Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at the Sun Sentinel.
SafeSun Foundation founder and race director Fran Nachlas said she is looking forward to the 10th anniversary of the Run From The Rays 5K/1 Mile event April 24 in Boca Raton.
Presented by Vertical Bridge, the event will take place at the Spanish River Athletic Complex, 1000 NW Spanish River Blvd., in Boca Raton.
Nachlas said coming out of the pandemic they had the event in person with a limited capacity last year. SafeSun is a grassroots nonprofit organization founded to raise awareness about sun safety in the community.
“Masks, social distancing at the start line, medals given out in registration bags instead of being placed on finishers after crossing the finish line were all ways we accomplished having an in-person event with restrictions we all had to face in our lives at that time,” she said.
“This year, we are really looking forward to coming together for this amazing cause as we have in the past, mask-less, running or walking together, and volunteers celebrating with finishers at the finish line.”
The event will begin at 6:45 a.m. with the presentation of colors. The 5K starts at 7 a.m., and the one-mile race begins at 7:45 a.m. Accuchip Timing will be the official race timer, and Runner’s Edge Boca Raton is the race manager.
The post-race breakfast will be provided by Fit Foodz Cafe, and there will also be raffle prizes given away during the awards ceremony. Only paid participant can win and must be present during the giveaways.
Sandy Friedman, Fran Nachlas, center, and Katy Luciano, are co-founders of SafeSun and show the proceeds from 2021 race. (Audrey Foley/Courtesy)
Nachlas is also anticipating “a fantastic post-race breakfast in our Athlete’s Village” and a chance for the participants to meet and support many of the sponsors who make it possible for SafeSun to continue its mission of the prevention, early diagnosis and early treatment of malignant melanoma and other life-threatening cancers of the skin.
The SafeSun Foundation raised $52,500 for its beneficiaries last year, which was the largest amount ever donated from the event. Organizers had to cap registration to comply with the COVID-19 safety protocol for the city of Boca Raton.
“We have been fortunate to survive throughout this unprecedented last couple of years because of the unwavering support of hundreds of people in our community and around the world as far away as Australia,” Nachlas said. “We held our annual Martinis For Melanoma event in November at Crazy Uncle Mike’s. The success of that fundraiser combined with the outpouring of support for our 10th Anniversary Run From The Rays will make 2022 our most successful year to date.”
In addition to continued support through donations from the proceeds of their two annual fundraisers to other nonprofit organizations sharing their mission, the largest donation this year will be to the Milagro Center in Delray Beach for a permanent sunshade structure to protect the skin of the children and teenagers who attend the facility.
This structure will be the fifth permanent sunshade structure to which SafeSun has contributed. Other recipients of sunshade grants include The Boca Raton Swim Team at Boca Raton Community High School, The Fuller Center, AVDA (Aid To Victims of Domestic Abuse) and SOS Children’s Village.
To date, SafeSun has donated $446,500 to its beneficiaries and the goal this year is to donate another $50,000.
“We are also extremely grateful to Tim Tuck of Vertical Bridge once again this year,” Nachlas said. “With his help, Vertical Bridge has returned as our presenting sponsor for 2022.”
Morning Update Newsletter
Daily
Start your day with the top stories in South Florida.
“Our Athlete’s Village will be a great place to meet all of our sponsors before and after the race,” she said. “Most are local businesses who support our event year after year. All 100% of the registration fees will be donated to their beneficiaries.”
Custom 10th anniversary medals and T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 registered and paid participants.
There are 5K and 1 Mile Run/Walk options, as well as a virtual option again this year. Strollers are also welcome.
The cost is $35 for the in-person and $40 for the virtual option (to offset shipping cost). Sponsorships and donations are available. There are no refunds and the race will take place rain or shine.
