To Miami’s Community Newspapers
Under a crystal blue sky and perfect chamber of commerce weather, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 24th annual Doctors Hospital Tour of the Gables 5K and 10K.
With 500 runners partucupating in the race, a 5 percent increase over 2018, it was the perfect start to the day for members, corporate employees and running enthusiasts. Nearly 150 runners participated in the 10K on Saturday, the second year the distance was included.
Top finishers in each division were: Karina Montes, 5K Female Champion; Frederick Dolan, 5K Male Champion; Jessica Abreu, 10K Female Champion, and Andres Pozo, 10K Male Champion.
This run made possible with the generous support of Nelson Lazo and the team at Doctors Hospital and Baptist Health South Florida. For 24 years, they have presented this event.
“Doctor’s Hospital is once again proud to sponsor the Tour of the Gables 5K/10K,” said Nelson Lazo, CEO of Doctors Hospital and Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute. “We enjoy giving back to the South Florida community through events that align with our mission of health and wellness.”
In addition, the Chairman’s Cup, which honors the corporate team with the most runners, went to Zyscovich Architects which had 18 participants in the race. Doctors Hospital, the presenting sponsor, came in second with 17 runners. The Chairman’s Cup once again was presented by Grant Miller and Miami’s Community Newspapers.
“We love participating in community events, especially ones that bring our entire team together,” said Anabella Smith, partner at Zyscovich Architects. “This event also holds a special place in our heart, because we designed the custom finisher medal for each runner.”
Runners wore a hot pink race shirt and a finisher medal designed by Daniella Smith of Zyscovich Architects. Plus, there were mimosas at the finish line for those who wished to enjoy a sophisticated drink for a classic race. Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the race and a special early-bird invite to be part of this milestone event will launch in coming weeks at $25 for the 5K!
For 24 years, the beneficiary of the race has been Coral Gables High School, having raised more than $35,000 towards education, and nearly 40 of their cheerleaders, dancers and student leaders joined us on the course to help guide runners, bestow medals and staff the water stations.
As runners crossed the finish line, they were greeted by some very sporty — and fuzzy — friends, including Burnie from the Miami Heat, TD of the Miami Dolphins, Stanley from the Florida Panthers and Obie from the Orange Bowl. Never short on entertainment value or enthusiastic support, the team mascots high-fived runners as they achieved their goals and logged top-notch runs times.
Sponsors — led by Doctors Hospital — hosted expo tables during and after the race, as well as provided giveaways and goodies to those who came out bright and early to support the run.
A favorite event of the chamber — and the longest standing race hosted each year in the Gables — the Doctors Hospital Tour of the Gables features a gorgeous, flat and user-friendly certified course that takes runners through the most beautiful parts of Coral Gables. Plus, the participants, who ranged in age from 10 to 77, come back each year to support the run because it is runner-focused and participant-first produced.
