Communing With Nature

BROOKSVILLE - Runners, joggers and walkers: Getting bored with that same old course on flat city streets while sucking in exhaust fumes? Then maybe you'd like to huff and puff on some crisp, clean air as you match your mettle to some of Hernando County's most tenacious terrain. And here's the bonus part: You might even get a little horse manure trampled into the treads of your running or walking shoes.

This Saturday, May 24, Arc Nature Coast is holding its second annual Spring Lake 5K Run and 2-mile fun walk/run, and there is still time to pre-register.

The cost is $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 2-mile walk/run - whether you pre-register or show up with cash or check in hand 7 a.m. at 5283 Neff Lake Road. All proceeds will go to the Arc's scholarship fund, which assists individuals who otherwise might not be able to participate in the Arc's programs because of lack of funds. Since 1972, the Arc has provided services and activities for adults with developmental disabilities. Many of these activities, like the equestrian program, are provided on some of the prettiest property in Hernando County - 30 acres of naturally wooded land off Neff Lake Road.

The first mile of the event winds through the Arc's little corner of God's Green Earth. (Including a trek through the equestrian stable as curious horses peer from their stalls wondering what all those crazy people in shorts and tank tops are doing so early in the morning.)

Then things get a bit knarly as the course goes from trail to pavement and up and down what geologists would actually call hills. And you probably thought Florida was as flat as a pancake.

"This is not a course to do your personal best," said Arc Executive Director Mark W. Barry about the challenging nature of the course.

Barry, who himself is a runner and triathlete, added, "I like to tell inexperienced runners it will be one of the most scenic courses you'll ever run. And for hardened runners, it's one of the toughest."

Barry has been Arc's executive director for 16 years. Working closely with him on Saturday's fitness fest is John DiRienzo, president or Arc's board of directors.

It was DiRienzo, who has served on the board for 10 years, who got Barry interested in triathlons.

"We (Mark and I) were swimming at the Y one day and I said 'Why don't we try a triathlon?'"

Both men said they plan to run with the pack on Saturday.

Barry has seen the organization grow during his 16-year tenure.

"When I first came here we had 38 people that we served and 15 on staff," Barry said. "Now we have 75 on staff and 160 people that we serve. When I first came here it was just day services and now we have group homes and a lot of other services."

Last year, about 70 runners and walkers showed up on a day blessed with good weather. With 50 people pre-registered as of last Thursday, Barry hopes to surpass last year's numbers.

Barry said he would like to thank everyone who has volunteered to help out Saturday, including members of the Red Mule Runners Club, who will be timing the event.

IF YOU GO:

Where: Arc Nature Coast, 5283 Neff Lake Road, Brooksville

When: Saturday, May 24. Registration opens at 7 a.m., race starts at 8

Cost: $25 for 5K run, $20 for 2-mile fun walk/run

Prizes: Awarded to 1st through 3rd place in all age groups (5-year increments)

Pre-register online at www.active.com.

For more information, call 352-544-2322, Ext. 109 or e-mail: info@thearc-naturecoast.org