Runners Sought for 3rd Annual Zach Tucker Memorial Run

Runners of all ages and abilities are encouraged to don their most outrageous Halloween costumes and participate in the third annual Make Them Smile...Give Them Hope Zach Tucker Memorial 5K Run Saturday, Oct. 27, starting at 8 a.m.

The events, which will include a 5K run and a 1-mile fun run, will begin at Lithia Springs Elementary School, 4332 Lynx Paw Trail in Valrico, and take runners through the River Hills community.

The race is open all levels of participants from the serious runner to casual walkers. An estimated 500 individuals are expected to participate this year.

Florida Road Race Management will provide timing chips for the competitive participants. The top male and female winners of the 5k will receive a trophy and prize. The top three finishers of age groups will be announced and recognized for the 5K during the after-race party celebration. There also will be an award for most creative costume.

Businesses, schools and churches are encouraged to bring a team to compete for the Zach Tucker Spirit Award. The team with the most registered participants and raised funds will receive special recognition.

To help the foundation reach its $20,000 fundraising goal, there will be a 10 for $10 Challenge. Participants can simply download the 10 for $10 challenge form from the event website and ask 10 friends, family members or neighbors to donate $10 for the event. All donated funds can be turned in the day of the event and the individual raising the most funds will receive recognition.

The foundation also is seeking race sponsors. Sponsorship levels are $5,000 to be a Title Sponsor, $2,500 to be a Presenting Sponsor, $1,000 to be a Gold Sponsor and $500 to be a Bronze Sponsor.

Entry fees for the memorial run are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. Visit the Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation's website or contact Sherry Tucker at 813-685-6773 to register.

All money raised from the race will go to the Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families battling cancer.

The foundation was started by River Hills residents Dirk and Sherry Tucker following the 2006 death of their son, Zach, age 8, due to a brain tumor. Devastated by their son's death, the couple decided to transform their grief to hope by helping other families struggling with cancer.

Giving Hope Through Faith Foundation provides at least $100 in grocery, gas or discount store gift cards once a month for a year to Tampa Bay-area families that have a member undergoing treatment for cancer.

Funds for the foundation are raised through the annual Zach Tucker Golf Scramble, now in its seventh year, the Zach Tucker Memorial Soccer Scrimmage and the Zach Tucker Memorial 5K as well as other fundraisers.

KC and Michele Van Der Luit also are looking for participants for the fourth annual Zach Tucker Memorial Scrimmage to take place Sept. 22-23 at J.C. Handly Fields on Kings Avenue in Brandon. The scrimmage is open to boys and girls teams in the U-8 to U-14 age groups. The cost is $250 per team for three games.

Contact the Van Der Luits at 813-817-3034.