SMH to celebrate spring with its first SpringFit 5K and Kids Fun Run

Events will be followed by an Easter Egg Hunt outside HealthFit

HealthFit is off Clark Road in Sarasota. Photo from the SMH HealthFit website
HealthFit is off Clark Road in Sarasota. Photo from the SMH HealthFit website

Runners and walkers of all ages are encouraged to lace up their shoes and put healthy springs in their steps during Sarasota Memorial HealthFit’s inaugural 5K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, March 26, Sarasota Memorial HealthFit has announced.

The SpringFit 5K and 1-Mile Kids Fun Run will start and finish at Sarasota Memorial’s HealthFit fitness center, located at 5880 Rand Blvd., about a half-mile west of Interstate 75, off Clark Road in Sarasota, a news release says. Awards will be presented in various age categories, and custom SpringFit race medals will be given to all 5K finishers, the release notes. Each registrant also will receive a Dry-Fit Tech race shirt, the release adds.

The family-oriented event is designed for children and adults of all ages, the release points out.

After the 5K race — during which walkers also will be welcome — and the 1-Mile Kids Fun Run, participants and community residents are invited to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt outside HealthFit, “where children can enjoy a visit with the Easter Bunny and search for 1,000 eggs in exchange for prizes,” the release continues. Several “golden” eggs may be found, which can be exchanged for free HealthFit summer camp days, the release points out. The event also will feature a DJ and music, food and drinks, and health education displays.

“With the spring season upon us, we wanted to do something that was healthy and fun for the whole family,” said Kayla Frimmel, HealthFit operations lead, who is coordinating the event.

The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 1-mile Kids Fun Run at 8:30 a.m. Registration ($25) is available the day of the event starting at 7 a.m., or it can be completed in advance at smhfit.com/SpringFit5K. The Fun Run is free for children ages 10 and under, the release says. A participant also may pick up a registration packet at Fit 2 Run in downtown Sarasota on March 24 or at HealthFit on March 25.

So far, more than 440 participants have registered, the release adds. Proceeds will benefit Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation Inc., “an independent nonprofit organization that supports quality healthcare initiatives at Sarasota Memorial” and in the greater Sarasota community, the release notes.