Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run returns for second year

By Ian Swaby
| 10:40 a.m. April 28, 2025

Diego Chappa, 6, and his brother Tadeo Chappa, 8, showcase their medals.

Sarasota
Neighbors

With 17 participants, Tuttle Elementary assembled the largest team for the Education Foundation Ringling Bridge Run.

"We know we're supporting an organization that will give back to our school, and it's fun to see all the educators out here too, our friends, they're all excited, and it's a beautiful morning," said principal Patti Folino.

However, there were thousands of participants as the run returned for its second year on April 27.

The event supports visibility for the foundation's mission and helps fund services for students and teachers, including helping kids design post-secondary plans and providing them with mentors and scholarships, and celebrating teachers.

The races included a 10K and 5K, which began and ended at The Bay and crossed over the John Ringling Causeway and back, while a one-mile fun run as an added extra.

The event also featured student musicians and an expo at The Bay.

"It is amazing to be able to run over the iconic Ringling Bridge on a beautiful spring morning with thousands of runners with us," Vigne said. "It's very special, and to do it for a purpose and a cause makes it even more meaningful."

Overall winner Jackson Mitchell leads the race as it begins.

Christopher Ramos heads across the bridge.

Participants, including Scott Parrish (front) make their way over the bridge.

Thomas Mitchell heads back across the bridge.

Claire Stirling heads back across the bridge.

Hank Stump, 3, his mother Casey Stump, and his sister Lucy Stump, 2, watch the race.

Jazmine Davis claims a medal at the finish line.

James Hawkins and Mayra Hernandez arrive at the finish line.

Brandon Bontrager heads across the bridge.

Erik Wydner pushes his kids Noah Wydner, 7, and Ellie Wydner, 5. "I push them in every race," he said.

Katelyn Garner cheers shows some spirit along the race course.

Davontay Richey, Andrew Light, Erin Skaggs and Cory Gallagher reach the end of the bridge as they make their way back across.

Evan Randall and T. Randall, 7, head along the walkway.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.