The Spring Lake Memorial Classic, a popular fund-raiser hosted by the Arc Nature Coast, challenges competitors to run and walk the vast expanse of some of the most challenging hills and courses in Florida. Yet most of all, they are encouraged to have fun and enjoy the view as they support a worthy cause. The Arc Nature Coast’s mission is to provide individually tailored quality support and advocacy for persons with disabilities and their families to promote their self-determination and inclusion in community life.
The race is on Saturday, May 27, at 5283 Neff Lake Rd, Brooksville. Registration begins at 6:30 am the day of, and as racers run a trio of courses that take them through a haven of nature-made radiance, they’ll be lending helping hands – and feet – to those who have had a tough road in life themselves. “Proceeds from this event support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” read an event notice. “Come run Florida’s toughest, most scenic race course and Achieve with us!”
The classic, true to its name, is a community tradition here in Hernando. “As for the Spring Lake Memorial Classic, this is the 15th year we have held this event. It includes a 10K, 5K, and a 2-mile fun run/walk,” said Nancy Stubbs, chief development officer of The Arc Nature Coast. “It will be held at our Neff Lake Road campus, which is actually partly under construction at the moment.”
This area is a mecca of majestic trees, shade-tree draped roads, native plants, and wildlife such as stately oaks, magnolias, hickory and cedar trees, red hawks, bald eagles, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, and white-tail deer.
Now, thanks to a massive renovation project undertaken by The Arc Nature Coast, the beauty and majesty of this area will be enhanced further still. Stubbs shared, “We are super excited that we are finally at the beginning stages of replacing an old farmhouse that we have been using for the past 50 years and building a new Life Skills Development Center on that site. This is our 50th anniversary, so we are very excited to be moving forward with this much-needed project. This site is where we serve more than 80 older and more severely disabled individuals.”
The entire community is invited to be a part of this tradition–all the while building the futures of those that Arc serves on a daily basis. “As for the race, we are in need of sponsors, participants, and volunteers,” stated Stubbs.
The cost of participation in the Spring Lake Memorial Classic will be 2 miles – $25 / 5K – $30 / 10K – $35. Awards will be given in each race for multiple categories; for more information and to register, visit https://tinyurl.com/y3m9bkcv.
