Teacher and race director, Lesley Argiri, center front beside “manatee,” gives a friendly wave! (Photo by Kim Tauber)

It was a beautiful, sunny, spring day in Michigan – an amazing day for a remarkable race! On Saturday, May 21st, approximately 850 people gathered at the Metro Huron-Clinton Metropark in Mount Clemens for the Save the Manatee 5K Run, 2 Mile Fun Walk, hosted by L’Anse Creuse High School biology teacher Lesley Argiri. It was the largest turnout in the race’s eight year history, raising $11,000 for Save the Manatee Club and its numerous programs to protect Florida’s endangered manatees and their aquatic habitat.

Lesley, race director extraordinaire, who spent countless hours organizing the 5K with her students, was very pleased with the turnout. “It was great to see this many people, including so many children and young adults, getting involved and supporting manatees.”

Katie Tripp (left), the Club’s Director of Science and Conservation, awards Lesley Argiri with a plaque of recognition for all her outstanding efforts to help Florida’s endangered manatees. (Photo by Brendan Robinson)

The Club’s Director of Science and Conservation, Dr. Katie Tripp, also attended and ran in the race, but before the race was underway, Katie presented Lesley and L’Anse Creuse High School with a special plaque from Save the Manatee Club in honor of their outstanding manatee conservation efforts.

The 2011 race had numerous new additions including manatee mile markers and welcome signs, a clown who made balloon hats for the kids, a canine corner that provided refreshments to dogs while their owners received complimentary massages, and the very popular “manatee cut-out stand” for hilarious, memorable photo opps.

The race experience was enjoyed by all, and plans for race number nine in May of 2012 is already in the works. Please spread the word and join the fun for a great cause next year!

For more information on the Save the Manatee 5K Run, e-mail Lesley at largiri1@hotmail.com.

New to the race this year – pose as a manatee – take a photo! (Photo by Brian McDonald)

Also new to the race – a busy clown spent the day making wild balloon hats for participants. (Photo by Brian McDonald)

A banner gives a manatee thank you to the passing participants. (Photo by Katie Tripp)

Young, older, and every age in between, showed up to race or walk for the manatees! (Photo by Brian McDonald)

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