Lesley Argiri (at far right) and her team of students enjoy a few spectacular moments on center field before a Detroit Tigers game to promote this year's Save the Manatee 5K race. (Photo by Brian McDonald.)

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For Immediate Release: April 14, 2011

Note: A high resolution jpeg (300 dpi) of a manatee image and last year’s race are available upon request.

Run for the fun of it, and for the good cause behind it. May 21st, which is the day following Endangered Species Day, marks the 8th annual Save the Manatee 5K Run, 2 Mile Fun Walk, at the Metro Huron-Clinton Metropark in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Lesley Argiri, a biology teacher at L’Anse Creuse High School in Harrison Township, hosts the event each year to help Florida’s endangered manatees. “I love doing this!” says Argiri. “ I hope somewhere down the line I am making a difference for these remarkable animals.”

Runners at the 2010 Save the Manatee 5K Run, 2 Mile Fun Walk. (Photo courtesy Lesley Argiri.)

Argiri and her students have raised $45,000 over the past seven years for Florida-based Save the Manatee Club, a national nonprofit conservation organization and the voice for manatees since 1981. The Club was co-founded by renowned singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, and former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor, Bob Graham. Funds from the race go toward a variety of conservation and education projects to help protect manatees and their aquatic habitat. This year, Katie Tripp, Save the Manatee Club’s Director of Science and Conservation, will travel from the Sunshine State to participate in the 5K.

Michigander Kelly Francis and her nine-year-old son ran in last year’s Save the Manatee 5K. “It’s the best race we’ve been to,” says Kelly. “My son is into the outdoors, and we have yet to be at a race that is kid-friendly like Lesley’s race. She does an incredible job looking after the children who take part.”

Another past participant, Caitlin Cracium, says, “The walk/run was great, and clearly a lot was done to make the event successful – both in enjoyment and in raising funds to help the manatee. We will be back!”

Early registration before May 7th costs $20 for runners and $17 for walkers, and includes a new 2011 race t-shirt. Late registration costs $25 for runners and $20.00 for walkers, and includes a t-shirt if available. Race participants also receive a registration packet of special items and coupons. A variety of trophies, medals, awards, and door prizes can be won with age group awards categories for runners. The course is USTAF certified and the race will be scored using the Chrono Track D-Tag. The entry fee does not include the park entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle. The race starts and finishes inside the Metro Huron-Clinton Metropark. Checks can be made payable to L’Anse Creuse High School and sent to: Lesley Argiri, 37855 De Prez Ct., Harrison Twp., MI 48045.

“We hope for a huge turnout again this year. Serious runners or those who enjoy family fun, come on out and show your support for a good cause,” encourages Argiri. “The work I do for this race is miniscule compared to what Save the Manatee Club does for the manatees.” For more information on the Save the Manatee 5K Run, e-mail Lesley at largiri1@hotmail.com.

Photo by Kim Tauber.

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