F.I.S.H. 10K/5K participant to complete his 240th race
Long-time participant Tom Kelly recently registered for F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva’s 15th Annual F.I.S.H. 10K/5K, making the event his 240th race entry since he began competing in 2012.
“The hurricane threw me a little off track,” he said. “I, along with 500 other ground floor condo owners in Fort Myers, had to leave for four months following the storm because of all the inside damage.”
Kelly noted that the F.I.S.H. race has always had a special place in his heart.
F.I.S.H. has celebrated him and his accomplishments over the years and helped Kelly mark his 100th race in 2018. Last year was to be in celebration of his 80th birthday, but the event was canceled.
“We are so happy Tom is returning for this year’s race,” Race Committee Co-chair Diane Cortese said. “It’s been an absolute pleasure to follow his progress over the years and connect with his infectious energy.”
Kelly noted that F.I.S.H. has been a blessing to so many people following Hurricane Ian.
“I’ve been receiving the F.I.S.H. newsletter and what you, your staff and your volunteers have accomplished is beyond describing in words,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a fun morning and getting back on the island with all the other runners and good folks.”
Kelly began training and racing after the loss of his partner, Barbara, after 50 years together. For the last several years, he has been powerwalking races he takes part in “to save his knees for tennis.”
“I have been proudly participating in the F.I.S.H. 10K since 2012 and look forward to this year in support of F.I.S.H. and their hurricane recovery efforts, in particular,” Kelly said.
This year’s race will be held on Dec. 2 at The Community House on Sanibel, with a virtual option available. The proceeds will support F.I.S.H.’s mission of enriching the lives of people on Sanibel and Captiva as “neighbors helping neighbors” with social services, education and assistance.
For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH.