Submitted by Marianna McIntyre, Development Director
Micah’s Place
May 3, 2015 4:00 p.m.
Despite sporadic rain showers, runners from around Nassau – and neighboring counties – shined bright during the Micah’s Place “Taking Strides to End Abuse” 5K/Fun Run/Kids Zone.
The 2nd annual event, which kicked off at Central Park, was held on Saturday, April 25th, took runners on a trek down Atlantic Avenue , with a finish line near the Park. While temperatures in the mid-70s and a steady rain overshadowed the race, they couldn’t outshine the blistering pace set by many runners on what many considered a “fast” course.
The race’s overall winner was Laura DiBella, 36, of Fernandina Beach, who finished the race with a time of 19:18, and an impressive pace of 6:13. DiBella was one of eight runners who finished the race with a pace under seven minutes.
While not all participants ran at top speed, everyone shone brighter than the overcast skies, with many runners wearing purple in support of Victims of Domestic Violence. “It was a fabulous day for runners, walkers and spectators. We are so thrilled to have so many committed community members show their support, despite the weather. As we know, Domestic Violence doesn’t stop for bad weather – so neither will we.” said Heather Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Micah’s Place.
This event was emceed by Nassau County Tax Collector John Drew, with all proceeds going to Micah’s Place to assist victims of domestic violence in Nassau County. Micah’s Place nonprofit is the only Certified Domestic Violence Center serving Nassau County, Florida. Its mission is to provide prevention and intervention services to victims of domestic violence and to provide education and awareness within the community to affect change in behavior and attitudes relating to domestic violence.
Micah’s Place offers safe, confidential shelter, advocacy, a 24-hour toll-free hotline, counseling, legal advocacy, and support groups to victims of domestic violence. All services are free and confidential. For more information, please visit www.micahsplace.org or call our administration office at 904-491-6364 or our Hotline call (800) 500-1119.