East Pasco YMCA Founder’s Day 5K Strengthens Community Support

This past Saturday, March 14, the East Pasco YMCA community laced up their running shoes for the annual Founder’s Day 5K, celebrating the spirit of community that helped bring the YMCA to Zephyrhills and continues to strengthen families across East Pasco today.

This year’s race was the largest in the event’s history, bringing together runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters for a morning filled with energy, encouragement and community pride.

Participants of all ages gathered early at Hercules Park in Zephyrhills, with everyone from competitive runners to families and first-time participants joining in the celebration. Along the course and at the finish line, volunteers and supporters cheered participants on, creating an atmosphere that reflected the YMCA’s welcoming and supportive community.

The race also marked a special milestone for Erin Fiedler, Associate Executive Director of the East Pasco YMCA, as it was the first Founder’s Day 5K held under her leadership.

"It was incredible to see our community come together for this year’s Founder’s Day 5K," said Fiedler. "This event reflects the heart of the YMCA—people coming together to support one another and strengthen our community. I’m grateful to every runner, volunteer, sponsor and donor who helped make this year’s race our largest yet."

For many participants, the race stood out because of its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

"My wife and I have run many races, and this was one of the most enjoyable 5Ks we’ve experienced in Florida. It truly felt like a community event. The staff, volunteers and finish line atmosphere made it a race we’ll always remember."
— Aaron Summers, race participant

Proceeds from the race directly support YMCA programs and services in the Zephyrhills community, helping ensure that local families have access to youth development programs, wellness opportunities and supportive spaces where children and adults can grow and thrive.

The success of the Founder’s Day 5K was made possible through the partnership and generosity of community supporters, including AdventHealth Zephyrhills, the City of Zephyrhills and many additional sponsors and volunteers who helped make the event possible. The race is also held in partnership with the Main Street Zephyrhills Founder’s Day celebration.

As the East Pasco YMCA continues to grow alongside the community it serves, events like the Founder’s Day 5K demonstrate the powerful impact that can happen when neighbors come together for a common cause.

Thank you to everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, sponsored and supported this year’s event. Your participation helps strengthen families and create opportunities for people across East Pasco and the Zephyrhills community.