The Buccaneers got an early start to the day as thousands of Bucs fans showed up at AdventHealth Training Center to participate in the 7th Annual Treasure Chests 5K & Fun Run, powered by Jabil and supported by Coca-Cola Beverages Florida. The race benefits breast cancer research and patient services in the Bay area with a portion of each race registration going to the American Cancer Society, the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, the AdventHealth Foundation West Florida and the Moffitt Cancer Center. This year's event brings the seven-year total contribution to $270,000.
The morning began outside the Buccaneers Indoor Practice Facility, where racegoers were greeted by Buccaneers Co-Owner and President of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation and Glazer Family Foundation Darcie Glazer Kassewitz at the start line.
"I'm so happy to have everybody out here this morning," she said. "What a great community event this has become. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women so to have everybody out here this morning to show your support and come together in this way is truly so meaningful to all of us."
From there, breast cancer survivor and wife of Buccaneers Legend Jimmie Giles, Vivian, sounded the horn to signal the start of the race. Participants could choose two routes, a traditional 5K distance or a one-mile 'Fun Run' that both ended inside the indoor facility. Finishers ran across the finish line as they were cheered on by the Buccaneers cheerleaders and Captain Fear, decked out in his 'Sunday Runday' pink t-shirt that every participant received.
The winners of the 5K race are broken up by age group and were honored at a special ceremony following the race. The morning's overall winners were:
Krystal Cook, Lutz, FL (18:32)
Stephen Lennon, Tampa, FL (15:26)
The fun didn't stop at the finish line, either. There was a victory village set up with recovery tents and interactive stations, including an 'Inspiration Wall' where participants could sign in honor of those they knew who had been affected by breast cancer.
This all took place before the Buccaneers' first home game since September 22 kicked off against the visiting Arizona Cardinals. A special halftime presentation on the field will include the winners of the morning's race along with 500 participants in honor of Tampa Bay's Crucial Catch game.
