JOG N JAM to feature 10K/5K, kids run and concert
There is still time to participate in an annual fundraiser to benefit FISH of Sanibel-Captiva.
The 2024 JOG N JAM will take place on Dec. 7 on the islands. It will kick off in the morning with the 10K and 5K Walk/Run at The Community House on Sanibel, including the Kids Fun Run at the Sanibel Community Park. Later that evening, a concert featuring the band Funk You and fireworks on the beach will be held at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa on Captiva.
“We’ve had our 5K/10K now for many years. It is our second year with the concert,” FISH Executive Director Maria Espinoza said, explaining that they added the JAM portion to attract more people to take part in the fun and support their mission. “It’s the way we fundraise for all of our programming.”
The only wrap-around social service agency on the islands, it provides essential support through food programs, education, senior services and emergency financial assistance, plus disaster recovery aid.
She noted that FISH only does two fundraisers each year.
“They support our work year-round and what we do to give back to our community,” Espinoza said.
For the JOG portion, day of registration will take place from 6 to 6:45 a.m. The 10K and 5K will follow at 7 a.m. Both races will be timed by Lin-Mark Sports using the Chronotrack Timing System.
The Kids Fun Run will be held at 9 a.m.
“We’ve got people cheering all along the race route, a great awards ceremony afterwards,” she said. “We even have the smallest, littlest of our runners participating. It really is a fun family event.”
The cost is $45 through Dec. 6, with a $10 discount for ages 16 and under. Day of cost is $55.
Open to ages 10 and under, the Kids Fun Run is free, but participants must sign up.
Every runner will receive a finisher’s medallion and T-shirt. Other awards include top female and male overall, first place female and male, and age groups. Team registration is open until Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.
Additionally, a 10K/5K virtual option is available for $50 through Dec. 7.
To register in advance or for more information, including the course map, pre-race packet pick-up locations and times, and parking sites for participants, visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/jog-n-jam/.
The JAM portion will kick off at 5:30 p.m.
“We’re so excited for the concert. It’s really one of the only events of its kind on the island,” Espinoza said, explaining that ‘Tween Waters is the perfect venue. “We have a wonderful band coming into town. They’re just as funky and fun as their name suggests.”
Funk You is a dynamic eight-piece band with an intoxicating mix of modern and vintage sounds. From soulful grooves to high-energy beats, their passion for live performance leaves the audience buzzing.
“At intermission, we’ll have a wonderful fireworks show going on,” she said.
Attendees are welcome to bring beach chairs or blankets.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
No outside alcohol, beverages or food will be permitted.
In addition, FISH will sell tickets for raffle prizes provided by community members, including experiences and baskets. For those not attending, tickets will also be available for purchase at the JOG event in the morning, as well as on Dec. 6 at the FISH center, at 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
The concert tickets cost $75 for adults and $25 for ages 7-17 through Dec. 6.
“We definitely have tickets still available,” Espinoza said last week.
There will be limited parking at ‘Tween Waters, so overflow parking will be available at Castaways Beach & Bay Cottages, with shuttle transportation from the lot to the resort included in the price.
If concert tickets are still available the day of, they will cost $150 for adults.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/jog-n-jam/.
FISH thanked its JOG N JAM sponsors.
“Without whom we could not do this event,” she said, noting that many are businesses that have been impacted by the storms the last two years, yet still felt strongly about supporting FISH’s mission.
Residents and visitors are invited to take part in the celebration of community.
“JOG N JAM is a fun event, but at the end of the day, it’s a way to support our vital efforts in disaster recovery and our long-term assistance programming efforts,” Espinoza said.
“It promises to be a really, really great weekend for the island and a testament to the strength and resiliency of our community, despite the impacts we’ve faced,” she added.
For more information or questions, visit the website or call FISH at 239-472-4775.
For those interested, event merchandise is available at https://d78206-67.myshopify.com/.
The Community House is at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
The Sanibel Community Park is at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel.
The ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa is at 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email