Annual Lithia road race aims for 1,000-plus runners

The 15th-annual FishHawk Ranch Road Race is Feb. 18, and organizers are hoping this year to top the 1,000 runner mark.

Again this year, the event will benefit local schools.

"After several years of doing the race for various charities, we wanted the beneficiary to be a group that we could form a longer-term partnership with," said organizer Lynda McMorrow, the marketing manager for FishHawk Ranch and MiraBay by Newland Communities.

"We decided to get the schools involved and make it an event that the entire community could get involved with and support," McMorrow said. "Teachers, students and their families volunteer or participate in the run, and all of the proceeds stay in the community."

Bevis, FishHawk and Stowers elementary schools, Barrington and Randall middle schools, and Newsome High School all participate.

Each school received a check for $3,000 last year, McMorrow said. In past years, the money raised has paid to cover an outdoor court, buy additional curriculum materials and cover other classroom needs.

The FishHawk Road Runners Club also receives $1,000 for its help in putting together the race. That money goes to scholarships.

"We were close to 1,000 participants last year and would love to have even more this year," McMorrow said.

The race caters to runners of all abilities, said race Director Rob King.

"It draws competitive runners from across the county, so there's plenty of competition, but it's also friendly to 'back of the pack' runners and walkers," he said.

Runners from around Hillsborough County will travel hard road, gravel and scenic paths for 5K and 10K races, starting at Park Square in FishHawk Ranch.

"The course is simply beautiful," King said. "It winds its way through some of the most beautiful roads and trails in FishHawk, including a few 'hills' to make it challenging, but fair. The more competitive runners appreciate the fact that the course and every mile marker along the way are accurate to the foot."

The races are chip-timed, so every racer is assured an accurate time.

Many local residents attend to support local schools and to participate in the after-race party.

The party includes door prizes such as running shoes, gift certificates and other items. The party takes place in FishHawk Ranch's Park Square and includes food, adult beverages, awards and prizes for the various age groups.

Registration starts at 7 a.m.; both the 5K and 10K races begin at 8. The cost is $25 with preregistration and $30 the day of the race. The kids' race begins at 9 a.m. and costs $15 per runner.

To register, go to www.active .com/running/lithia-fl/fishhawk -ranch-15th-annual-road-race- 2012. For sponsorship information, email McMorrow at lmc morrow@newlandco.com.