Teacher and race director extraordinaire, Lesley Argiri, center front beside “manatee,” at the MI 5K Race in 2011, gives a friendly wave. (Photo by Kim Tauber)

For further information, contact:

For Immediate Release: April 19, 2012

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

Environmentally-friendly strides are taken each year in Michigan to raise funds and help protect the endangered manatees in Florida and elsewhere. May 19, the day following Endangered Species Day, is the 9th annual Save the Manatee 5K Run, 2 Mile Fun Walk, Mini Manatee Mile, held at the Metro Huron-Clinton Lake St. Clair (Metropark) in Mt. Clemens.

Race founder and director, Lesley Argiri, a biology teacher at L’Anse Creuse High School in Harrison Township, Michigan, has steadily grown race attendance year after year, with the dedicated help of her students and the community. The Manatee 5K now attracts hundreds of runners; approximately 850 participated in 2011. “I’m proud that this will be our 9th year hosting the event,” said Lesley. “To date, the race has raised over $56,000 for Save the Manatee Club’s extensive conservation and education projects to help protect manatees and their habitat.”

The Club, an international conservation organization based in Maitland, Florida, has been the voice for manatees since 1981, when it was co-founded by renowned singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, and former U.S. Senator and Florida Governor, Bob Graham.

Cailey from Michigan joined the pack of runners at last year’s race. “It was a great experience,” she said. “Causes related to saving animals are close to my heart, so participating in an event to support endangered manatees just seemed to be “a natural” for me – a really rewarding way to both celebrate and support. I’ll definitely come back to do it again!”

Another enthusiastic participant, Colleen Brohl, said, “We had a wonderful time and plan on attending this year. Keep up the great work for the manatees!”

Early registration before May 4th costs $20 for runners, $18 for walkers, and $12 for participants in the Mini Manatee Mile, a new addition to the race this year so the whole family can take part. A newly designed 2012 race t-shirt is included with each entry fee. All those interested can register at the new race website at http://www.savethemanatee5k.com/. Race participants also receive a registration packet of special items. A variety of trophies, medals, awards, and door prizes can be won with age group awards categories for runners. Manatee medals are awarded to the top three finishers in the 5K. 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, which starts and finishes inside the Metro Huron-Clinton Metropark, is s a dog-friendly event.

“We hope everyone will join us on May 19,” says Lesley. “This is another big step towards increasing awareness about Florida’s manatees, and helping to protect these amazing marine mammals.”

Register online for the Save the Manatee 5K Run. Questions? E-mail Lesley directly at largiri1@hotmail.com.

• Get more Manatee Information
  
  
• Sign up for Paddle Tales, our free e-newsletter

Join us on:

Return to the Manatee News page