I've been fortunate to winter in southwest Florida for the past seven seasons. It's a treat to run in shorts and a t-shirt, after layering up during frigid winters in the north. If you're lucky enough to get away for a vacation or long weekend, I've got just the ticket: a half-dozen races planned here for early 2005.

* Lovely Naples hosts an outstanding half-marathon, scheduled Sunday, Jan. 23 this year. The course is flat, fast, shady and a loop. A great four- color, long-sleeve t-shirt and free pasta party highlight race weekend. Unique quality medals go to all finishers. While there, stop in for a cold drink at Tommy Bahama's in downtown Olde Naples. For more information, go to web.naplesnews.com/marathon or phone (239) 434- 9786.

* Tampa is setting for a wild and festive race weekend Feb. 5-6. The Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K and 15K Saturday are preludes to Sunday's Bank of America Half-Marathon and Marathon. The expo, at Tampa Convention Center, is not to be missed. The Hyatt Regency is host hotel. Be sure to visit Newk's Lighthouse Cafe on Channelside Drive for a fantastic post-race party. If there's time, drive to nearby Ybor City for a Cuban sandwich. For detailed information, visit www.tampabayrun.com.

* The Edison Festival of Lights 5K is run before 200,000 people waiting for the 2 1/2-hour Edison parade in downtown Ft. Myers. It starts at 5:45 p.m. and you'll finish in time to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. The fast out-and-back course traverses U.S. 41, where you will be cheered by many. Park outside the parade route if you want to leave early, but watch at least some of the fun; it's worth it. The tentative date is Saturday, Feb. 19. Go to www.ftmyers trackclub.com.

* The 19th annual Run for the Turtles 5K takes place March 5 on the hard-packed sand of Siesta Key. The Manasota Track Club-organized race, which draws about 250 runners, starts with a one-mile fun run; the out-and-back 5K follows at 8 a.m. After the race, grab breakfast downtown at the Broken Egg. You might even run into Detroit's Dick Vitale (of ABC and ESPN college basketball fame); don't forget to quiz him about March Madness. Visit www.manasotatrackclub.org.

* Ft. Myers Beach hosts the 20th annual Treasure Run 5K during its Shrimp Festival March 5. The race starts at 9:30 a.m. and follows an out- and-back course that includes the highest point in Lee County, the Matanzas Bridge, which provides a spectacular view of Ft. Myers Beach. Park east of downtown to avoid miles of traffic, unless you plan to stay for the Shrimp Festival and parade. Go to www.ftmyerstrackclub.com or www.fmbchamber.com.

* If you're into triathlons, check out the Escape from Ft. De Soto sprint event (very short legs: 1/3-mile swim, 9-mile bike, 5K run) just south of St. Petersburg Beach. The Escape, tentatively scheduled for April 16, is well organized, fun and a triathlon you can complete without much serious training. The swim, in the Gulf of Mexico, hugs the shore line, so first-timers won't feel intimidated by going far out in the Gulf. The bike course is in the state park, and the run starts by climbing steps of the historic Ft. De Soto, then going out and back alongside the beach. Don't miss the great post-race party. Afterward, take a short drive to the Don CeSar Beach Resort (known as the legendary Pink Hotel) on St. Pete Beach and enjoy their brunch. For more details, visit www.escapefromftdesoto.com.

These well-organized events are fun for entire families. Enjoy the race, and don't forget your sun screen. MR