FPRA Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter
Public Relations Professional Development in Polk County, Florida
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Keep up with our very own Vice President Amy Wiggins as she trains for her “couch to 5K!”
Carillon Classic 5K Walk & Run Presented by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of FPRA Takes Place May 25
Details-at-a-Glance:

Runners and walkers will have a chance to experience what may be Florida’s most challenging and picturesque 5K course on Saturday, May 25 by competing in the 2013 Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk on the grounds of Bok Tower Gardens, situated high atop “Iron Mountain” in Lake Wales, Florida. This annual event is open to adults and students in grades 1 through 12 and will include team competition for the first time.
Everyone who registers by May 1 will be guaranteed a Carillon Classic dri-fit t-shirt. First, second and third place winners in standard age categories will receive a medal.
The Carillon Classic 5k will enable participants, spectators and their families to enjoy the splendor and beauty of Bok Tower Gardens, one of Florida’s most unique treasures. All participants and spectators are invited to enjoy the gardens and carillon music free-of-charge after the races.
Carillon Classic 5k Run/Walk
Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd.
Lake Wales, FL 33853
6:30 Registration Opens
7:30 a.m. Race Starts
About the Course:
It’s challenging, but who doesn’t like a good challenge? The 5K course gives runners and walkers an opportunity to experience the rolling hills, unique terrain (some sections of the course are gravel, rocks and mulch), colorful gardens/citrus groves and beautiful mountain vistas surrounding Bok Tower. Participants will be treated to the soothing sounds of carillon music as they make their way along the course situated on one of the highest points, elevation wise, on the Florida peninsula.
What participants said about last year’s race:
“One of the best courses I’ve ever run. Very challenging, but fun.”
“Tough course. Thanks for the work out.”
“I have been hoping for a race at Bok Tower for years and it was awesome.”
To see a map of the course, click here!
Traveling from afar, check out these hotels that are giving a special rate for CC5kers!
Team challenge:
Those who are interested in participating in the team challenge should indicate their team name upon registration. Teams can represent your company, your gym or any other shared interest group. If you are entering the team competition, please note this on your registration form and enter the name of your team on the line provided.
Team Rules:
- Teams must have a minimum of four entrants and no more than six
- One team member must be a) 50+ or b) female
Team Scoring
- Team awards and rankings will be calculated by adding up the top four places for each eligible team member
- Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams
- A special judges award will be given to the most “creative” team.
Registration Information:
The nonrefundable registration fee for runners and walkers who register before May 1 is $25 for adults and $15 for students in grades 1 through 12. After May 3, there is an additional charge of $5. Registration begins at 6:30 am at Bok Tower Gardens on race day, with the competition starting at 7:30 am sharp, rain or shine. Everyone who registers by May 3 will be guaranteed a Carillon Classic dri-fit t-shirt. First, second and third place winners in standard age categories will receive a medal.
All checks should be made payable to the Florida Public Relations Association and mailed to FPRA at 1606 Taylor Brooke Dr. Bartow, FL 33830. Online registration is also available.
Thank you to our 2013 sponsors to date!
Title Sponsor: Available (Contact Danny Kushmer at 863-559-8062 or danny.kushmer@watermatters.org)
Elite Sponsors: SEMCO Construction, Heartland for Children
Champion Sponsor: Watson Clinic, LLP
Sprint Sponsor: A-C-T Environmental Infrastructure, The MOSAIC Company, Florida’s Natural, Hill Nissan, Inc. , PhosChem Supply Company
About Sponsorship Opportunities:
The Carillon Classic 5K is a charitable event sponsored by the Dick Pope/Polk County Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) in partnership with Bok Tower Gardens and Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. as well as corporate sponsors. Information about the many levels of corporate sponsorship now available can be obtained by contacting Danny Kushmer at 863-559-8062 or danny.kushmer@watermatters.org.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the FPRA chapter’s educational and professional initiatives, as well as the George W. Harris, Jr. Runaway and Youth Crisis Shelter in Bartow, an initiative of Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc. The inaugural Carillon Classic in 2012 drew more than 300 runners and walkers, raising a total of $3,100 for charity.
Find more information here:
2013 Sponsor Letter
2013 Sponsorship Levels
2013 Sponsor Registration Form
| Sponsorship Opportunities |
About our Charity:
Once again, the Carillon Classic 5k Run & Walk will benefit the DP/PC’s education and networking initiatives, along with the George W. Harris Jr. Runaway Youth and Crisis Shelter located in Bartow. The shelter is dedicated to the safety and welfare of children in the Heartland. Serving Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties, the shelter is (as one teen put it) “a place to go when there is no place to go.” From runaways to children in an abusive situation, the Harris Shelter provides our teens with food, shelter, activities and school transportation.
Modeled after the successful and growing Rap River Run (www.rapriverrun.com) in New Port Richey, the DP/PC is partnering with Youth and Family Alternatives (www.yfainc.org) to host the Carillon Classic 5k to continue bringing much needed funds to this shelter.
Named in honor of the late Citrus & Chemical Bank President George W. Harris for his tireless and dedicated work in helping our youth, the shelter is part of a network of three shelters serving West-Central Florida.
We hope you find it in your heart to reach out to those in need! The Harris Shelter provides this need. If you would like to find out more watch this video.
Public Service Announcement Course Highlights
Want to get race updates on Facebook? Click Here
For more information on the 2013 5k contact one of our Co-Chairs: Katy Martin katy.martin@lrmc.com or Marybeth Soderstrom at Marybeth_Soderstrom@polkworks.org.










