Family Fun and Run at the Marco Y

Vladimir Yurkin was basking in satisfaction having completing an athletic challenge, joined by a bevy of other weekend workout warriors exercising for a good cause.

After all, he was the fourth-place finisher in the male category of the Third Annual Marco Island 5K and Fall Family Fest. The events were held recently at the YMCA of Collier County’s South Campus, located off Sandhill Street. 

The Marco resident’s elation was heightened by having rapidly traversed the 3.1-mile course on what was his 66th his birthday.

“I did not win, but I was not far from being the first man. For me, that’s fine,” said Yurkin, a lifelong athlete and a Kazakhstan native. His wife Galina stood at his side, sometime helping translate for the native Russian speaker. 

The 5K and Fall Family Fest is a fundraiser for the Y’s early learning programs, explained Cindy Love-Abounader, President/CEO of the YMCA of Collier County, which has a second branch located off Pine Ridge Road. “This particular campus needs to raise over $200,000 a year just to support participants that can't afford programs. We want people to understand that the Y is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and that we're the island’s hub for health and wellness and human services.”

Aside from the fun run, the free Fall Family Fest featured giveaways and food, information tables by local vendors and community resource providers, live music and a Y open house. It included the Halloween-themed, costumes-welcomed, “Boo-takular,” mini-carnival of children’s games, crafts and prizes. 

The 5K started and end at the Y’s campus, where about 100 participants gathered on the basketball court, readying themselves to hear the words, “ready, set, go” barked over the P.A. system. Arrayed there were couples and entire families, grade-school-to high-school age runners and those who’ve racked up many more decades, people with leashed pooches and parents pushing stroller-borne children. Some participants strolled the course, some took off at a jog, while still others departed with serious intent. 

The weather was pleasant, a welcome balminess, after the recent weeks of severe storms.

Michael and Sheila Ariel were among the participants and top finishers: her the top finisher in the women’s category and he, second among the males, both crossing the finish line in just under 20 minutes. 

“We frequently run,” said Michael. “We're among that group of people that're up bright and early, first thing in the morning, getting our run in before work.”

The couple belongs to the Marco Y and their children attend the daycare and after-school programs there. Those facts provided extra motivation to indulge in their favored exercise. 

“I think that's our biggest reason for participating today is obviously trying to give back,” Michael added. “We know the benefits with our own kids in the programs, and we want to be able to continue to see them grow.”

Marco Island Academy students Annie Guidry and Brianna Ferraro were first-time participants in the 5K. The sophomores are members of the MIA cross-country team and they were joined by Brianna’s father, Lazero Ferraro.

For him, the race was further evidence of how far he’s come since he began a weight-loss campaign in June. 

“I’ve lost 30 pounds. In the beginning, I could probably run maybe half a mile, and that would have been it,” he explained. “I would have to walk because of the excessive weight. But now I’ve lost the weight and I've been running and my daughter is my motivator. This was the first time I was able to run a race in a long, long time, so I'm happy I got to accomplish something awesome.”

The Marco Island Area Association of Realtors co-sponsored the Marco Island 5K and Fall Family Fest, along with the Y. 

“The Marco Island Area Association of Realtors co-sponsors this annual event with the YMCA - Marco Island to continue our mission of building and enhancing relationships and engagements within the community,” said MIAAOR CEO, Kandy Sweeney. “But more importantly, it’s supporting the programs and services of the YMCA - Marco Island. A huge thank you to the many sponsors, volunteers, and staff.”

She also expressed appreciation for all the walkers and runners who participated. 

Other sponsors included Chris Sullivan – Marco Luxury Homes; Clausen Properties Rentals; Cross Country Mortgage – Marc Creach; Downing Fry Realty; FCI Homes; Geoff Fahringer; Horizon Rentals- Paul Tateo; Jacki Strategos, realtor; John R Wood Properties; Marco Island Yacht Club; RE/MAX Affinity Plus – The Waldren Team; Tenney Law; and Snook Inn, The Oyster Society, and Marco Prime

The Marco Island YMCA branch is located at 101 Sand Hill Street. For more information, please visit https://ymcacollier.org/ or call 239-394-9622.