Ocala High School Students Organize 5K to Raise Funds for Local Shelters

OCALA, FL – Students from the International Baccalaureate program at Vanguard High School in Ocala organized a 5k race today to raise money for shelters in Marion County. The “Project Period 5k” took place this morning at the Baseline Greenway trailhead.

The Vanguard IB students raised nearly $3,000 from entry fees and donations that will go towards purchasing sanitary products to donate to shelters throughout Marion County. The products will be distributed to women in need at local homeless and domestic violence shelters.

Kartik Koti won the race finishing in 17:09.6, just ahead of the second place finisher, Albano dos Reis, who had a time of 17:09.8. Dos Reis was the male masters winner.

Taylor Alvord was the top female finisher with a time of 22:40, while Sarah Wittman was the female masters winner finishing at 23:12.

Proceeds from the 5k will be used to buy sanitary products that will be donated to shelters in Ocala and Marion County. The Vanguard IB students organized the event because they were inspired to help provide women in need with access to basic sanitary supplies.

The race organizers and participants thanked the local businesses who sponsored and contributed to the community-focused event.