Run For a Good Cause in Saturday’s 10K Race 4 FISH

provided to Santiva Chronicle

The 10K Race 4 FISH has been drawing hundreds of runners from across the world to Sanibel Island for the past decade – all running for a good cause. Sanibel’s only foot race, and one of the few 10K runs in Lee County, raises funds for the non-profit organization F.I.S.H. of SANCAP, which provides much-needed services to those who live, work or visit the islands.

Race day, like FISH of SANCAP, requires several volunteers to be successful. Last year, there were more than 100 volunteers on race day, as well as support from the Sanibel police and fire departments. Volunteers are mostly from service organizations with others from island churches and businesses.

Runners will take their mark at the start line at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Sanibel Community House, where the race will finish. The Fort Myers Trace Club has been designing the course in cooperation with the City of Sanibel since the 10K Race 4 FISH began. The closed-circuit course includes a right turn within the first mile to Casa Ybel and a turn-around at the Island Inn Road with a mile-and-a-half remaining.

While runners have called it a mentally-challenging course, many solo runners and teams return each year. Runners receive a t-shirt, a dri-fit in men and women sizes, featuring the logo by local cartoonist Dave Horton, as well as a medallion and goody bag. Those who place in the top three of their age group receive an award during a ceremony following the race.

In its 11th year, the 10K Race will feature an inaugural kid’s run for those who are 10 years and younger, next door at the Sanibel Community Park. It’s free of charge, but registration is required. Register for the adult race or the kid’s run at ftmyerstrackclub.com or at fishofsancap.org. Cost for the adult run is $45 until Oct. 25, then $50 on race day.

While runners and volunteers are essential to the race, it is the broad-based support of more than 70 Sanibel-Captiva sponsors who also play a vital role in making race day possible.