Tampa Black History Running Tour

Join us for this one time only run through the streets of downtown Tampa, kicking off in Curtis Hixon Park, where runners will get the opportunity to stop at several historic locations where their guide will tell them all about Tampa's incredible history - and specifically for this event, Tampa's black history. Joggers will learn about Central Avenue - once known as the Harlem of the South, where top notch performers like Ray Charles, James, Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and many more performed - Ray Charles and James Brown actually got started right here on Central Avenue - also home of 'The Twist', as it discovered here during the Chitlin' Circuit.

Other exciting locations for runners will be the Fortune Taylor Bridge, Julian B Lane Park, the former 5 & Dime District where the Woolworth Sit-In took place, Oaklawn Cemetery, St Paul AME and of course, the Jackson House. The Jackson Rooming House is not as picturesque as it once was, which your guide will speak on, but the history in those walls runs deep with so many talented men and women in history came through those doors and several stayed there, as it was one of the only places that you could stay at that time in Tampa if you were black. 

Lastly runners will learn about additional figures in history, even if they do not specifically fall along the route. One of those characters in Ann Lowe - most notably known for designing Jackie Kennedy's wedding gown as well as for dressing the entire bridal party. Tampa has some of the most diverse and fascinating history in the world and this is no exception. This tour could be a marathon if we had the time, but we've chosen to give you 4 miles of the best black history in downtown Tampa to allow for all running/jogging paces. No speeding on this tour - it'll be nice and easy like the smooth blues and jazz that was once heard every weekend, down on happenin' Central Avenue!