SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
The seventh annual Harbour Heights 5K run/walk was held Saturday morning, beginning at Harbour Heights Park, with more than 300 runners and walkers participating to support Autism Speaks. The funds raised will help purchase new technologies to be placed in special-needs classrooms in Charlotte County to help with learning disabilities. Here, starting off the morning singing “Agents of Change,” is the Kingsway Elementary Chorus.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Doing their warm-up exercises before the run starts are Maddie Livingston 6, Marcus Vieira, 9, Zoe Kirby 6, Kailey Livingston, 8, and Cameron Vieira, 10.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Always present at whatever fundraiser is going on in Charlotte County and doing what they can to help are Dr. Keith Rubin, Gregg Marrapodi and Shannon Doolity.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
The team from Suncoast Baptist Church poses in front of the rising sun before getting ready for the race. Pictured, from left, are Amber Schwartz, Lee Tomlin, Patrick Brown, Kris Pirillo, Rick Rzad and Mike West. The church will hold its own 5K March 2 for Friend Day.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Mom Cindy Hibbins makes sure her daughters K.C., 9, and Sheralyn, 11, are all warmed up before starting the Autism Speaks 5K run/walk.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
Runner Shauna Smith displays her T-shirt she received for participating in the 5K run/walk.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
The 300-plus runners sing the national anthem before heading out.

SUN PHOTO BY DONNELL BATES
And they’re off, running and walking for Autism Speaks.