Doc Ford’s to present Yucatán shrimp 7K
An island race will support enhancements at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
In celebration of National Yucatán Shrimp Day, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille will present its second annual Doc Ford’s National Yucatán Shrimp Day 7K on May 23 at 7 a.m. at its Sanibel location.
A 7K in honor of the seven key ingredients in the restaurant’s signature Yucatán shrimp, this year’s proceeds will benefit the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge (DDWS).
“Doc Ford’s is a long-time supporter of J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society, and we are happy to help by donating to the cause,” Joe Harrity, a partner with the HM Restaurant Group — which owns and operates Doc Ford’s — said. “The idea of a 7K race originated with our employees and has become an annual event.”
Open to runners and walkers, the 7K will start and finish at the restaurant.
Awards will be presented to the top three male and female runners and by age groups. Timer Lin-Mark Sports will text results live as they happen and post videos of each runner and walker crossing the finish line.
Afterward, Doc Ford’s will open up early at 10 a.m. for post-run festivities.
There will be a complimentary mojito for participants, live chef demonstrations of its Yucatán shrimp and a photobooth, along with free drink stations featuring Captains For Clean Water cocktails, sponsored by RNDC.
Event supports include: Asteria Wellness as a sambal sponsor; Fleet Feet Fort Myers as a lime sponsor; Cheney Brothers, Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals, Lin-Mark Sports, and Sanibel Carts as garlic sponsors; and Bailey’s and On Island as community sponsors.
The entry fee is $45 for ages 11 and older; a virtual option is also available.
To guarantee a shirt in the preferred size, participants must sign up by May 8. In addition, all participants will be entered for a chance to win a Doc Ford’s customized YETI cooler.
Registration will close on May 23 at 9 a.m.
DDWS Executive Director Ann-Marie Wildman reported that the proceeds have been earmarked for new furniture, a displays refresh, and updated signage in the refuge’s Visitor & Education Center, which has been undergoing a long post-hurricane refurbishment.
“We are deeply honored to be at the receiving end of this year’s run,” she said. “Doc Ford’s has been a tremendous community partner for so long — foremost with the ‘Ding’ Darling & Doc Ford’s Tarpon Tournament, now in its 14th year, and through other incredibly generous shows of support.”
To register or for more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/DocFordsNationalYucatanShrimpDay7k.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Doc Ford’s National Yucatán Shrimp Day 7K
When
May 23 at 7 a.m.
Where
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, 2500 Island Inn Road, Sanibel
Details
Entry fee is $45 for ages 11 and older