Come watch the action for the 40th Annual Great Dock Canoe Race. Wildly decorated canoes compete in multiple races in a celebration of the end of the busy winter season and the start of summer. Each year the race has a theme, which serves as the inspiration for the decorated canoes that compete for the best-dressed $1,000 prize. This year, the theme will be “The Last Dance,” evoking the disco era in which the Great Dock Canoe Race was first launched (1977) and coincidentally a famous 1970’s Donna Summer song. Participants will create their best 1970’s interpretation of the theme in their canoe designs and costumes. Long-time emcee, Vin DePasquale, will be joined for the fourth year by co-emcee Jerry Conti and State Representative Kathleen Passidomo will serve as grand marshal. An important element of the GDCR is the $5,000 grant awarded to a worthy children’s charity each year. This year’s beneficiary will be NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Funds raised from the GDCR will be used to provide mental health screenings and education for local children dealing with mental health issues. Each year NAMI is able to help 16,000 local community members, 90 percent of whom are below the poverty level. Theme boats will parade around Crayton Cove starting at 11:00 a.m. The Race is then run in three heats. First up at 11:45 a.m. is the “Tippycanoe VIP Sprint,” which features canoes paddled by principals of local organizations in a madcap dash through a 700-yard course. Two traditional races follow on the full three-mile course; handicaps for the Male-Female teams (two minutes) and Female-Female teams (four minutes) lend extra excitement to these two races. The Practically Professionals race (competing for the Overall Trophy) sets off at 12:45 p.m., about 15 minutes before the Ambitious Amateurs race (competing for medals), Next Generation race (12-17 year olds and parent/guardian, competing for trophies), and the Truly Tenacious race (both canoeists 65 or above, competing for medals). This means some ‘contra-flow’, as teams pass each other racing in opposite directions – and quite probably some wild stories to tell once everyone’s back over the finish line. Trophies or ribbons are awarded to winners of both heats and to three “Next Generation” and three “Truly Tenacious” teams. An award added in 2013 honors the late Joe Klimas, co-emcee for the first 36 years – “The Joe Klimas Keep On Paddling Award” for family sportsmanship will be presented to one lucky Next Generation Team. The “Broken Paddle” Award honors the late Chuck Bruce, first winner of the award and a great contributor to the GDCR over the years. It recognizes the team that finishes the race while overcoming a significant obstacle – thus the “Broken Paddle” moniker. Winners’ names are hand-painted and added to the permanent collection at The Dock at Crayton Cove. Originally the provenance of the late Jerry Vallez, who painted the Race’s first 36 years of broken paddles, this year local artist Natalie Guess will be ‘picking up the brush’ again for this time-honored tradition of paddle painting.

The 7th Annual SUP Luau Races presented by Noodles Italian Café and Sushi Bar.

Enjoy a wonderful 5K race that showcases the beautiful streets of Olde Naples. This course is two loops starting on Broad Street.

The beautiful Sugden Regional Park will open its gates for what promises to be a great event. Runners in both the duathlon and triathlon will start off with a 5k run in one of the best places to run in all of Southwest Florida. Runners will have nearly 100% water views of wetlands, lakes, beaches, sailboats, the sailing center, piers, wildlife and all while running in mostly shade.  Spectators can see nearly 100% of the run all while seated comfortably in the stadium.

Then athletes transition to the bike.  The scenic bike course winds through the tree-lined streets of Lakewood.  After the bike, Triathletes will swim a quarter mile and duathletes will run 1 mile and all finish in the stadium in front of family and friends.

Post race festivities include the latest popular music, refreshments, and a variety of snacks.

  • Triathlon 5k Run, 10 Mile Bike, 1/4 Mile Swim  
  • Duathlon- 5k Run, 10 Mile Bike, 1 Mile Run
In celebration of the 20th annual Miami River Day Festival, Ferrino Sports Fitness Club will be hosting a free morning boot-camp immediately followed by complimentary brunch and a Samba show! Get your energy up enjoying a morning work-out riverside at Miami’s most unique gym. Registration is at 9:30am(Bootcamp starts at 10am). To RSVP contact ferrino@ferrinosports.com

This event will take place from 10am-1pm immediately prior to the Miami River Day Festival at Lummus Park. Cheer on the paddle boarders and kayakers participating in the Miami River Rally from our riverside location and then walk over and enjoy the River Day Festival.

Ferrino Sports Fitness Club is a 5,000 sft elite fitness center now operating at the 5th Street Marina. The fitness center includes an artificial turf running track, top of the line equipment, and a complete array of cardio, Olympic weightlifting area, and hammer strength stations. Ferrino Sports also has a recovery and wellness area for our clients and athletes.

For more information on the Ferrino Sports see http://www.ferrinosports.com/

Wine and Spine is a community health talk that exists to share knowledge and services within our community to help families live to their optimal potential.

Join us for a complimentary glass of wine in a comfortable environment as we address what true health is and how it can be achieved.

The health talk will be less than 30 minutes in length with plenty of time for questions after the presentation. Everyone in attendance will have an opportunity to start making positive changes to their life immediately following the event.

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

There are no ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event, however, wine will be served so you must be at least 21 years of age if you wish to have a glass of wine during the event.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

You do not need to bring your printed ticket to the event. You will be registered online and confirmed before the event to reserve your seat.

