JOG N JAM returns with 10K, 5K and kids’ fun run
The Ben Allen Band to perform Dec. 5
By MEGHAN BRADBURY
mbradbury@breezenewspapers.com
The annual tradition is returning next month — complete with a race, beach concert and fireworks, all to support FISH of SanCap programs.
JOG N JAM Committee Chair Leah Winkler said the event, which started as the FISH 10K has taken on different aspects over the years, one of which was adding a 5K about three years ago.
The event also includes the kids’ fun run, which is free for kiddos under the age of 10.
“We have blossomed into a wonderful event by increasing participation and allowing people that aren’t necessarily runners to walk or run,” she said.
FISH’s signature annual fundraising event, JOG N JAM will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way. There are both individual and team divisions, with entry for the team division closing Friday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m.
“The community is coming together to make it a better event with all the different teams,” Winkler said.
Awards will be given to the fastest runners.
“It has been amazing getting to know the businesses, working with them and feeling the support of FISH,” she said, as many share they would be happy to support the organization. “People are excited to be part of the event. There is so much fellowship at the end of the 10K and 5K and wonderful food donated by Bailey’s.”
Registration can be done at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanibel/10K5KRace4FISH, or the day of the event.
“We are 32% higher than last year. We are expecting to have at least 600 participants. We are so excited,” she said.
Winkler said the race steps off at 7:30 a.m., with everyone — both 10K participants, and 5K participants — leaving at the same time. She encourages participants to arrive at 7 a.m. as there will be a wonderful opening ceremony.
The Sanibel School student Harrison McNeilus will sing the national anthem, followed by remarks about JOG N JAM.
Winkler said they would love for everyone to join the festivities before the shotgun start at 7:30 a.m.
Participants will head down Periwinkle Way after leaving the Community House, before turning left on Island Inn Road where there will be a turnaround pointing 5K participants left to finish the race, and 10K participants will head right.
“We will have pace signs lined up based on how fast they run,” Winkler said.
The JOG N JAM also includes a concert on Saturday, Dec. 5, at ‘Tween Waters Inn & Marina, at 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature The Ben Allen Band.
Tickets are $75 for adults 19 and older, $50 for veterans, and students 7-18 years old, and free for children 6 years old and younger.
Shuttle buses will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Winkler said ‘Tween Waters has been a fantastic partner with FISH for the event. She said they are offering a great discount for those who are participating in the JOG N JAM who want to make it a weekend stay.
“Take advantage of a wonderful weekend and fantastic property as well,” she said.
Tickets can be purchased at https://jamwithfish2026.rsvpify.com/.
The jam event was added three years ago.
“It is an amazing event. The Ben Allen Band is great,” Winkler said. “Make sure to get tickets soon.”
There will be two bars on the beach, and all the restaurants will be open during the event.
“All the restaurants at ‘Tween Waters will be open. Make a reservation, get a pizza to take to the beach. Bring beach chairs and wear comfortable clothes because there will be lots of dancing,” she said, adding that everyone was dancing in front of the stage last year. “We had a great time.”
She said what makes the event so special are the fireworks on the beach, which will light up the sky around 7:15 p.m.
The event also includes drawing names for the raffle — the winners for the 14 baskets, which are full of donations from the business community. Winkler said they have given so much — fishing trips, hotel stays, as well as amazing items given by the merchants on the island, as well as Fort Myers.
“It’s between $500 to $3,000 worth of prizes,” Winkler said.
Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Sunday Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market or at fishofsancap.org. Tickets are $10 per raffle ticket.
The proceeds from the events will go towards FISH programs — the Food Pantry, Island Education, Senior and Social Services and Helping Hands.