Racers, on your mark. Get set. Eat donuts? Anyone have room for more than 4,000 glazed and sprinkled delicacies in the middle of a 3.1-mile run? Well, get ready to PIG out!
All 1,700 racers (1,400 5K runners and 300 Lil’ Oinkers) were adorned with pig snouts in support of The B.A.C.O.N. Foundation (The Big Awesome Charity of Nona). All proceeds from the race were donated to the Nemours Children’s Hospital “Child Life” Program and Camp Boggy Creek. The “Child Life” Program at Nemours assists patients and their families with coping with medical diagnosis, treatment and hospitalization through prep, play, self-expression and education. Camp Boggy Creek is a special place for children with chronic and/or life-threatening conditions to enjoy a camp experience, all while being in a safe and medically sound environment.
The Ate-th Annual Pig Run 5K took place on March 31 and was yet another sold-out community event. I arrived not really knowing what to expect as this was my first Pig Run, but I was not disappointed. It was immediately apparent that the ENTIRE community came out in support, whether they were running in the race or not. I ran into some teachers from when I was a Lake Nona High School student, and I reunited with some of my old friends and their parents. This was the epitome of an event that brings people together.
Only in Lake Nona will an event based on running bring everyone together. After all, Lake Nona is known for its healthy-living lifestyle. I was a “Surprised Swine,” as I told Rhys Lynn to surprise me with how many donuts I’d have to eat. I immediately regretted giving him that leverage. I had no idea there was actually a category for that, and I wouldn’t find out how many donuts I’d be scarfing down until the Pig Pen.
It was time for the race to begin, and I swore I was just going to walk this one. I had just returned from a trip out of the country, and I was exhausted. Everyone took off, and all of a sudden, I just couldn’t resist. I began running and next thing I know, I ran all the way to the Pig Pen. I was tired, but nowhere near as exhausted as I usually would be, you know…since I’m not a runner. I can thank the altitude from my vacation. My body hadn’t readjusted to normal yet, and I was feeling good. Then I saw the half-a-dozen donuts I had to eat. (Thanks, Rhys.) I instantly knew I wasn’t going to eat all of them by myself. So much for being healthy, even if it was only for less than an hour. I ate one and hunted down Rhys to force him to eat one. Two down, four more to go. I decided to just run the second half of the race with the box of donuts in hand.
The latter half of the 5K went super quick. I never saw the mile two and mile three signs, but the next thing I knew, I was approaching the last turn to reach the final stretch leading to the finish line. I sprinted.
The Ate-th Annual Pig Run raised more than $48,000. If you’ve yet to attend or even witness a Pig Run, be sure to make time for the 2019 race. It’s a family-friendly 5K that is sure to allow everyone to embrace and unleash their inner pigs. DONUT lose your stride.
