MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — South Florida residents were invited to lace up their sneakers Saturday to support a meaningful cause as Amigos For Kids hosts its second annual Heart & Sole 5K Walk–Jog–Run at Zoo Miami.
The Miami-based nonprofit, which works to strengthen families and educate communities to support safe and healthy childhoods, says the event is about more than just crossing a finish line.
Organizers describe the Heart & Sole 5K as a celebration of “community, connection, and commitment” to children and families, bringing together runners, walkers, supporters and community partners for a shared purpose.
“Cases of child abuse are reported in the U.S. -- over three million,” fitness influencer and “Host Amiga” Adriana Martin said. “As a family, a community, we come together to do fun things and raise awareness and it’s the least we can do.”
Participants who take part in the race help support programs designed to “empower parents, nurture children and build brighter futures for families” across Miami-Dade County.
A father and son running together stopped to speak with Local 10 News. Kai may only be 9, but he clearly understood the importance of helping the kids this 5K benefits.
“It feels so good to me because I’m helping myself and others,” he said.
As tired as they got, Kai and his dad made sure they finished.
“I’m super tired, my legs are super sore, and my brain is just like all over the place,” Kai said.
Eduardo Rodriguez was the first to run the Zoo Miami course.
“Amigos for Kids is an organization helping kids, making sure they have a safe environment to grow up around, making sure they’re kept safe and moving them forward in life,” he said.
Proceeds from the race benefit Amigos For Kids’ programs focused on strengthening families, educating communities and ensuring children feel “valued, safe and protected.” Organizers say each “registration, donation and step taken” helps move closer to “a future where no child suffers in silence.”
The family-friendly event welcomed individuals, teams, corporate partners and community advocates who wanted to walk, jog or run while supporting a cause that uplifts children and families.
And Amigos for Kids made sure this was a fun and scenic 5K for the 200 people who attended, including moms, dads and kids. Local 10’s Jolena Esperto followed them all on a golf cart and saw elephants, lamas and hyenas to name a few!
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