Fueled by Fire 5K hits Tarpon Point Marina this weekend
An annual 5K that benefits local first responders takes place this weekend in Cape Coral.
The Cape Coral Fire Department Community Foundation will host its fifth annual Fueled by Fire 5K Race this Saturday starting at 7 a.m.
This 5K event takes participants running or walking through one of the city’s most beautiful areas of the Cape Coral community, Tarpon Point Marina. The race also kicks off Fire Prevention Week, which begins on Sunday.
“What makes the Fueled by Fire 5K special is that it really is a community event,” said CCFD Fire Community Risk Reduction Specialist, Jason Orellana. “You don’t have to be an experienced runner to participate-we welcome runners, walkers, families, first responders, and anyone who simply wants to come out and support a great cause. It’s an opportunity to have some fun, interact with members of the fire department outside of an emergency setting, and support programs that give back directly to our community.”
The goal of the foundation is to serve the Cape Coral community as a life-net, by empowering and supporting community programs and promoting fire and life safety education. Funds received go to supporting the mission and efforts of the foundation which include, but not limited to, funding CPR courses and resources for the community, promoting fire and life safety education, funding a local firefighter memorial, providing scholarships to high school seniors pursuing a career in firefighting, and much more.
“The Cape Coral Fire Department Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to expand the positive impact we can have both within the fire service and throughout our community,” Orellana said. “The Foundation supports community education and outreach initiatives, scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in the fire service, and assistance for first responders experiencing hardships. Proceeds from the Fueled by Fire 5K help us continue growing those efforts and finding new ways to serve Cape Coral.”
Fire Prevention Week, which runs from Oct. 4 through 10, is created by the National Fire Protection Association, with this year’s focus on everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
“Fire Prevention Week is an important opportunity for us to remind everyone that preventing emergencies starts at home,” Orellana said. “This year’s theme focuses on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries and the everyday devices we charge. We encourage residents to use listed or approved charging equipment, charge devices on hard surfaces, unplug them once they are fully charged, and stop using batteries or devices that become unusually hot, damaged, swollen, or show other signs of failure. The 5K is a great way to kick off a week centered around community and safety.”
This 5K promises to bring together the community for a day of fun, fitness, and fundraising in support of local community members and its heroes.
Runners are able to sign up through RunSignup.com.
Participants can register through the morning of the event. Orellana said he definitely encourages those interested to register ahead of time if possible, but if an individual decides at the last minute that they want to join, “we’d still love to have you come out and participate.”
Those interested in becoming a sponsor, email the foundation at CCFDCFI@gmail.com.
Tarpon Point Marina is at 6179 Black Marlin Lane.
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com