The Wellington Runners Club is making plans for the upcoming 17th annual Wellington 5K and 10-Miler, which will be held on the morning of Sunday, Nov. 5. The course begins and ends at Tiger Shark Cove Park (13800 Greenbriar Blvd.) in Wellington. The races begin at 7 a.m.
According to Sheri Kleinman, president of the Wellington Runners Club, these annual races showcase the beauty of the western communities by winding their way in and around the Village of Wellington.
In addition to the 5K and 10-Miler, runners can register for the unique route known as “The Tower Challenge,” which is an optional part of the 10-Miler. In addition to running 10 miles, contestants will be required to climb up and down the six-story tower located in the Wellington Environmental Preserve. No more than 60 runners are allowed to participate in “The Tower Challenge.”
Registration is now open for this year’s 5K and 10-Miler events at www.wellingtonrunners.org/races. Until Oct. 31, the registration fee for the 5K is $40, $75 for the 10-Miler and $85 for “The Tower Challenge.” The race day registration fees for the 5K and the 10-Miler will increase to $45 and $80, respectively.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible team of sponsors, whose unwavering support fuels our local race and empowers positive change in our community,” Kleinman said. “Their commitment is not just about logos on banners. It’s a testament to the collective belief in making a lasting impact. Together, we race toward a brighter future, propelled by the generosity and goodwill of our cherished sponsors.”
The Wellington 5K and 10-Miler are designed for runners of all ages and abilities, from the casual weekend runners to those looking for the perfect fall tune-up.
The 5K course runs along a paved path on Greenbriar Blvd. in Wellington, while the 10-Miler runs through the Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat located on Flying Cow Road in western Wellington. The 10-Miler will be staged on a combination of paved path, shell rock road and boardwalks through the wetland habitat.
There are also race awards for the top three finishers for the following age groups (male and female): 0-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80-plus. There are awards for the top three overall finishers for the 5K, 10-Miler and “The Tower Challenge.”
Last year, the male winner of the 5K race was Prince Wayne. His winning time was 20:45. The female winner was Christina Rooney. Her winning time was 20:58. The winner of last year’s 10-Miler for the male division was Stephen Wilsman. His winning time was 1:02:40, while the winner of the female division was Allie Busch. Her winning time was 1:07:17.
Ideal Nutrition, located next to LA Fitness in Wellington, is hosting a packet pickup event on Thursday, Nov. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. Ideal Nutrition will also provide a 10 percent discount on all purchases on Nov. 2 when runners come by for the packet pickup.
This annual race benefits the Kids Cancer Foundation and other local area charities. Last year’s races attracted 250 runners, and the Kids Cancer Foundation was presented with a check for $2,000.
According to Kleinman, her organization’s goal with this year’s race is to attract more runners and be able to raise more money for local charities.
The main sponsors this year are Ideal Nutrition, the Mall at Wellington Green, ProMD Health, WGI, Provident Jewelry and Synovus Bank.
Learn more about the Wellington Runners Club at www.wellingtonrunners.org.
