Photos: Because It Happened! Daytona 5k: Daytona International Speedway, January 26, on Rolex 24 Weekend

January 27, 2019: Before the drivers started their engines at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, January 26, 2019, a different announcer called for runners to start their engines at the Daytona 5k on the backstretch of the famed track. Around 1400 hearty types braved windy 48°weather ahead of a 7am start time for a chance to step foot on the track and experience those treacherous 30° banked turns on foot.  Clothing options ran the gamut: tank tops and shorts for either the serious runners, or those who just wanted to defy Mother Nature, or those who just didn't look at the forecast (I couldn't tell), to sweatpants and jackets, to yoga pants, headbands, gloves, and knit hats. 

Just before the start of the run, in the pre-sunrise darkness, there were only a few minutes left to try to warm up those quads, hamstrings and calves (video). 

If You Drink It, You Can Help Them Build It: Daytona Tortugas Beerfest to Benefit Miracle League of Volusia County

It gives new meaning to "take me out to the ball game."  The Daytona Tortugas, the "Advanced A Affiliate" of the Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball team, is holding a beerfest Saturday, June 4, from 4-7pm along the Riverwalk at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach to benefit The Miracle League of Volusia County. 

The fest, featuring around 20 local and national breweries, will also include raffle items from local businesses. It's a picturesque setting for a beerfest, along the Halifax River in front of the ballpark, affectionately known as "The Jack."  On a couple of trips to Daytona, I visited the park for the first time and also spoke with Rick Spraggins, the President of the Volusia County Chapter of The Miracle League.