Gumbo Limbo 5K run draws nearly 700 supporters

Boca Raton’s Chase Delanoy has been working at the Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards Gift Store for a year, and this was her first time participating in the organization’s 5K & 1 Mile and kids’ run.

Over 600 registered for the 5K and over 75 children took part in the kids’ run at the Spanish River Athletic Complex in Boca Raton on April 23. It raised over $16,000.

“I participated this year mainly to have fun with some friends, but also to help support an amazing cause,” said Delanoy, 18, a senior at Palm Beach Virtual School who will be attending FAU in the fall. “The Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards are doing amazing work in supporting sea turtle rehabilitation efforts in our area, and events like this 5K race are super important to raise awareness and funds.”

Delanoy said she was pleased with her performance.

“My finish time for the race was 33 minutes, which I was pretty happy with considering I’m not much of a runner,” she said. “I was just proud that I completed the course and got the chance to be a part of such a fun event.

“Overall, my experience at the 5K was very positive,” she said. “It was great to see so many people coming together to support the Coastal Stewards. I would definitely do it again and encourage others to get involved too.”

Proceeds from the race benefit the Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards, Inc., a nonprofit conservation organization that supports and funds the activities of sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, research, and release activities at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton.

“The Gumbo Limbo Race for the Turtles always draws a fantastic crowd of participants and supporters for our work at the Nature Center as well as our local conservation efforts,” said John Holloway, president and CEO of Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards.

“Hundreds ran, jogged, walked, cheered and, most importantly, helped us raise money for the Gumbo Limbo Coastal Stewards and our important mission.”

Visit gumbolimbo.org.