On Saturday, November 18th the MIA Key Club and residents of Marco Island participated in the Kiwanis Club charity 5K run/walk. The annual Kiwanis 5K is a family friendly event for people of all ages working to raise money  for the Marco Island Charter Middle School to help rebuild their TV Studio.

The Kiwanis Club is a civic group that has a goal to “improve the world, one child and one community at a time.” The club also sponsors and supports the group of students in the Key Club at Marco Island Academy. The Kiwanis Club offers college scholarships to students and residents from local schools, and helps out some families in need. The Key Club works hard “to build their home, school and community” and teaches students the importance of volunteering in their community while fulfilling an MIA  graduation requirement for 100 volunteer hours. Students begin with Key Club to fulfill their graduation requirement for volunteer hours and learn to love making a difference in their community. 

72 of the 90 members of the MIA Key Club either participated by running  or volunteering at the event. Volunteers worked diligently setting up, cleaning up, assisting with registration and helped guide people along the course.  MIA junior Anna Chamberlin placed first In the Female Age Group 13-19, while MIA freshmen Kevin Barry placed second in the Male Age Group 13-19.

Many people from all over Florida come out to run; even one father and son came all the way from Germany to support the cause.

The 3.1 mile long course began at Tigertail Beach running through the exclusive neighborhood of Hideaway Beach giving scenic views of the gulf and some preserves. While this event allowed for either running or walking, the participants’ pace is measured by Integrity Racing, which is an event management and timing business formed out of central PA with satellite offices in Long Island, NY and Naples, FL. Before the race, runners were given a timing chip to help calculate their times. With the help of Integrity Racing, participants are allowed to view their scores which were later posted online at http://www.marcoislandkiwanis5k.com/race-results.