Put your feet to the pavement at The Salvation Army Tampa’s Run for Hope

Seasoned runners, neighborhood joggers and would-be athletes, The Salvation Army Tampa wants you! Runners of all abilities are invited to lace up their shoes for a good cause at The Salvation Army Tampa’s Run for Hope race on Saturday, Sept. 24. The run will be held at the beautiful Ben T. Davis Beach at the Courtney Campbell Causeway. Lauren and Tony Dungy are pleased to serve as Race Ambassadors for this inaugural race event.

Run for Hope, which benefits those who come to The Salvation Army Tampa year-round, offers athletes of all skill levels an opportunity to enjoy a 5K, 10K or 1-mile Family Fun Run while giving back to the community. The proceeds from the event will help the Tampa nonprofit organization, which has served the community for over 120 years, provide integral resources to those most in need in Hillsborough County. The Salvation Army provides food, shelter, financial assistance, character-building programs and more.

“There’s nothing like seeing hope in the eyes of someone who thought there was no chance of it anymore,” said Major David Swyers, Tampa Area Commander. Swyers, whose family members have worked as officers with The Salvation Army for three generations, loves to restore joy to people in the local area through his work with the nonprofit organization.

All participants in the Run for Hope are eligible to receive a T-shirt if registered by Sept. 10, as well as a goody bag and race completion medal, plus runners can enjoy post-race refreshments. The organization will also give awards to the top male and female runners overall in the 5K and 10K races, as well as to the first, second and third place finishers in different age groups. Awards will be presented by Race Ambassadors Lauren and Tony Dungy and will take place around 9 a.m. for the 5K race, and at approximately 9:30 a.m. for the 10K race.

“I don’t think you’re going to find a more beautiful place to be. We’re going to be along the Causeway, so you get to run along the Gulf waters the whole time,” Swyers said. “You can take your time and move through the event at your own pace, come out with friends, have a morning together and get to see God’s beauty as you run.”

Registration fees for the 5K and 10K races vary depending on when you register. Fees are $30 for the 5K and 10K races if you register before Aug. 31; they cost $35 if you register between Sept. 1 and Sept. 23; and are $40 if you register on Sept. 24, the day of the race. The Family Fun Run costs $25 to register.

“We hope the Run for Hope will become an event that people will want to come back to year and year again,” said Swyers.

Come out and support the community as you race your way to the finish. To register for the Run for Hope, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Tampa/TheSalvationArmysRunforHope5KandFamilyFunRun.