Amazing FISH 10K/5K Age Group Awards

The FISH OF SANCAP annual 10K/5K takes place this weekend on Sat. Dec. 2 beginning at 7:30am. FISH reports nearly 450 registered runners and expects to reach their goal of 500 runners by race morning. 

In addition to the new 5K, added this year, FISH reports amazing age group awards that are sure to become collector’s items. “We couldn’t think of a better way to honor our community and what our islands stand for with these beautiful, hand-crafted awards,” says Diane Cortese, race co-chair.

Age group awards were designed and assembled by locals Rachel Pierce and Rachel Tritaik. A group of race volunteers, including runners from Platinum Sponsor Sanibel Spoonbills Run Crew, spent several days finalizing the age group awards. Says Rachel Tritaik, “All the shells used for the age group awards medals were found on Sanibel beaches, and donated by the Sanibel Community House. They were then cleaned, painted, drilled, strung and decoupaged with Rachel Pierce’s exclusive lighthouse design by a dedicated group of volunteers!  I am so thrilled with how they look, and happy to help with the FISH Race this year, as my clinic, Island Therapy Center, has sponsored every race since its inception in 2009.”

Rachel Pierce, artist/owner of Rachel Pierce Art Gallery adores the awards and enjoyed the experience with fellow islanders. “’I love everything FISH does for this island. I’m honored they asked me to help out in this small way by creating the Lighthouse image for the race age group ‘medal’. I hope all the runners enjoy the race and award,” says Pierce.

FISH encourages those that have already signed up to pick up their race packets ahead of the event. Packet pickup is available at the following locations — Adventures in Paradise on Nov. 30 from 5:00-7:00pm. Adventures in Paradise is located in the Tahitian Plaza, 2019 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957; Sanibel Recreation Center Dec. 1, 2023 from 8:00am to 11:00am. The Recreation Center is located at 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957; Fleet Feet Bell Tower Shops Dec. 1, 2023 from 1:00pm to 6:30pm.  Fleet Feet Bell Tower is located at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave Unit 209 Fort Myers FL. Packets can also be picked up at the race site on the morning of the run, Saturday, Dec. 2, starting at 6:30am to 7:15am at the Sanibel Community House.

Support for the Dec. 2 events is critical to support FISH OF SANCAP, the nonprofit social services organization who continues to serve the residents and workforce of the islands. For additional information on the 10K/5K Race including sponsorship, please contact Diane Cortese at Dianerc10@gmail.com or Leah Winkler at leahwinkler12@gmail.com

For additional information on FISH long term recovery services and other programs, please contact Maria Espinoza, Executive Director at 239-472-4775 or visit their website at www.fishofsancap.org.