By STAFF REPORT trepecki@breezenewspapers com F I S H of Sanibel-Captiva reported that its Annual 10K Race 4 F I S H planned for this year has been restructured, including a new title and additional activities, to celebrate the resilience of the islands

The 15th Annual F I S H 10K/5K will be held on Dec 2 beginning at 7:30 a m at The Community House on Sanibel

Art Stevens Shell Shocked

What will you do in an old golden pool?

As sure as I believe there's a swimming pool above

Algae, I know there's something much more

Something even non-believers can believe in I believe in chlorophyl, Algae

Without a true Speedo we just exist, Algae

Until you find the lap you've missed

You're nothing, Algae

When you infect water let your bacteria lead the way

And you'll find an Olympic medal one day Algae, Algae

Art Stevens is a long-time columnist for the Sanibel-Captiva Islander. His tongue-in-cheek humor is always offered with a smile

Shell Find

This year marks the first in-person event in recent years In 2020 and 2021, F I S H offered a virtual race only because of COVID, and the 2022 event was canceled due to Hurricane Ian This year's event will offer a virtual option, but F I S H is encouraging runners to join in-person and enjoy the islands

“Our islands have been through a lot since (Hurricane) Ian, and F I S H has been here every step of the way,” Executive Director Maria Espinoza said “We want our race event to be joyous and one that not only raises funds for F I S H , but also revels our community and how far we've come since Ian's landfall ”

New this year, the F I S H Race Committee has added a 5K to the day's activities There will also be a kids' race and family fun day, hosted in partnership with the Sanibel Recreation Center on Sanibel

“We feel the 5K will draw additional runners looking to do a shorter race and see it as the perfect opportunity to add other festivities to celebrate our islands,” committee Co-chair Diane Cortese said “I'm especially excited about this year's event and raising funds for F I S H while bringing folks to our special islands for a fun-filled day ”

Co-chair Leah Winkler noted that this year's event will b e “ n o t h i n g s h o r t o f s p e c t a c u l a

“The Sanibel Recreation Department is excited to partner with F I S H to offer a fun-filled holiday themed event, with something for everyone, at the recreation center,” Miller said “We look forward to bringing the community together again for some holiday joy ”

The registration fees are as follows:

∫ In-person 10K/5K: $45 from now through Sept 25

∫ In-person 10K/5K: $50 from Sept 26 through Dec 1

∫ In-person 10K/5K: $55 on Dec 2

∫ In-person 10K/5K (age 18 and under): $35 from now until Dec. 1

∫ Virtual 10K/5K: $50

Race packets will be available for pick up on Dec 1 from 8 to 11 a m at the Sanibel Recreation Center, at

Saint

Michael,

3880 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, and from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at Fleet Feet Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shops, at 13499 S Cleveland Ave , Unit 209, Fort Myers Packets will also be available on event day Dec 2 at the race site when registration is open from 6:30 to 7:15 a m

To register, visit runsignup com/Race/FL/Sanibel/ 10K5KRace4FISH

In addition, F I S H is seeking volunteers for various positions throughout the morning, including cheering on runners and water station assistance Other opportunities include assisting at TCH with set up, registration and clean up, handing out ribbons, award ceremony assistance and assisting at the recreation center for the kids' race and family fun day.

“We need many individuals to man driveways and water stations during the race to ensure the safety and health and wellness of our runners It's a great way to show support for F I S H and our community and can be loads of fun,” committee Member Nancy Craig said “Although the race isn't until early December, we need as many commitments as possible ahead of time ”

I n t e r e s t e d i n d i v i d u a l s c a n c o n t a c t C r a i g a t ncraig64@gmail com or F I S H at 239-472-4775

Also, sponsorship opportunities are available For more information, visit http://fishofsancap org/

For more information about the event, contact Cortese at Dianerc10@gmail com or Winkler at leahwinkler12 @gmail com

The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel