Fresh Start Fun Run

Fresh Start Fun Run

Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Location: Sprouts Farmers Market – Winkler & College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL

Event Type: Youth-Only 1-Mile Timed Run

Cost: FREE for all elementary & middle school run club participants

The Fresh Start Fun Run is a brand-new, youth-focused race created to encourage healthy habits, fitness, and confidence in our local young runners. Hosted in partnership with Sprouts, this free community event gives students the opportunity to participate in a family-friendly, supportive, and exciting race environment.

Race Description

The Fresh Start Fun Run is a one-mile youth race designed exclusively for elementary and middle school runners. Taking place at Sprouts off Winkler & College Parkway, this event will feature a fast, fun, and spectator-friendly ¼-mile loop course that participants will run four times. The course layout makes it perfect for families, coaches, and classmates to cheer from start to finish. This event is completely free for run clubs and schools in Southwest Florida. Our goal is to give young athletes a chance to compete, set goals, celebrate movement, and kick off a fresh, healthy start to their year. In partnership with Sprouts Farmers Market, the event will also include a Healthy Start Fair, featuring nutritious snacks, wellness activities, interactive booths, and fun educational experiences for kids and families.

Race Start Times

• 1-Mile Youth Run: 8:00 AM (recommended)

Final start time to be determined based on club scheduling and participation.

Course

• Course Distance: 1 Mile
• Course Format: 4 laps of a ¼-mile loop
• Course Type: Fully paved loop surrounding Sprouts property
• Spectator-Friendly: YES — families may cheer children on during all four laps
• Course Map: Coming soon

Race Features & Participant Perks

• FREE participation for all youth runners
• Chip timing for accurate performance tracking
• Four-lap course with lap counting support
• Finish line arch, music, and race atmosphere similar to major Apex Promoz events
• Healthy snacks & refreshments provided by Sprouts
• Educational and interactive booths at the Healthy Start Fair
• School run club recognition and optional team meeting zone
• Professional DJ + fun youth-appropriate playlist
• Safe, fully monitored venue with volunteers and course marshals

Awards

This is a youth-focused, celebration-style race. Awards may include:

• Top 3 Overall Boys
• Top 3 Overall Girls
• Fastest Run Club Team (optional timing aggregation)
• Most Spirited Run Club
• Fresh Start Award – recognizing sportsmanship, effort, or team positivity

Final award categories may be adjusted based on participation.

Packet Pickup

• Race Morning Only
• 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
• Sprouts – Winkler & College Parkway (Youth-only pickup; run club coaches encouraged to pick up for their teams.)

Parking

Parking will be available in the Sprouts shopping center parking lot. Families are encouraged to arrive early to avoid congestion.

Healthy Start Fair (Hosted by Sprouts)

Immediately following the race, participants and families are invited to explore the Healthy Start Fair, featuring:

• Nutrition education & healthy snack stations
• Kid-friendly wellness demonstrations
• Vendor booths and interactive displays
• Giveaways & family activities
• Photo opportunities for run clubs and families

Run Club Participation

Schools and run clubs may:

• Register teams together
• Bring banners or team flags
• Set up a meeting area for warmups
• Participate in optional group photo sessions

A special Run Club Recognition Ceremony will take place at the finish area.