GROVELAND – Run or walk through the clay trails and endless rows of trees, take in the views of the rolling hills, and enjoy a unique experience at Cherrylake for the 2023 Farm Races presented by Orlando Health South Lake Hospital on Saturday, February 4th. Participants can choose a 5k, 10k and duathlon. This is the 6th year Cherrylake is hosting the event which draws participants from across the United States as well some of the local area’s renown triathletes and athletes.
The duathlon race consists of a 5k run through the tree-lined trails on the farm, a bike on the paved, rolling hills of Groveland, and finishes with a 2.5k run on the trails. The 5k attracts an array of participants from seasoned runners to those who want to leisurely walk the farm and take in the scenic views that only Cherrylake can offer. The 10k takes participants even deeper into the farm with a path that goes through most of the property passing through thousands of Magnolias, Oak Trees, Bald Cypress and Crape Myrtles.
All race participants receive a tri-blend long-sleeve shirt, custom race medal, breakfast burritos and a chance to win living awards from sponsor LiveTrends. We are excited to have Kimberly Grogan, owner of Dash Sports, as Race Director for the event once more.
“We always have a great time and are inspired by the connections made on the farm when we open it up to the local community,” said Caraline Jones, Marketing Manager at Cherrylake. “Events like these promote wellness and sustainability, and we are grateful for the support of local businesses, especially our Presenting Sponsor Orlando Health, South Lake Hospital. It’s wonderful to be able to engage with and give back to our community in this way.”
For each race participant, Cherrylake commits to donate trees to be planted through their 1,000 Trees for 1,000 Years program. In addition, The proceeds support local nonprofits including Lake County School’s agriculture and beautification projects and have provided over $25,000 to help build greenhouses in elementary schools, purchase farm equipment in high schools, and plant trees throughout the community. In 2022 Cherrylake donated 48 one hundred gallon Live Oak trees to bring instant shade and beauty to a half mile stretch of the South Lake trail that previously had no shade and was a difficult segment for runners, cyclists, and pedestrians to enjoy.
Cherrylake has been farming the land in Groveland for over 40 years. This 2nd generation, working family farm grows ornamental trees and provides landscape construction and maintenance services in Central Florida. Many locals experience the striking views of 1,100 acres of tree-lined hills and natural ponds from the farm’s perimeter on Cherry Lake Road, a popular cycling destination. The Farm Races are a rare opportunity to experience its beauty in a uniquely immersive way.
Participants can register at farmraces.com/register. Learn more and stay up to date with race updates on the Farm Races Facebook and Instagram channels. Participants or interested sponsors can also reach out at info@farmraces.com.
