Pictured: Runners crossed the iconic Ringling Bridge to champion students and teachers.

On Sunday, April 28, the Education Foundation of Sarasota County hosted its inaugural Ringling Bridge 5K/10K Run and Well-Being Expo. The event, held at The Bay’s Civic Green Lawn, served to celebrate students and teachers across the county and promote resiliency and well-being. The run, which was sanctioned by the Manasota Race Club, had over 1,200 registrants. Participants followed a 10K, 5K, or fun-run course, with the 10K and 5K course crossing the Ringling Bridge. The opening ceremony featured 2023 Sarasota County Teacher of the Year Tim Ferguson playing the national anthem on the trumpet. School bands from Booker High School, Riverview High School, and Woodland Middle School played for participants along the route. The Well-Being Expo, held in conjunction with the run, included 16 organizations that provided information at booths. Students, families, and teachers learned about resources available to help them develop resiliency and find well-being. Participating organizations joining the Education Foundation included the event’s presenting sponsor, Florida Blue, as well as Also Youth, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Child Protection Center, Embracing Our Differences, Forty Carrots, Girls Inc, Healthy Teens, NAMI, Sarasota Housing Authority Youth Thrive, Sarasota Memorial Hospital – Urgent Care, Teen Court, Telement, YMCA of Southwest Florida, and Sarasota County Schools. The Well-Being Expo also featured yoga in the morning, a DJ, and food trucks. There was a raffle to win Apple AirPods for those at the Expo who visited all the booths. “The Ringling Bridge symbolizes connection and unity, which are central to supporting students and teachers,” said Jennifer Vigne, president and CEO. “To have so many people from across the community come out and unite to support public education and student and teacher well-being is so inspiring. “We are grateful to our presenting sponsor Florida Blue and to all the other organizations and individuals who made this amazing day possible.”

Pictured: Runners crossed the iconic Ringling Bridge to champion students and teachers.