Get in shape, while supporting three local organizations with the Try2Tri series starting on Feb. 8.
Along with Kissimmee Main Street, the events will benefit the Osceola Council on Aging and The Transition House. This is the first year the city has combined all three into the Try2Tri to challenge people to participate in three races within three months.
The first race, the Kiss-Im-Mee 5K will benefit heart health awareness.
“Fifty percent of the proceeds will go to the American Heart
Association,” said Kissimmee Main Street Director Diana Marrero- Pinto. “These events help promote and show the ways these groups are impacting our community.”
The 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. at Kissimmee Lakefront Park and costs $25 if participants register before the end of January. Enjoy a run around Lake Tohopekaliga seeing historic homes and a view of downtown.
There will be several awards for top three male and female finishers by age. Dress up in your favorite Valentine’s themed outfit with prizes for “The Cutest Cupid” and “The Prettiest Pair.” This is the 12th year for the Kiss-Im-Mee race.
KUA Presents March for Meals 5K is the second race on March 14 and the money raised will help the Osceola Council on Aging. Pre registration is $20 for participants.
“The community needs to know that seniors are going hungry every day and it’s unacceptable,” said Council Nutritional Director Wilda Belisle.
March for Meals has been racing through downtown for 15 years.
Try2Tri “is an incredible idea. We can team up and get the community to help. We believe in the other (organization’s) causes and support them,” Belisle said. Funds raised by March
Funds raised by March for Meals will help shorten the waiting list and provide more meals for seniors.
The event will include a kid’s run, silent auction, prizes for largest and most spirited teams and more. Wear St. Patrick’s Day attire to add some extra fun to the event.
Last year, March for Meals saw 500 participants and they are hoping to see more this year.
Hot dogs will be served, and individuals are asked to bring non-perishable food items and will be entered into a drawing.
“We decided to take part in this three-month event. We are all part of the solution. It was a nobrainer,” said Belisle.
The final race is for The Transition House April 4 and is free. It is the third annual Alcohol Awareness Month Walk/Run.
Christine Falkowski, event coordinator, said, “It’s important for the community to know about options available for treatment for alcoholism. We want to raise awareness especially for teens and young adults.”
Several vendors will be set up at the park, such as the Boy Scouts, Tax Collector, Elections Office, St. Cloud Medical Center and more.
The Transition House has been serving the community for 26 years and provides substance abuse treatment for anyone. It works closely with the Department of Health and Osceola Healthcare.
“We make it easy to get treatment,” said Falkowski. “It’s about helping people.”
All three events will be at Kissimmee Lakefront Park and by registering and completing each race, participants earn a Kissimmee Try2Tri medal. The event is sponsored by the Kissimmee Utility Authority.
“This is something that I have wanted to do with these organizations, since we have three great events happening at the Kissimmee lakefront,” said Marrero- Pinto. “This is beneficial for all the participants in each of these events and it’s a great way to show off the Kissimmee Lakefront and keep our community healthy by supporting three great causes.”
SUBMITTED PHOTO KUA Presents March for Meals 5K on March 14 is the second race in the Try2Tri series at Kissimmee Lakefront Park.
