More than 1,800 people participate in annual Take Stock in Children run.
By
Pam Eubanks
| 11:24 a.m. March 5, 2017
East County
Neighbors
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Greenbrook resident Mark Leatt was out of breath after earning "Super Dad" status as he crossed the finish line during the annual Take Stock in Children run.
In the 5K race March 5 that started and finished at Lakewood Ranch Main Street, he finished fourth overall, just a few steps behind his son, Jonathan, who ran it in under 20 minutes.
While Mark had trouble talking just past the finish line while Jonathan spoke as if he had just walked across the street.
“He’s good,” Mark said after a moment. “I try to keep up. I think he has a gift. He enjoys running.”
The Leatts joined more than 1,800 other runners in the fundraiser for Take Stock in Children, a mentoring and scholarship program in Manatee County.
The event started with children’s dashes, before 10K and 5K runs and a one-mile walk.
After completing the run down Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, participants enjoyed food and drink, vendor booths and other festivities.
Race Director Doug Schiller joins Take Stock in Children Executive Director Diana Dill before the starting gun.
East County residents Caitlin Buchanan, Carolyn Renick, Nicole and Blake Lynn and Kenny Buchanan tackle the 10K.
Bradenton' s Lindy and Hank Taylor and their daughters, Ava, left, and Izzy, above, support their oldest daughter, Lola, who ran the 5K.
Lakewood Ranch' s Erik and Alex Vatter run for a good cause.
Gianluca and Maurizio Colombo came from Sarasota to participate.
Lakewood Ranch' s Emeline, Layla and Elliot Koreneman urge their mom forward in the 10K.
Manatee County Public Schools Superintendent Diana Greene laughs as she starts the race.
Individuals with disabilities take their spot in the run.
Manatee County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene starts the 5K run.
They are off and running in the Take Stock in Children 5K.
Lakewood Ranch' s Arletha Blackman, Heritage Harbour' s Dr. Phyllis Brooks and Lakewood Ranch' s Etta Carter all volunteer with Take Stock.
Anne Heller, a Take Stock board member, readies for the mentor' s one-mile walk.
Manatee County Public School District employees, school board members and program mentors start their one-mile walk.
East County resident and Manatee County School Board member John Colon walks in the one-mile mentor walk.
The Tod Puppy mascot greets guests and runners.
Lakewood Ranch High School students Courtney and Bella Yost pass out water to runners as they finish.
Lakewood Ranch' s Mark Leatt finishes the 5K in just over 20 minutes.
