Southport Magazine

Looking for a good way to cool off and help your community in the process? The 13th running of the Go Jump In The Lake 5K and 1.5 Mile Fun Run/Walk might just fit the bill. Organized by the Southport Rotary Club, this family-friendly event promotes health and wellness in our community. As in previous years, most of the proceeds will benefit New Hope Clinic’s charitable healthcare programs, as well as other Rotary funded organizations.

Participants are invited to run, walk or roll the route though Boiling Spring Lakes and finish off the journey with a big SPLASH into Spring Lake at the finish line. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 beginning and ending at Spring Lake Park, 210 Pine Road. The race will start at 8:30 am. 

“This is a fun event that is open to all ages and skill levels,” said Shawn Braswell, Immediate Past President of the Southport Rotary Club. “There is a timed 5K for the competitive runners looking to improve their time or just a newbie runner. The 1.5 mile Fun Run/Walk that isn’t timed is perfect for those that are just out to have a good time and participate in a healthy event with friends. There are awards for different ages and there is even a best splash award.”

Registration is open now at SouthportRotary.com and event sponsors are also needed with sponsorships starting at a very affordable $50. Entry fees are $20 for the 1.5 mile Fun Run and $33 for the 5K until Aug. 15, when the price increases. Registration includes a finisher medal and race t-shirt. 

New Hope Clinic Executive Director Sheila Roberts said she is thrilled to partner with Southport Rotary on this event. “We love partnering with Rotary to host the Go Jump in the Lake fundraiser that’s also a health-raiser! The funds raised help New Hope Clinic provide much needed healthcare services for our neighbors in need who do not qualify for an insurance program, yet also cannot afford health insurance and healthcare costs. We have an amazing group of volunteers who help us at the Clinic, but there are many expenses we need these funds for including medications, dental equipment, and diabetic testing supplies,” she said.

“We hope more people register and use this event for a fitness goal, whether they’re on their 100th race and striving for a new personal best time, starting a couch to 5k program, using the fun run/walk as part of their recovery after a surgery, or looking for a chance to meet some other community members who like to be active,” Roberts said. “The more people we have out moving at events like this, the healthier our community becomes!”