(Manatee, FL – January 19, 2019) – Blast off with the Take Stock 5K Space Race on March 3 in Lakewood Ranch at 8 am.
The annual event, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, benefits Take Stock in Children of Manatee mentorship and scholarship programs. Registration is now open at TakeStockManatee.org or in person at Fit2Run at the UTC mall or Main Street in Sarasota.
“Take Stock scholars defy gravity daily – and our 5K Space Race invites the community to defy gravity with us,” said executive director Jamie Serino. “We have something for everyone in the family – races for elite runners, kids’ runs from age 3 and up, our Mentor Mile, virtual run and more.”
New this year, businesses have the opportunity to help more students receive a scholarship. “When a business adopts a Manatee County School, that school will receive a scholarship for an academically- and financially-qualified student of their choosing,” said Serino. Also new this year, faith-based institutions can participate on behalf of a qualifying member of their congregations.”
Race participants also help raise funds for scholarships. When 300 people run on behalf of a school, the school receives a Take Stock scholarship to award to one of their qualifying students. Manatee County has 60 schools and entrants may select a school to represent on the entry form.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Take Stock annual run, special 10th Anniversary Winners Medals will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers in each age group as well as the Overall, Master, Grandmaster and Senior Grandmaster.
Follow Take Stock 5K on Facebook for race information details. All entrants will receive goody bags and are invited to attend the after-party and awards presentation with family fun activities.
Entry fees range from $15.00 to $45.00 with discounts for Manatee County School District employees, Manatee County students and for early registration by Feb. 24. Details, forms and information are available at the Take Stock in Children website and Fit2Run.
“The Take Stock model is phenomenally successful; Take Stock scholars outperform all Florida students in high school and college graduation rates,” said Serino. “This is a great way for the community, businesses and organizations to support Take Stock and the schools and students of Manatee County.”
Take Stock in Children of Manatee County, Inc. is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to provide academically- and financially qualified students the opportunity for a post-secondary education. The Take Stock model awards a scholarship of a post-secondary education and a mentor upon acceptance into the program; scholars maintain academic and behavior standards. For more information, visit www.takestockmanatee.org.
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