Despite two major hurricanes that threatened Florida earlier in the month, the 8th Annual Jail Break 5K succeeded in bringing runners, walkers, and the community together in support of public education. Over 700 “Jail Breakers” from elite runners to joggers, walkers, and children in strollers escaped from the 130-year-old historic Old Jail in St. Augustine on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Crossing the finish line first with in an incredible 18:40 chip time, Bob Massaglia, 52, of Ponte Vedra earned the 2024 Male Overall award. Reagan Bush, 27, of St. Augustine finished with a time of 22:10 earning the 2024 Female Overall honor. At three years old each, M. Lopez and R. Sturgis, both of St. Augustine, completed the race as the youngest participants. Completing her fourth Jail Break 5K, we would like to honor “Jail Breaker” Annette Zadnik, 84, of Palm Coast. All race finishers received this year’s distinctive handcuff medal and race t-shirt.
Jail Break 5K 2024 Funds Innovative Educational Initiatives
The annual Jail Break 5K is organized by INK! and Old Town Trolley Tours of St. Augustine to raise funds in support of academic initiatives and classroom resources INK! infuses into our St. Johns County public schools, including through the annual Jail Break 5K School Team Challenge. This year, R.B. Hunt Elementary School registered the highest number of participants winning the 2024 School Team Challenge, a $1,000 grant, bragging rights, and unique Jail Break 5K trophy. Valley Ridge Academy took second place and received a $500 school grant, and Pacetti Bay Middle School won a $250 grant with third place.
Costume Contest and Race Course Enhancements Continue to Dazzle and Entertain
A costume contest sponsored by Ghosts and Gravestones of St. Augustine and decided by a panel of local celebrity judges, included cash prizes for the top 3 adult and youth costumes. Costume contest celebrity judges included Director Scott Beaver, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office; Tim Forson, Superintendent of St. Johns County School District; Linda LaCerva, President of Vilano Beach Main Street, Cindy Campbell-Taylor, Vice President of Vilano Beach Main Street, and Bucky the Beaver, Beaver Toyota St. Augustine.
Festivities also featured entertainment and activities for runners and attendees at the Old Jail Museum. All runners were rounded-up as “prisoners” as they began the race and were transported back to the Old Jail from the finish line at Vilano Beach by Old Town Trolley shuttles. A highlight of the race was the post-race party at the Old Jail Museum with food trucks, awards ceremony, music, and family-friendly entertainment.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
We could not have pulled off a successful event without the INK!credible support of the Old Town Trolley Team and CAST of the Old Jail. Their unwavering support, enthusiasm, and energy truly make the Jail Break 5K the most fun 5K in St. Johns County.
We would also like to thank our sponsors whose support for this event and INK!’s programs allow us to continue our mission of empowering students and teachers across St. Johns County by funding innovative classroom initiatives and fostering programs that inspire students and educators.
Our thanks to
- Leonard’s Photography
- Beaver Toyota St. Augustine
- Staples
- Matthews | DCCM
- Herbie Wiles Insurance
- All American Air Charitable Foundation
- The Bailey Group: An NFP Company
- Don’s Friends
- The St. Augustine Swashbucklers
- The Raintree Restaurant
- Floaters Portable Sanitation
- Horace Mann
- ACME Barricade
- Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard Ponte Vedra Beach
- OrangeTheory Fitness
- StretchZone St. Augustine
- The Spice & Tea Exchange St. Augustine
- Vilano Beach Main Street
- Perfect Printing Solutions
- Grand Canyon University
