MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – It’s no deep secret that the action of running is something people do for a bevy of reasons, such as stress relief, weight loss, catching a bus you were terribly late for, etc.
Whatever the purposeful or accidental reason may be, the one thing better than running is doing it for a cause–something that not only benefits you, but your community.
If this sounds like an idea worth pursuing, then get ready to head on over to Oklawaha this Saturday to participate in the Marion County Run for the Springs 5K event.
“This is a race that’s really trying to reach a broader audience and get more people involved in helping to protect Marion County’s springs and our groundwater,” said Trevor Knight.
Knight is the Water Resources Liaison for Marion County and one of the organizers for the 5K.
He says Marion County has the third most septic tanks out of all counties in the state of Florida. While important for sewage treatment, Knight says septic tanks leach nitrates and phosphorous into the groundwater that eventually travel to the springs.
This is why all proceeds from the race will go to a grant project created by the county, which will allow residents of Marion County the opportunity to have their septic tanks pumped and inspected. Residents can receive a $200 reimbursement.
Those with a broken tank can receive a $250 reimbursement toward repairs.
Knight hopes the run raises awareness about the issue and encourages people to take good care of their septic tanks to help the groundwater flourish.
“We’re trying to help incentivize people to maintain their septic systems so that they’re not hurting the environment any more than what they have to,” said Knight.
Marion County is home to nine separate springs, which Knight wishes to keep as intact and healthy as humanly possible.
“We have some really unique springs here in Marion County with things like Silver Springs, Rainbow Springs, Silver Glen,” said Knight. “All of those springs are connected by the same aquifer, and our groundwater is a vital resource to us.”
So, what about the race?
The race will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. It will take place at the Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area in Ocklawaha. Registration for the race is $30 per person. Unlike other years, the $30 registration fee will also include entrance into Carney Island.
Participants who wish to register at the event must arrive an hour early to fill out their registration packets. Registered runners will receive a bag of goodies and a t-shirt while supplies last.
The trail will be a smooth, unpaved road that will take you through Florida’s forestry, swamps, and alongside the southern portion of Lake Weir.
Men and women who finish in the top three of their age groups will receive medals. Participants can also run in teams and be eligible for a team trophy.
“It’s a really great 5K. We have people who walk it, people who run it,” said Knight. “We’ll be giving out prizes. So a lot of people will go home with some cool swag!”
For more information on the 5K, click here.