to accomplish something that they never thought was possible. It’s the teacher in me. I always loved watching kids perform something new. The look of amazement was/is such a joy to see.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
As a family, we would always go on summer-long vacations. My dad was a teacher, and my mom was stay-at-home, so we had the summer to travel. Several times, we would travel across the country in our motorhome. My parents were always good at creating vacation traditions. San Felipe, Baja California was the best. We would spend every spring break down there. Camp on the beach with other friends and family and enjoy. We are an active family, so playing or doing something active was always involved.
Pricing:
- Half Marathon – $45 – $102
- 10K – $37 – $90
- 5K – $25 – $62
- 4 Mile – $15 – $59
- 8 Mile – $25 – $79
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thefloridarun.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefloridarun/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefloridarun/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thefloridarun/featured
Image Credits
Kayla Milroy https://kaylabriphoto.com/blog/