Eggs and Ears 5K presented by The Rotary Club of Fort Myers-Sunrise to benefit The Lakes Park Foundation is returning after a year’s hiatus for it’s 18th running.  This family friendly and inclusive event is a local favorite (formerly The Do The Right Thing Eggs and Ears Race) and a great way to kick off the Easter weekend.  We are excited about the race’s new location in the beautiful Lakes Regional Park in South Fort Myers.  The course winds through the wooded paved trails and around serene lakes.

About This Activity

Over the last 2 years, the Run4Kayla brought in up to 7 duo teams (special needs child + pusher), 342 runners/walkers, 496 participants in all, and just over $15,800 raised and split between Patriot Elementary Special Needs Dept. And Special Equestrians (horse therapy for special needs) WOW! We are VERY EXCITED for the 3rd Annual Run4Kayla on 4-23-16, held at Patriot Elementary, once again, with a 5k run/walk, a 1 mile fun run, and the main event, the WHEELCHAIR DASH. All children get medals! There will be horses, a Calendar Girls performance, face painting, balloon makers, music, raffles, goody bags, and the coolest awards!

Event details and schedule

Location: Patriot Elementary, 711 SW 18th st. Cape Coral, FL 33991

Proceeds: All proceeds will be split down the middle between the Patriot Elementary Special Needs Department and Special Equestrians.

Race day times:

Registration: 6 am

Special needs duo team 5k start: 7:25am

5k Run/Walk start: 7:30

Kids 1 Mile Fun Run start: 8:15am

Wheelchair Dash start: 8:30am

Calendar Girls performance, Awards Ceremony, and raffles: 9:30 in the cafeteria.

Entry Fees:

Adult 5k Run/Walk: $25 through 4/22, $30 on race day.

Youth 5k Run/Walk: $15 through 4/22, $20 on race day.

Kids 1 Mile Fun Run: $10 (12 and under) *includes shirt and medal.

Wheelchair Dash: FREE!

Don’t want to run, or can’t make it?  You can donate $20 and get a t-shirt.

Early Packet Pickup: Friday, April 22, 2016 at The Run Shoppe from 12-6pm. 1407 Cape Coral Pkwy E

Timing: 3dracing Inc., using disposable bib Tags.

Awards:

Overall Male and Female

Top Male and Female Masters (40+), Grandmasters (50+), and Senior Grandmasters (60+).

Age group awards: 3 deep, male and female in each category: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+.

For more information, course, and links, please visit Run4Kayla.com.

About This Activity

This 5K Run/Walk is in the Sandoval Community, starting at the club house and running through the beautiful palm tree lined  neighborhood streets.  It is intended for ALL AGES, ALL LEVELS OF FITNESS!  We encourage families to participate, either through walking or running the 3.1 mile course.  There will be T-shirts for the first 250 registered, so register NOW!  There are CASH PRIZES as well as door prizes.

Event details and schedule

Race Start is the Sandoval Community Clubhouse – enter the front gate of Sandoval (off Veteran’s) and continue straight for 1 mile – follow volunteer directions for parking. SANDOVAL RESIDENTS – PLEASE WALK DOWN TO THE START if you can…parking will be limited. Registration online at active.com – Sandoval 5K OR Register at The Run Shoppe, Cape Coral.
CHECKS PAYABLE TO ‘MCNAMARA, INC’. There are MANY AGE GROUPINGS so there will be prizes for many children as well as all ages: Overall Male/Female, Masters, Grand Masters, and Senior Grand Masters. Top THREE awards in each age group, both male and female: 5 and under, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+.
Packet pick-up at The Run Shoppe – 1407 Cape Coral Pkwy E, 33904 on Saturday, May 28th 10:30-4:30, and Sunday, May 29th from 12:30-4:30. Race Day packet pick-up at Sandoval Community Center at 6am on May 30th. TIMING – by 3D Racing and The Run Shoppe. RACE DAY REGISTRATIONS – will be on race day morning at 6am – ADD $5 to each registration on RACE DAY.
REMEMBER – IT CAN BE WARM ON RACE DAY – hydrate well and be smart. Race will be held rain or shine. NO REFUNDS PLEASE. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A CLOSED COURSE – although volunteers will help re-direct cars, be aware of your surroundings. Strollers allowed but must start at back of runners. ONLY WALKERS AND RUNNERS MAY WIN AWARDS…bikes/skates/scooter use will not be eligible for awards.
PORTION OF PROCEEDS TO GO TO SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MILITARY MUSEUM in CAPE CORAL!!

The first event in the Elite Events Summer 5k Series takes place at Sugden Regional park.

Runners will have plenty of scenic views as they wind around Lake Avalon on a closed path inside the park.

This is a spectator friendly course as athletes can be seen for most of the race.   Bring your swimming trunks because after the race, you can cool off in the clear lake or relax on the sandy beach.

Post race festivities include the latest popular music, refreshments, and a variety of snacks.

Summer 5k Series:

  • Race 1: Sugden Stride 5k – June 18
  • Race 2: Eagle Lakes 5k – July 23
  • Race 3: North Collier Regional Rampage 5k – August 20