Spring Lake Memorial Race: Making Tracks For a Great Cause

Whether participants take a leisurely walk or a fun run at the Spring Lake Memorial Classic, they’ll make tracks for a great cause.

Happening Saturday, May 25, the Spring Lake Memorial Classic, 5283 Neff Lake Road, Brooksville, is a 2 mile/5K/10K event set to benefit The Arc Nature Coast, Inc., a 501-C-3, non-profit, charitable organization providing services and supports for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Hernando, Pasco, & Sumter Counties. These services include residential care, skill training, employment, transportation, and more.

“Money raised from this event will help us to further our mission, to provide individually tailored quality services and supports and advocacy for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” said Nancy Stubbs, chief development officer of the Arc Nature Coast, “to promote their self-determination and inclusion in community life.”

This race enjoys an agency and community history that spans nearly two decades. The race is a multifaceted sports experience comprising The Perfect Stroll (the two-mile walk/run), Florida’s Toughest 5K, and 10K (the Neff Lake Monster).

“This is our 18th year hosting this race,” said Stubbs. “We call the 10K the Neff Lake Monster because of the hills.”

Regardless of the race event in which they participate, guests can savor and experience the ethereal setting of towering trees and sparkling waters that fill and define that scenic setting known as Spring Lake in eastern Hernando County—a paradise of rolling hills, shade trees, native plants, and wildlife such as majestic oaks, magnolias, hickory and cedar trees, red hawks, bald eagles, wild turkeys, pileated woodpeckers, bobcats, foxes, coyotes and white-tail deer. “It’s a beautiful course in a lovely area,” said Stubbs.

Sponsors and racers are still being sought for the Spring Lake Classic.
“We are still seeking sponsors,” said Stubbs. “This year, we plan to offer a draft beer after the race for any participants who wish to partake. We hope to get a sponsor for that.”

The Spring Lake Classic is a profoundly personal occasion for the folks at The Arc Nature Coast. “This event is put on by myself, our CEO and volunteers,” said Stubbs, “so it’s a true, local charity event!”
Awards will be given in multiple categories for the Spring Lake Memorial Classic. From Masters to Grand-Masters Champion Awards to Walking Medals, these honors acknowledge excellence in those who participate.

The schedule of the Spring Lake Memorial Classic is:
Registration/Check-in: 6:30 a.m
10K Start: 7:30 a.m.
5K Start: 7:40 a.m.
Two-Mile Fun Run/Walk: 7:45 a.m.
An awards ceremony will immediately follow the race.

This year’s sponsors of the Spring Lake Memorial Classic are Eurotech, the gold sponsors, U Tech CNC, IOA: Insurance Office of America, and Florida’s Adventure Coast; silver sponsors, Machine MAXX and NatureCoaster.Com; bronze sponsors, Hengesbach and Hengesbach Attorneys and Counselors at Law; and pewter sponsors, Dennis Realty.

To review registration costs ($25 for the fun run/walk, $35 for the 5K, and $40 for the 10K), learn more information about and register for the Spring Lake Memorial Classic, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Brooksville/2020SpringLakeMemorialClassic2Mile5K10K.