Hundreds honor veterans in Midpoint Madness 5K in Lee County

Hundreds of participants completed the Midpoint Madness Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk in Lee County Monday to honor service men and women who fought for our freedoms.

The Midpoint Bridge doesn’t shut down very often, but cars cleared the way for Veterans Day, as more than 600 people joined in on the event.

“This race means a lot to me,” Elle Hale said. “My great grandpa, he served in the army.”

Hale took part in the run to honor her family’s service to her country and all veterans.

“I feel like since they’ve done so much for us, I can do something for them,” Hale said.

The crowd took over the Midpoint bridge to complete the 5K, some crossing the finish line in full uniform. And some finished the race for those who could not participate in it themselves.

“My dad is getting over an illness,” Maureen Martiebello said. “Ninety-three, still hanging in there, served in the navy.”

Bob Clark ran for his fellow soldiers.

“That lost their limbs in war, and they’re not able to come out and do the things I’m able to do,” Clark said. “So that’s very, very special.”

The Sky family YMCA in Fort Myers organized the Midpoint Madness Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk. Anyone who missed can still look into other events they are hosting locally for veterans. The YMCA is also hosting a “Zumbathon” to benefit veterans 6 p.m. Saturday.

People such as Zach Hill gave a special salute at the 5K.

“To celebrate the veterans,” Hill said.

It’s appreciation that Clark and other Vietnam veterans have waited for.

“When we came back, we were getting spit on,” Clark said. “Now, the public in general is more thankful to the veterans.”

Veterans like Larry Stafford, who have put their lives on the line for our freedom, said he is honored to serve our country.

“In the military, there are things greater than you,” Stafford said. “When you protect the country.”