"Ladies! Get set, run!" It’s time for the 29th Annual Women’s Jogger Jam, the hugely popular and most eagerly awaited race on the island.
This year that command will come from veteran race director Therese Hodge at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30.
Sponsored by the Fruit Bowl for the past 27 years, the two-mile run — which takes participants around the Schneider Regional Medical Center for two laps – finishes in the Wheatley Shopping Center in front of the Fruit Bowl, where well-wishers clap wildly for each finisher, encouraging that last leap across the finish line.
The event raises money for the Family Resource Center, which maintains programs for crime victims and individuals involved in family violence or crisis. Along with whatever is raised through registration fees, the Fruit Bowl donates $5 for each person who crosses the finish line.
The St. Thomas Association of Road Runners (STAR), which also supports the event, receives a portion of the funds.
Hodge, whose energy is legion, said the race looks to be bigger than ever this year. "We got the banner up at the Fruit Bowl this weekend," she said.
She added that this year’s date should be a boon, with few other competing events. "Last year it was the Super Bowl, but I don’t think this year we’re competing with anything else."
She added, "My Cancryn girls are raring to go." Hodge, the 30-year Addelita Cancryn Junior High School physical education department chair, always enters the girls in team competition. Last year they came out on top.
Hodge has also secured replacements for the Civil Air Patrol cadets, who traditionally have handed out water to the runners and helped direct traffic, because the organization was disbanded last year.
"We’re getting male volunteer participants," she said. "We’re trying to get some ROTC high school members or other students who would get community service credit. We have a good contingent of volunteers, and public safety is always there to support us."
Race prizes are awarded in several categories, including top three finishers in seven different age categories, a team challenge trophy to the group or organization with the most participants, and T-shirts for the first 275 registered finishers.
The Fruit Bowl donates $5 to the Family Resource Center for every female who crosses the finish line, which is almost everybody.
Pre-registration is $3 for youth 18 and under, $6 for adults, and $5 for STAR members. Half the entry fee goes to STAR, and the other half to the Family Resource Center. Registration on race day is $10 for all categories.
Participants can register at The Fruit Bowl, The Caribbean Surf Company at Havensight Mall, Royal Dane Mall, and the Red Hook Shopping Center.
All expenses—including trophies, T-shirts, prizes, advertising, banners and the day’s refreshments, which always include ample fresh fruit and drinks—are covered by The Fruit Bowl.
Early registration ends Jan. 29. Call 775-6373 for more information.
