A Sanibel Island race will support enhancements at the J.N. \u201cDing\u201d Darling National Wildlife Refuge.<\/p>\n
In celebration of National Yucat\u00e1n Shrimp Day, Doc Ford\u2019s Rum Bar & Grille will present its second annual Doc Ford\u2019s National Yucat\u00e1n Shrimp Day 7K on Saturday, May 23, at 7 a.m. at its Sanibel location.<\/p>\n
A 7K in honor of the seven key ingredients in the restaurant\u2019s signature Yucat\u00e1n shrimp, this year\u2019s proceeds will benefit the \u201cDing\u201d Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS).<\/p>\n
\u201cDoc Ford\u2019s is a long-time supporter of J.N. \u2018Ding\u2019 Darling Wildlife Society, and we are happy to help by donating to the cause,\u201d Joe Harrity, a partner with the HM Restaurant Group \u2014 which owns and operates Doc Ford\u2019s \u2014 said. \u201cThe idea of a 7K race originated with our employees and has become an annual event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Open to runners and walkers, the 7K will start and finish at the restaurant.<\/p>\n
Awards will be presented to the top three male and female runners and by age groups. Timer Lin-Mark Sports will text results live as they happen and post videos of each runner and walker crossing the finish line.<\/p>\n
Afterward, Doc Ford\u2019s will open up early at 10 a.m. for post-run festivities.<\/p>\n
There will be a complimentary mojito for participants, live chef demonstrations of its Yucat\u00e1n shrimp and a photo booth, along with free drink stations featuring Captains For Clean Water cocktails, sponsored by RNDC.<\/p>\n
Event supports include: Asteria Wellness as a sambal sponsor; Fleet Feet Fort Myers as a lime sponsor; Cheney Brothers, Finnimore\u2019s Bike & Beach Rentals, Lin-Mark Sports, and Sanibel Carts as garlic sponsors; and Bailey\u2019s and On Island as community sponsors.<\/p>\n
The entry fee is $45 for ages 11 and older; a virtual option is also available.<\/p>\n
In addition, all participants will be entered for a chance to win a Doc Ford\u2019s customized YETI cooler.<\/p>\n
Registration will close on May 23 at 9 a.m.<\/p>\n
DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman reported that the proceeds have been earmarked for new furniture, a displays refresh, and updated signage in the refuge\u2019s Visitor & Education Center, which has been undergoing a long post-hurricane refurbishment.<\/p>\n
Register HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n Doc Ford\u2019s Rum Bar & Grille is 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel.<\/p>\n