When business owners want to get employees more engaged, they might host a company-sponsored lunch. Or, when managers want to streamline communication within their teams, they might organize a social event to try and break the ice. But when employers want to better their staff as individuals and as a team, they register for the Insurance Office of America (IOA) Corporate 5k — Florida’s biggest 3.1-mile run/walk designed exclusively for businesses, non-profits, and professional organizations.
John Ritenour, IOA, and the Corporate 5k
For John Ritenour and the team at IOA, business, as usual, has always looked a little different from the competition. After co-founding the relationship-based insurance agency with a people-first culture, Ritenour made it a priority to keep his staff engaged, active, and excited about their workplace. That’s why he first decided to get the company involved with Track Shack’s inaugural Corporate 5k. Over 20 years later, John Ritenour and his son, Heath, along with the rest of the IOA team, remain active in supporting the annual walk/run and the local organizations it benefits.
Sponsors and Supporters of the Annual Race
Having sponsored the event since 2000, IOA and its leadership certainly have a running relationship with Track Shack. In fact, the full-service insurance agency co-founded by John Ritenour has been affiliated with the race since 1995 and even became the annual run/walk’s title sponsor in 2012. Joined by local and national businesses, IOA continues to support the event alongside sponsors such as:
- Publix
- Cru
- Michelob Ultra
- Advent Health
Charitable Contributions and Event Donations
The annual race isn’t just a time and place for corporate teams to gather and get active; it’s also an opportunity to give back. Participants in the walk/run can provide food to help reach a goal of 125,000 meals by bringing canned and boxed items on or before race day. Race teams can also take part by joining the 100 Meal Challenge and contributing 150 pounds of food, $25, or a combination of both. Beneficiaries of the IOA-sponsored event include:
- Track Shack Youth Foundation
- Christian Service Center
- Second Harvest Food Bank
Contests, Prizes, and Awards for Participants
At the IOA Corporate 5k, finishing first isn’t the only way to comes in first place. Participants can compete in the group and individual contests or nominate their teammates for various awards. Contest categories include:
- Workplace Wellness
- Best T-Shirt Design
- Team Spirit
- Top Fundraiser Spoon
26th Annual IOA Corporate 5k
Now in its 26th year, the corporate race will run on a slightly different schedule. Due to health and safety concerns brought on by the COVID-19 health crisis, Track Shack and IOA decided to reschedule the race from Thursday, April 9, 2020, to Thursday, October 1, 2020. Protecting participant wellness while maintaining a fundraiser goal of $35,000, the IOA Corporate 5k will remain open for registration through the month of September.