The 19th annual Womens' Jogger Jam fund-raiser for the Victim Advocates Program is on for 5 p.m. Sunday, May 6 starting at the Fruit Bowl in Wheatley Plaza.
This year's event has a couple new twists. It's an hour later than the traditional starting time because the Fruit Bowl wasn't available until about a month later this year than the ususal March or April date. With the days getting warmer, Therese Hodge, race organizer, said the later starting time would be a lot cooler for the event.
Hodge said this year's event has a new category. Previously all runners under 18 years were grouped together, but Hodge said, "Last year we had about 75 kids under 12, so that's a new category this year, 12 and under." The next category, she said will be 13 to 19 years.
"Invite everybody," Hodge said, "We really need to raise some money this year." Hodge is asking all the entrants to "bring a friend."
Hodge said last years event had 274 participants and this year she is hoping for at least 300. "You don't have to run," Hodge stressed, "It's not really a competition. You can jog, jump, walk or whatever." Hodge reminded everyone that there will be prizes for all categories, and plenty of fruit, water, music and support.
The event is traditionally sponsored by the Fruit Bowl, which matches each finisher with a $5 donation. All proceeds go to Victim Advocates, now in its 20th year. It is run in conjunction with the St. Thomas Association of Roadrunners.
It's $5 to register early at the Fruit Bowl, Players in Havensight Mall, Going Seanile on the waterfront, or the Comfort Zone in Port of Sale Mall. For those 18 and under, the fee is $2. To register at the race, it's $7.