Oktoberfest 5K Run/Walk this Saturday
In partnership with the German American Social Club’s annual Oktoberfest, Lee County Electric Cooperative will hold its second annual Oktoberfest 5K Run/Walk on Saturday.
The event takes place at Jim Jeffers Park, with the proceeds to benefit the United Way.
“We’re always looking for ways to raise money for United Way,” spokeswoman Karen Ryan said. “October is just a great time of the year, and the Oktoberfest group has been fantastic partnering with us – it just was a win-win for both of us.”
Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and the race starts at 7:30 a.m. A Tot Trot will follow the 5K.
“It’s a fun race for racers of all caliber,” she said. “It’s just a really fun family race atmosphere.”
The route takes participants through the neighborhood located around the park.
“It doesn’t go out on Pine Island Road or anything like that. It’s all in a safe environment,” Ryan said.
After the race, trophies and medals will be handed out during a ceremony. The top three winners receive trophies, and the medals will go to the top performers in different skill levels and age groups.
“They’re Oktoberfest-themed trophies, so that makes it fun,” she said.
Last year, the 5K raised more than $6,000 for the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties.
“We didn’t expect to raise that much last year, so we were thrilled with that,” Ryan said.
While organizers would like to raise more this year, their goal is to get more people involved.
“We would like to increase the participation by about 350 runners,” she said.
Advance registration is $25 for ages 18 and older and $20 for ages 17 and younger. To register the day of the race, the cost is $30 for both groups. Registration for the Tot Trot is $10 for ages 12 and under.
To register in advance, visit the Web site: endurancesportstiming.com.
Ryan noted that race participants receive free tickets to Oktoberfest, even free beverage tickets.
“Plan to make a day of it,” she said. “Come out in the morning and enjoy the race, then go to Oktoberfest and grab some lunch and take in the festivities there.”
For more information about the second annual Oktoberfest 5K Run/Walk, contact (239) 656-2342 or Oktoberfest5K@lcec.net or visit the Web site online at: www.uw.lcec.net/5k.html.
Jim Jeffers Park is at 2817 S.W. Third Lane, Cape Coral.