The Spring Lake Memorial Classic, a fund-raiser hosted by The Arc Nature Coast, makes a grand return Saturday, May 29, at The Arc Nature Coast – Brooksville Campus, 5283 Neff Lake Road, Brooksville. And while competitors course the sun-drenched hills of scenic eastern Hernando County in 10K (The Neff Lake Monster), 5K (Florida’s Toughest 5K) and 2 mile (The Perfect Stroll) races, they will be helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The Arc Nature Coast has held our race on the Saturday before Memorial Day for the past 15 years,” said Nancy Stubbs, development director of The Arc Nature Coast. “Those who have attended in the past are accustomed to it being on that date, so we are happy to get back to our ‘Memorial’ Day weekend, since Memorial is part of the event name.”
And from now until Feb. 28, an Early Bird Special will allow participants to make a difference–at a discount. The Early Bird Special will offer discounted admission for all races.
“As for what we hope people will take away from it is that it is a local charity race, that is organized by us at The Arc Nature Coast, to benefit individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in our community,” said Stubbs. “We feel a well-organized event is a reflection of our community, and that those who participate will want to come back year after year. More than half of those participants come from out of Hernando County, so we take pride in introducing our beautiful community to others.”
An event notice describes both the beauty and challenge of The Spring Lake Memorial Classic, which comes complete with an awards ceremony.
“Don’t let the majestic trees and peaceful setting fool you – these are some of the toughest hills in Florida! All three courses take participants along shade tree draped roads and over some very challenging hills! Make sure that the sound of your pounding heart and deep breathing don’t distract you from observing the wonderful surroundings along the course.”
Stubbs agrees.
“It’s the race that people love to hate! It’s a tough and challenging race, but the course is so beautiful, it’s a pleasure to do!” she said. “People have told us it’s well organized and they like the hometown feel of the event.”
And there’s no better–or sunnier–feeling than helping others.
“Thanks to our sponsors and to marketing grants from our Hernando County Tourist Development Council, we have been able to broaden our reach and over the past 15 years, we have raised more than $50K for our programs,” said Stubbs. “Funds raised from the Spring Lake Memorial Classic supports our programs, which serve more than 250 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Hernando and Pasco Counties. Some of our services are: Life Skills Development, Residential, Employment, Transportation, advocacy and more.”
To register for The Spring Lake Memorial Classic, or to learn more about pricing and scheduling for the event, visit http://www.thearc-naturecoast.org/
Or call (352) 544 –2322.
