The Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis will hold the 16th annual BUG Chase 5K run on Jan. 13, 2024 at the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue in Fort Myers. The race will benefit the Fort Myers-Metro Kiwanis Club’s BUG (Bring Up Grades) program and other local club sponsored youth service projects. Participants can find the link to register online at MetroMcGregorKiwanis.com and clicking on fundraisers. Due to the nature of the course the race is capped at 400 registered runners. Sponsorship opportunities are now available starting at the $100 level.

The course, supervised by Endurance Sports Timing, travels the trails at the nature center and a portion of the asphalt bike path on Ortiz and will be timed with bib tag technology. Packet pick up will take place 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on both Jan. 6 and Jan. 7. Race day packet pick up will take place from 7 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. and race time is 8 a.m. Adult discounted pre-registration up to Dec. 1 is $25, Dec. 2- Jan. 12 registration is $30 and race day registration is $35. Youth (17-and-under) discounted pre- registration is $15, Dec. 2- Jan. 12 registration is $20 and race day registration is $25. The first 200 runners registered will be guaranteed a short-sleeve commemorative t-shirt in performance material, race bag and refreshments. Runners must register by Dec. 1 to ensure their t-shirt size. Overall and age group awards for the 5K run will be presented.

For more information regarding the 16th annual Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis BUG Chase or to become a sponsor, please contact Rachel Toomey at [email protected]. There is also a Facebook event page to keep updated on the event: facebook.com/events/1357642671846857

The Fort Myers Metro-McGregor Kiwanis can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or online at MetroMcGregorKiwanis.com.