JACKSONVILLE, FLA. 1/30/25 – Earlier this month representatives from VyStar Credit Union joined Board members from JTC Running to present Groundwork Jacksonville with a commemorative check for $88,506 representing the proceeds from the 5th Annual VyStar Emerald Trail 5K-10K presented by JTC Running.
Last fall more than 800 runners and walkers experienced the Emerald Trail LaVilla Link, the first completed portion of the Emerald Trail which opened in May 2024. More than 100 VyStar employees participated in the Emerald Trail run/walk while a dozen more served as volunteers.
”VyStar Credit Union is proud to support Groundwork Jacksonville and its important work in connecting and revitalizing Jacksonville’s urban core neighborhoods,” said VyStar Chief Marketing Officer, Dana Karzan. “We are committed to making a positive difference in the communities where we live, work and play and our support of Groundwork Jacksonville and the Emerald Trail underscores that promise.”
JTC Running covers all race expenses so that 100% of proceeds from the event benefit Groundwork Jacksonville, the city’s nonprofit partner in building the 30-mile Emerald Trail and restoring McCoys and Hogans creeks.
Other sponsors included Halff, 1st Place Sports, Dennis + Ives, HNTB, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), Miller Electric, SCAPE Landscape Architecture, Breaking Ground Contracting, Gateway Jax, Lewis, Longman, Walker (LLW), Tom Bush Family of Dealerships, UF Health Jacksonville, Forcura, HDR and Jacobs.
“We are incredibly grateful to VyStar Credit Union, JTC Running, our generous sponsors and all the participants who support this event. The Emerald Trail 5K/10K raises critical funds for Groundwork Jacksonville, while encouraging residents from across the region to come out and experience the Emerald Trail,” said Kay Ehas, Groundwork Jacksonville CEO. Plans are already underway for the sixth annual event which is planned for Saturday, September 27, 2025.
About Groundwork Jacksonville and the Emerald Trail Groundwork Jacksonville is one of 21 Groundwork Trusts across the country and the only Trust in Florida. October 2024 marks Groundwork Jacksonville’s 10th Anniversary.
When complete, the Emerald Trail will connect 14 historic neighborhoods to downtown, the St. Johns River, McCoys Creek and Hogans Creek. It will link 16 schools, two colleges, 21 parks, three hospitals and the JTA Regional Transportation Center. Learn more at groundworkjacksonville.org or follow on all social media @GroundworkJax.
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