5K to raise funds for expanding Oasis High football program
As a way of offering a community wide event while helping raise funds for its expanding football program, the Oasis High School Football team is eager to host its second annual Running with the Sharks 5K, hitting the track this Saturday.
Registration starts at 6 a.m. that morning, and the race begins promptly at 7:15 at the 3519 Oasis Blvd., Cape Coral track field.
Building off of the school’s inaugural event last year, school math teacher and head football coach Liam Corley said they’ve added some fun elements that will really make this a community wide benefit run.
“We want to make this an annual event kicking off the spring season,” he said. “This year, we’ve added a live DJ who will have music going throughout the run, we’ll have snacks and refreshments for all participants immediately after, and if we have enough show up, we’ll also offer a fun run for toddlers.”
Runners with small children are also encouraged to participate, with strollers permitted in the run – adding an extra boost to the exercise.
“This is a family friendly event, all ages welcome, all school district students welcome, even those down here on vacation are welcome,” Corley said. “As we’ve partnered with Rachel Lee of 3D racing, this will be an officially timed race. That’s great for the more advanced runners who like to track themselves, and it’s also low stress for those who are just in it for the fun.”
If participants register by midnight Friday on 3DRacingInc.com, the cost is $20 for adults, $15 for youths under 18. The morning of the race it’s $25. All funds raised will benefit the student athletes and the school’s football program.
“Right now, I have more kids than uniforms, so that will be the first purchase, and after that, it goes straight to the kids and their equipment,” Corley said. “We’re going from a eight-man to an 11-man football team, which comes with more cost. But we’re also going to save some money in the process, because with an eight-man team, our closest game was in Naples. There were days that we were on the bus for 11 hours.”
Everyone participating in Saturday’s run will receive a commemorative T-shirt and have the chance to win one of multiple awards given that day, ranging in a multitude of categories. This is a rain-or-shine event and runners should dress accordingly.
“As a city owned and operated school, we really want to be a part of this great community,” Corley said.
For additional information on the second annual Oasis High School Running with the Sharks 5K benefit, to register, or to see what’s next up on the school’s calendar, visit OasisHighSchool.net or call 239-541-1167.