Press Archive...............................
7,300 Runners & Walkers Race Downtown for IOA Corporate 5k
Orlando, FL April 20, 2007 - In late March a report was released on the internet designating the healthiest states. Florida ranked as the 46th healthiest state -- down from 41 in the 2006 rankings according to the research firm, with #1 being the healthiest.
That may be a dismal showing but on Thursday night in downtown Orlando, at the 13th Insurance Office of America Corporate 5k spirits were bright as 7,300 runners and walkers from 342 companies illustrated that Central Floridians are on the move!
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer offered a warm welcome to the enthusiastic crowd, the largest 5k in Orlando’s history, indicating that next year he would be right there with them!
Pat Marshall, running with the downtown YMCA, out ran all others, winning the men’s overall title in 16:34. John Bellochi of JB Construction Group won the men’s CEO award with a time of 17:42, for the second year in a row.
In the women’s division Sarah Robertson of Track Shack captured her first-ever Corporate 5k victory with a time of 19:07. Kim Showalter of Showalter Flying Services won the women’s CEO title in 25:00. Kim has won the women’s CEO category more times than anyone else in the race’s 13-year history.
Proceeds from the IOA Corporate 5k benefit several organizations through the
Track Shack Foundation. The Track Shack Foundation is a 501 ©(3) organization whose mission is to promote health and fitness. Florida on the Move is the designated beneficiary of proceeds from the Corporate 5k and received $17,500 last night from Tom Scalise, Senior Vice President of IOA.
"This has been a tremendous evening of fun, and fellowship, and fitness
awareness – exactly what any lifelong health commitment can and must be,"
remarked Geri Evans, executive director of Florida on the Move. "Tonight proves that Central Floridians can adopt healthier lifestyles and have fun doing it. Co-workers, neighbors, colleagues, and family members can encourage each other to be more active, eat wisely, and help change the culture of obesity in our region and in the state. Florida on the Move is extremely appreciative of IOA and all of the awareness that has been generated by this event."
In association with the Corporate 5k, a food drive was conducted for downtown Orlando’s Christian Service Center. Cyndy Taylor, an Administrative Secretary with Orange County Public Schools, received an email from a co-worker about the Corporate 5k. Because of her passion for running she organized the first ever team from OCPS Educational Leadership Center. Cyndy went the extra mile and in addition to organizing her team and work responsibilities made a personal goal to fund raise for the Christian Service Center. “I am very happy to say I surpassed my goal of $500 and our team donated $568.00. As I watched the amount of the donation grow, happiness inside me grew. I know that the donation we were able to give will also make a lot of other people smile. That in itself was enough incentive for me to reach my goal.”
"Insurance Office of America has really been the driving force in promoting health and fitness throughout the corporate community. Thanks to their vision for the Corporate 5k and that of our partners, Central Florida is a healthy place to live and work,” says Jon Hughes, Race Director.
Congratulations to all the team captains and to all 7300 participants representing 337 businesses and organizations. Together we are working toward a healthier state.
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