1st Annual 'Run to Row' Will Benefit Manatee Youth Rowing

BRADENTON – In addition to the tremendous return on investment that area rowing programs have delivered in terms of financial impact, another benefit has been the emergence of area youth programs that have provided area students with an opportunity to participate in a sport they likely would have never been exposed to otherwise. On May 5, members of the community can support those efforts by taking part in a 5k benefit race.

Manatee, Palmetto and Souteast High have all launched rowing programs since the completion of the training center at Ft. Hamer, while college powerhouses like Harvard and Northeastern and even the Canadian national team have traveled there to train in winter months. In future years, competitive rowers from the area will surely begin to win college scholarships, aided by the exposure of local programs to visiting coaches.

But while the facilities have been a relatively small investment considering their impact, the costs associated with starting local teams runs quite high. An octuple scull (the boat used for competition) costs over $40,000 and a single set of oars can be as much as $600.

On Saturday, May 5, On a Shoestring will host a 5k race and 1 mile fun run to raise funds for Manatee County Youth Rowing Inc., which benefits the three high school teams. Pre-registration is $20 ($35 day of race). 12 and under pre-registration is $10 ($15 day of race). Registration and packet pick up starts at 6:30 a.m. 5k starts at 7:30, 1 mile run/walk starts at 8:00.

Awards will be given to the top 3 overall male and female, age group awards will be given and their will be great raffle prizes, food and music all on the beautiful Manatee River at Ft. Hamer Rowing Center in Parrish. Sign up at www.runsignup.com or call 941.782.7023.

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