Runners, walkers and families filled the Sanibel Community House on Saturday, Nov. 7, as FISH of SanCap welcomed 602 registered participants for its annual JOG N JAM 10K, 5K and Kids Fun Run. One of FISH’s largest annual fundraisers, JOG N JAM continues with the JAM beach concert on Dec. 5. Proceeds support FISH programs and services for people who live and work on Sanibel and Captiva.
Participants registered from 27 U.S. states. Florida accounted for 81.1% of registrations, with 37.2% from Sanibel and Captiva and 43.9% from elsewhere in the state. Another 18.4% came from other U.S. states. Two participants registered from the United Kingdom and one from Taiwan.
“This event just keeps getting better and seeing so many people come out to support FISH is wonderful,” said Leah Winkler, FISH Board Member and JOG N JAM Committee Chair. “From the runners who have participated for years to those joining us for the first time, everyone brings something special to the day. And behind the scenes, we have an incredible group of volunteers, sponsors and community partners who make it all happen. We couldn’t be more grateful.”
The Sanibel Community House was the host venue for registration, refreshments, sponsor recognition and post-race celebrations. Both the 10K and 5K started and finished there, with family, friends and volunteers cheering at the finish line. Younger participants had a race of their own in the Kids Fun Run, held at the Sanibel Community Park. Longtime partner Lin-Mark Sports provided race timing and managed the results. View complete race results and finish-line videos here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/146120#resultSetId-757221;perpage:5000.
This year’s race welcomed 18 teams of five or more, giving friends, families, coworkers and local organizations a chance for some friendly competition. Teams included Billy’s Bikes & Rentals, Catching Coastal Realty, CECI, Ding Darling, Doc Fords, FISH of SanCap, Florida Trust Wealth Management, Heidrick & Co. Insurance, the Henderson Franklin Run Club, Maris Dental Studio, Michael Saunders & Company, MudBugs, Sanibel Spoonbills, SCCF, Sundial Resort & Spa, Team Ted, The Sanctuary Golf Club Foundation and Tropical Sunrise Captiva.
New this year was a complimentary Recovery Station from SHORE Longevity, a Sanibel-based fitness and longevity coaching practice. Founder Edmund Forster, an NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, helped runners cool down after they crossed the finish line. The station offered cool towels, hydration, recovery tools and guidance, with Daily Hydration provided by SHORE Longevity partner Momentous.
So far this year, 64 financial sponsors and 65 in-kind supporters from Sanibel and Captiva, throughout Southwest Florida and beyond have contributed to JOG N JAM. Financial sponsorships help cover race and concert costs, and in-kind gifts range from raffle prizes and race-day refreshments to goods and services for both events. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the Dec. 5 concert. View the full list of JOG N JAM sponsors and supporters here: https://fishofsancap.org/jog-n-jam-sponsorships/.
Volunteers helped with registration, course support, water stations, refreshments and the raffle. FISH staff, board members and JOG N JAM committee members worked throughout the year to plan the event, recruit sponsors and coordinate race-day activities.
“Every year, we are reminded of how generous this community is,” said Maria Espinoza, FISH Executive Director. “Some businesses have supported JOG N JAM for years, while others are joining us for the first time. Every sponsorship, donated item and volunteer hour contributes to the event’s success. Just as important, that support helps FISH continue providing food assistance, senior services, educational programs, emergency financial assistance and disaster recovery support to our island neighbors.”
The JOG N JAM raffle returned with 14 themed baskets featuring donated merchandise, gift certificates, dining experiences and activities. The JAM Basket, which included a ’Tween Waters weekend stay, Ben Allen Band tickets to the Dec. 5 concert and other island favorites, was the only basket drawn at the race. FISH will draw the remaining baskets at the Dec. 5 concert. Winners do not need to be present. Entries are available through FISH’s new online option and at its weekly table at the Sanibel Island Farmers Market. For raffle entries, visit https://jnjraffle.rsvpify.com/
Runners and walkers can spend a little more time on the islands through FISH’s Show Your Medal program. Participating restaurants, shops and other businesses on Sanibel and Captiva offer discounts and promotions to participants who show their race medals. Offers expire on different dates, and anyone who ran the race and has their medal but may have missed picking up their coupons may contact FISH.
Next up is the JAM beach concert on Saturday, Dec. 5, at ’Tween Waters on Captiva. The evening will feature live music by the Ben Allen Band, dancing on the beach and fireworks. Gator Country will help promote the concert and join the festivities on-site. For JAM concert tickets, visit https://jamwithfish2026.rsvpify.com/.
“JOG N JAM has become an event that people look forward to, and we’re already excited about what comes next,” said Winkler. “The race is always a great morning, but there’s still plenty of fun ahead with the JAM. We hope everyone will join us on Captiva for another wonderful evening supporting FISH.”
“JOG N JAM is a fundraiser, but it’s also a chance to spend time with the people and businesses who care about this community,” said Espinoza. “We appreciate everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, sponsored, donated or simply came out to cheer. Their participation helps FISH continue doing what it has done for nearly 45 years, helping neighbors when they need it.”
