FishHawk Road Race Enters 14th Year

It’s time to put on your tennis shoes, stretch those muscles, and get ready to run for a great cause. The 14th Annual FishHawk Ranch Road Race, which benefits community schools, is scheduled for Saturday Feb. 5.

The annual race consists of three races allowing for runners of all levels. A 5K and 10K timed race will commence from Park Square at 8 a.m. and a kids race will begin at 9:30am.

“There are two kids races – one for the very little ones that is about fourth mile, and another for the older children which is 1 mile. All participants receive a medal at the finish line,” Lynda McMorrow, the Newland Communities marketing coordinator, stated.

Proceeds from the race benefit the six area schools -- Bevis Elementary, FishHawk Creek Elementary, Stowers Elementary, Barrington Middle School, Randall Middle School and Newsome High School.

“Last year each school received a check for over $2,500. In addition to the schools, the FishHawk Road Runners Club is given $1,000 that they put toward a scholarship. We would love to give the schools that amount again this year,” said McMorrow.

A DJ will be playing music during the race and sponsors will have booths set up to promote their businesses. Many of the sponsors have been part of this event for several years, including Beef O’Brady’s, Chick-fil-A, Sweetbay Supermarket, Jet's Pizza, Outback Steakhouse, Boston Beer Co. and Aquatic Systems, according to McMorrow.

Winners will be recognized at a post-race party. Raffle prizes will be drawn during this time and food and drink will be provided for all race participants.

Last year more than 800 runners participated with another 200 onlookers attending. McMorrow hopes to surpass that this year.

“The race is a great community event which draws a wide variety of participants –from the competitive runners who enjoy the challenging course  to the families and teachers who have made it a tradition to participate in the race together each year. We invite everyone to come to Park Square and join in the fun,” she said.

Shannon Rapp participated in the race last year and says that both her and her husband loved running the race.

"We ran that race several years in a row and each year what we loved most of all was walking to the race, spending the morning with friends and fellow neighbors and then the festivities afterward.  It is such a great healthy way to enjoy your community," she said.

Race participants have until the day before the race to sign up and pay the $25 fee. Registration can be done online on the FishHawk community Website at www.fishhawkconnect.com or by mailing or dropping the completed registration form to FishHawk Ranch Road Race, 16144 Churchview Drive, Suite 113, Lithia, FL 33547. The registration is $30 if signing up on the day of the race. The entry fee for the Kid’s Race is $15.

Additional information on the race can be found on the community Website or by calling 813-685-7500.

Volunteers are still needed for the event. “We need volunteers to start at 6 a.m. to help with setting up tables, handing out water, water stations, clean up, etc,” stated McMorrow.

Anyone interested in volunteering can e-mail McMorrow at lmcmorrow@newlandco.com.