More than 450 South Floridians gathered at The Underline in Brickell on Apr. 26 to take part in The CLEO Institute’s fourth annual Race For Our Future – Earth Day 5K — a dynamic run, walk, and community celebration uniting people around climate solutions, sustainability, and a shared love for Miami.
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Co-hosted by Ron Magill, former communications director and now goodwill ambassador and conservation liaison for the Zoo Miami Foundation, and Brittnie Bassant, president and CEO of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, the family-friendly event drew residents of all ages along a scenic route at The Underline, from Brickell to Vizcaya Station and back.
Participants were invited to run or walk for “what matters most” to them, from clean air and recycling to a better future for the next generation.
The CLEO Institute is grateful to the generous supporters helping make student participation possible through the Race for Our Future Earth Day 5K Sponsor-a-School initiative. Through their contributions, sponsors including Randi Wolfson, Chris Adamo, The CLEO Institute’s Board chair Lindsey Wolfson, and Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management helped make student participation possible.
This support provided access for students from International Studies Preparatory Academy, one of CLEO’s Climate Resilient Partner Schools, as well as Breakthrough Miami and Sunrise School of Miami Inc. to take part in this year’s race.
Their efforts reflect a shared commitment to climate education, youth engagement, and building a more resilient future for our community.
Pre-race activities began with remarks and a proclamation presentation from City of Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, who praised the community’s passion for building a more sustainable future and stated:
“City of Miami residents are already experiencing rising heat, extreme weather, and increasing costs of living. That is why building resilience at the community level is a top priority,” Mayor Higgins said. “I am grateful to The CLEO Institute for bringing our community together and for its continued work to advance climate education and action. As a member of Climate Mayors, I am focused on solutions that protect our city while ensuring they remain affordable and accessible for all, because climate action must go hand in hand with economic stability.”
1 Yoca Arditi-Rocha, CEO of The CLEO Institute, also made remarks during the ceremony and shared her reflections:
“This race captured the spirit of Earth Day as more than a moment — it’s a daily commitment,” Arditi-Rocha said. “Now in our 16th year, The CLEO Institute remains unwavering in its fearless focus on the mission of educating, activating, and inspiring the next generation of climate leaders to protect our shared planet.”
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The event featured an interactive Eco-Village with music, refreshments, and hands-on climate action opportunities, including an on-site collection of gently used sports shoes led by Sneaker Impact. Lucky Coffee, Voodoo Donuts, Tru Bar, Black Sheep Coffee, Open Water and Hoist IV-Level Hydration were among the event’s featured partners providing snacks and drinks.
The event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of:
NV2A Group , LLC; Climate First Bank; District 2 Commissioner Damien Pardo; City of Miami; Miami Dade County; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; The Underline; Miami Kids Magazine; Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science; Miami Herald; Dimelo 305; Miami’s Community Newspapers; Lululemon; Mel in Motion; Amigos Meet, and Florida International University Colorguard.
The Race for Our Future® – Earth day 5K supports many of The CLEO Institute’s initiatives like the award-winning Climate Resilient Schools Program, Empowering Resilient Women fellowship and genCLEO Youth Movement. The nonprofit continues to lead efforts that empower women, youth, and frontline communities to take bold action against rising temperatures and sea levels due to a rapidly warming climate. To learn more, visit www.cleoinstitute.org.
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