More than 350 people, ranging in age from 4 to 83, started the New Year off right as runners and walkers in the 2022 Resolution Run 5K on New Year’s morning. The sun shone brightly as participants gathered near the Vero Beach Museum of Art at Riverside Park, greeting friends, and getting pumped up by the crowd before making the trek that took them over the Barber Bridge and back.
This being the era of COVID, there was also a virtual option offered, with runners competing on their own and submitting their results through Jan. 8.
Det. Rebecca Hurley and Sgt. Rodrick Smith, who run the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Explorer Program, the race beneficiary, were helping to coordinate the run with members of the program.
“It’s for youth students who are interested in a career in law enforcement,” said Hurley. “The ages are 14 to 21 and they have to be full-time students registered in high school or college, with good standing, no arrest history. We show them the ropes and try to keep them motivated and on task.
“They’re spread out here today, helping with the parking and directing the runners where to go. We’re always looking for good kids that want a career in law enforcement,” added Smith, noting that they get prospective enrollees by word of mouth, through the school and via their website.
This was the first Resolution Run for Running Zone Foundation owners Don and Denise Piercy, who purchased the Run Vero series from Jim Van Veen in 2020. The couple have been organizing similar events in Brevard County since 2003, donating proceeds to nonprofits. They now offer 20 events in both counties.
The series in Vero Beach offers something for every level of runner and walker in its seven family-friendly events – three 5Ks, one 3K, one 4K and two 2-milers, and they will also help businesses to encourage team challenges.
The 2021-22 series started off with July’s Red White & Brew 5K, followed by the Pirates in the Park 2-Miler in September, the Frightening 4K in October, the Candy Cane 3K, which annually kicks off the Christmas parade, and the Resolution Run. Still to come are the Cupcake 2-Miler on Feb. 5 and the Citrus Classic on March 19. They also coordinate a number of other races, including the upcoming Vero Beach Half Marathon & Sea Turtle 2-Miler on Jan. 23.
For more information, visit runvero.com or runningzone.com.
Photos provided
