Saturday

04-19-2025 Vol 1935

South Floridians Unite for Environmental Action at RACE FOR OUR FUTURE® Earth Day 5K

On Sunday, April 27th, South Floridians will come together to lace up their shoes for the RACE FOR OUR FUTURE®, Earth Day 5K, an event aimed at promoting environmental action, community resilience, and sustainability.

Hosted annually by The CLEO Institute, this family-friendly race will turn The Underline, Miami’s iconic trail, into a vibrant celebration of the planet, complete with music, an awards ceremony, refreshments, and an interactive Eco-Village designed for participants of all ages.

Among the expected attendees are Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Commissioner Eileen Higgins, and Frankie Ruiz, the founder of Miami Run.

“This race is a celebration of everything we love about Miami and our connection to the beautiful place we call home,” remarked Yoca Arditi-Rocha, Executive Director of The CLEO Institute.

“It’s a reminder that protecting our Miami and our planet is our collective responsibility. Together, we’re running, or walking, to protect the places and people we love.”

Given Miami’s status as a focal point for climate change impacts, race participants can run, walk, or stroll for “what matters most” to them, whether it’s clean air, clean water, or future generations, following a scenic course from Brickell Station to Vizcaya and back.

“This race means a lot to me personally,” Frankie Ruiz shared, having played an instrumental role in the event’s planning.

“I grew up here watching our bay and beaches change — more pollution, fewer fish — and it breaks my heart. This race is a way to stand up for the places that raised us.”

This year’s race is particularly significant as The CLEO Institute celebrates its 15th anniversary of advancing environmental education and mobilizing frontline communities, women, and youth to confront the climate crisis.

“For 15 years, CLEO has been committed to empowering the public with the knowledge and tools to spark environmental change,” said Caroline Lewis, Founder and Senior Advisor of The CLEO Institute.

“This race is a reflection of that mission — an opportunity for local residents to come together, take a stand, and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.”

The event has garnered vital support from numerous members of The CLEO Collective, including the VoLo Foundation, Clif Family Foundation, Lynn & Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation, Curlers & Rogers Studio, NV2ACentralJV, and Universal Insurance Holdings.

Refreshments and snacks during the race will be provided by Hoist IV-Level Hydration, Cervecería La Tropical, and Whole Foods.

All proceeds from this notable event will go towards supporting CLEO’s award-winning programs, such as the Climate Resilient Schools Program and the Empowering Resilient Women initiative.

These programs are designed to help students and women prepare for a changing climate and advocate for a more sustainable future.

For those unable to attend on race day, support for CLEO’s mission is still possible through donations or sponsoring a runner.

Every contribution helps further climate education and fosters a stronger and more resilient Miami.

For additional information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the CLEO Institute’s official website.

Event details for the upcoming race are as follows:

What: CLEO’s Race for our Future® – Earth Day 5K — A community run/walk/stroll supporting our planet, climate education, and advocacy during Earth Month.

When: Sunday, April 27, 2025

– 6:30 a.m. Registration / Kit pick-up
– 7:30 a.m. Run/Walk – 5K Race Start
– 8:30 a.m. Program and Awards

Where: The Underline, SW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33130 (By Brickell Station)

Registration fees are set at $40 before April 20th, which includes a race t-shirt, race bib, and a finisher’s medal.

Interested individuals can register at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/FL/Miami/cleoinstitute

About The CLEO Institute:
Founded in 2010, The CLEO Institute is a woman-led, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to climate education, advocacy, and engagement.

CLEO’s mission is to drive climate action through education and empower communities to demand effective climate solutions and policies.

The organization facilitates programs and workshops designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to build a climate-resilient future.

Find more information at www.cleoinstitute.org.

About Miami Community Newspapers:
Miami Community Newspapers serves as a primary source for local news, covering a wide array of topics about the community and beyond.

This family-owned media company publishes numerous neighborhood newspapers, magazines, and newsletters and offers a range of online resources, podcasts, and multimedia content to keep readers well-informed.

From local news updates to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers delivers insight into various happenings across the region.

For more detailed information, visit: https://communitynewspapers.com.

For inquiries, readers may email [email protected] or [email protected].

image source from:https://communitynewspapers.com/biscayne-bay/race-for-our-future-miamis-largest-climate-action-5k-comes-to-the-underline-for-earth-month/

Charlotte Hayes