Fun Run for the Championship

Fun Run for the Champions!
Saturday, April 5 2008 at the Amelia Island Plantation
Photos and account by Ed Hardee
Fun Run Start

The Bausch & Lomb Championships got off to a running start in the pre-dawn twilight with a three-mile fun run at the Amelia Island Plantation.

About 150 early-risers were on hand for the event which started and finished at the Plantation's Racquet Park. And one of the champions was on hand -- tennis pro Jill Craybas was the official starter of the event which was followed by the opening day of qualifying for the tournament.

Jill Craybas

Prior to the run, event organizer Liz Kawecki led the participants through a "stretching" workout. Liz is the owner of Y Yoga in Fernandina Beach.

AIR members helped in conducting the event and spreading the word about AIR's participation in community events. They were (L-R) John McBrearty, Gary Haslip, Bill Pennington, Rosa Haslip, and Brooke and Catie Springer.

The fun run was co-sponsored by Amelia Island Runners, Publix (which provided post-run goodies), Y Yoga and Girls on the Run of NE Florida. Proceeds will benefit the nonprofit GOTR, which encourages self-esteem through running for girls age 8-12.

And if you’ve ever wondered why noncompetitive running events are called “fun runs,” just take a look at these pictures!