San Pedro Runs For Autism Awareness: Great Turnout for The 5K Race

Sunday morning, 10am.  Central Park San Pedro, Belize.  A 5K run/walk for Autism Awareness was organized by the Special Needs teachers at one of the local schools – Ambergris Caye Elementary or ACES.

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Now on Ambergris Caye, we have fundraisers galore.  But most involve eating, usually BBQ, and drinking, usually Belikin and rum punch, sometimes a radio-athon…but races to raise money are a relatively new thing for the island.  And a totally great idea as islanders get more and more into organized fitness.

We now have TWO Crossfit gyms!

Here are lots of pictures from the race.  The teams, the winners, the support from the SP Red Cross and other charities.  Super fun and a GREAT turnout.

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My number.  83.  And NO, this number did not play in yesterday’s boledo (lottery) – 49 did.  (A blog post from AGES ago about boledo in Belize.)IMG_9950Miss ACES.

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Some of the runners.  Bob (on the left) represented Belize at the Commonwealth Games and came in 2nd in yesterday’s 5k.

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Our very own Fin Kardashian – the one man team from Rojo Beach Bar.

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The team from WOD Zone – a crossfit gym in San Pedro just south of town.

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Tropic Air’s small but spirited team.

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Go BLue Water Grill!

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The ACES crew setting up some games and food for after the race.

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IMG_9967Town Councilor Tito warming up.

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Brittany from Sandbar Hostel/Bar/Restaurant and Jodie from Palapa Bar.

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The San Pedro Crossfit team.

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Trevor from Lola’s Pub and Paul from Pedro’s Inn.

IMG_9978Some jog in place to warm up…

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some enjoy a cold beverage.

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Coconut Leo flexes.

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Oh…wait…what?  We are off!

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Go team Belize Chocolate Company!

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Go Camp Starfish!  A summer camp started just last year for kids with special needs.

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I circled back to the finish line and waited for the run/walkers.  This princess and the Dark Knight waited for their parents.

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And our winner!  Eric Donis in 17:33.

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Second and then third…IMG_9996 IMG_9997

First barefoot runner!  Crocodile Chris from ACES (American Crocodile Sanctuary…the OTHER ACES on the island.)

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Phew….that was exhausting!

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Everyone gathered under the palapa…THANK GOODNESS FOR THE BREEZE! for the award ceremony.  Both mens’ and womens’ first to third place.  And while I didn’t get any pictures of this part, it was awesome when the 2nd Place finisher, Bob Gabourel, turned around and awarded his trophy to the 5K’s youngest runner.

This gorgeous boy who ran the whole way.

IMG_0037Super fun.  I hope we have lots more.  GO SAN PEDRO!

And go Coconut Leo!

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