Fresh Start Fun Run

Event Name: Fresh Start Fun Run
Location: Sprouts Farmers Market – Winkler & College Parkway
Address: Fort Myers, FL
Date: TBD
Event Type: Youth-Only 1-Mile Timed Run
Cost: FREE for all elementary & middle school run club participants

The Fresh Start Fun Run is a brand-new, youth-focused race created to encourage healthy habits, fitness, and confidence in our local young runners. Hosted in partnership with Sprouts, this free community event gives students the opportunity to participate in a family-friendly, supportive, and exciting race environment.

 
Race Description
The Fresh Start Fun Run is a one-mile youth race designed exclusively for elementary and middle school runners. Taking place at Sprouts off Winkler & College Parkway, this event will feature a fast, fun, and spectator-friendly ¼-mile loop course that participants will run four times. The course layout makes it perfect for families, coaches, and classmates to cheer from start to finish.

This event is completely free for run clubs and schools in Southwest Florida. Our goal is to give young athletes a chance to compete, set goals, celebrate movement, and kick off a fresh, healthy start to their year.

In partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market, the event will also include a Healthy Start Fair, featuring nutritious snacks, wellness activities, interactive booths, and fun educational experiences for kids and families.

 
Race Start Times
1-Mile Youth Run: 8:00 AM (recommended)
Final start time to be determined based on club scheduling and participation.

 
Course
Course Distance: 1 Mile
Course Format: 4 laps of a ¼-mile loop
Course Type: Fully paved loop surrounding Sprouts property
Spectator-Friendly: YES — families may cheer children on during all four laps
Course Map: Coming soon

 
Race Features & Participant Perks
FREE participation for all youth runners
Chip timing for accurate performance tracking
Four-lap course with lap counting support
Finish line arch, music, and race atmosphere similar to major Apex Promoz events
Healthy snacks & refreshments provided by Sprouts
Educational and interactive booths at the Healthy Start Fair
School run club recognition and optional team meeting zone
Professional DJ + fun youth-appropriate playlist
Safe, fully monitored venue with volunteers and course marshals
 
Awards
This is a youth-focused, celebration-style race. Awards may include:

Top 3 Overall Boys
Top 3 Overall Girls
Fastest Run Club Team (optional timing aggregation)
Most Spirited Run Club
Fresh Start Award – recognizing sportsmanship, effort, or team positivity
Final award categories may be adjusted based on participation.

 
Packet Pickup
Race Morning Only
7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
Sprouts – Winkler & College Parkway
(Youth-only pickup; run club coaches encouraged to pick up for their teams.)

 
Parking
Parking will be available in the Sprouts shopping center parking lot. Families are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion.

 
Healthy Start Fair (Hosted by Sprouts)
Immediately following the race, participants and families are invited to explore the Healthy Start Fair, featuring:

Nutrition education & healthy snack stations
Kid-friendly wellness demonstrations
Vendor booths and interactive displays
Giveaways & family activities
Photo opportunities for run clubs and families
 
Run Club Participation
Schools and run clubs may:

Register teams together
Bring banners or team flags
Set up a meeting area for warmups
Participate in optional group photo sessions
A special Run Club Recognition Ceremony will take place at the finish area.