FISH OF SANCAP Welcomes Rec Center Instructor Maura Doherty for 10K/5K Race Warmup

The FISH OF SANCAP 10K/5K Race Committee is pleased to welcome Sanibel Recreation Center Instructor Maura Doherty to lead the runners’ warm-up on race day, Dec. 2, 2023.  

According the Runner’s World, ‘the warm up is vital in preventing injuries and assuring optimal race day performance.’[i] “We want everyone to be as prepared as possible to do their very best at our race,” says Leah Winkler, race co-chair. “Maura is an amazing instructor and athlete who will provide a thorough warm up for our runners.” The race warm-up will take place approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of the 10K.

Maura Doherty is an energetic, seasoned,  A.C.E. certified group fitness instructor with a strong background in indoor cycling, yoga, strength and barre instruction. She has been in the industry for over 25 years, where she has taught several other fitness modalities.  Maura truly embraces the mantra to “always being a student” by seeking out feedback from her colleagues and mentors, serving as the lead instructor at several barre studios, and continuing her education in the health and wellness field.  Her teaching style is casual, informative and playful. She is an athlete, wife, mom, travel enthusiast, avid reader and a ‘Sanibel for Lifer’!

Says Doherty, “Anytime we can encourage fitness with the outdoors and pair that experience with a charitable cause, is a magic moment for our special island.  In keeping with the goal of FISH to enrich the lives of our island neighbors, I gladly support the 10K/5K race.  The sense of community that this organization fosters and the resilience our residents have demonstrated is reason for celebration. It is a privilege to participate.”

The FISH race event will begin and end at the Sanibel Community House as an in-person race.  A virtual option is also offered. To register, visit RunSignUp. Funds raised through the race benefit FISH of SANCAP as they continue meeting the needs of islanders daily. As the islands’ only wrap-around social services organization, FISH assists the islands’ residents and workforce through programs representing their four major pillars – Food, Island Based Education, Social and Senior Services, and Helping Hand — as well as their long-term recovery program.

Businesses and individuals may sign up to sponsor the 10K/5K Race to support the ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ organization. Sponsorship opportunities can be found on the organization’s website, fishofsancap.org. 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

[i] Runner’s World