Fifteen years after the idea to hold a foot race and fun run/walk on the steep (but not mountainous) hills surrounding The Arc Nature Coast’s idyllic Neff Lake Campus was born. Today, the Spring Lake Memorial Classic continues to attract real, competitive runners, as well as supportive, enthusiastic walkers like me.

Held on the shaded roads with minimal traffic surrounding a nonprofit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities, the Spring Memorial Lake Classic began in 2007, drawing participants to its ideal race environment. Seventeen years later, it still draws runners from all over the state, and even outside the region.

From its humble beginnings, the Spring Lake Memorial Classic 10K, 5K, and 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk has grown into a popular event for serious runners. The Neff Lake Monster hills are part of what made this event continue to grow with competitive runners from around Florida.

NatureCoaster.com began sponsoring the race several years ago as a way to help more of our readers get involved with the Arc Nature Coast’s annual fun(d)raiser. As part of our sponsorship package, we received the opportunity to participate in the event. The campus is full of nature’s beauty, with old oak trees, native vegetation, and buildings that have been revamped and remodeled to help take care of area adults who are developmentally disabled.

The warm welcome given at the registration, where numbers are given to participants for recording our achievements, and the warm welcome given to all at the end of the race, where snacks are served by friendly volunteers keeps me coming back for more.

“What makes this race stand out from others is that it is Florida’s toughest, most scenic race, and although it’s not a hugely attended race, it’s popular. People enjoy it (some say they love to hate it) and it’s done to support local programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says Nancy Stubbs, Development Director for The Arc Nature Coast.

Spring Lake Memorial Classic is a Great Challenge for all Levels of Fitness

A Big Change is being Created on the Neff Lake Campus

In June of 2023, a groundbreaking was held to celebrate the creation of the Neff Lake Enrichment Center. Senator Wilton Simpson and several dignitaries spoke. Residents, their family members, and staff at The Arc Nature Coast celebrated the ability to realize this dream was coming true.

The construction began, and in February and March of 2024 NatureCoaster was able to take a tour and the project was moving right along. You can see a few of the photos from then below. This modern building will certainly help to enrich the lives of the residents and make caring for them more efficient for the staff.

“I am just so excited,” Nancy Stubbs, Director of Development said. “The amount of natural light from these huge windows is going to be great for our residents, day visitors, and staff to be able to enjoy their time here and make the best of it.”

Nancy has been fundraising for this building for many years now. “We received a large grant from the State of Florida, which helped us get started. Now I have to raise funds for furniture and other inside needs.”

Participating in the Spring Lake Memorial Classic helps to raise some of those needed funds. Whenever I see the faces of these residents and daycare participants on a visit or tour, I become just that much more convicted that it is a great use of my time and talent to support the Arc Nature Coast’s endeavors.

What do the Participants Say?

“This was a GREAT event today. Thank you, The course was BRUTAL and FUN. I loved bananas, apples, etc. afterward. The volunteers and police were awesome. I like the tech shirt, too. “ – Jason Wetherington, 2018.

“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the organizers and volunteers today.  Everything was well organized with a very friendly, welcoming atmosphere.” – Steve Farnell, 2018.

“I had a blast! I’ll be back next year. Even though I only made the fun walk, I am still proud to be part of such a great event.” – Diane Bedard, 2021

Registration is available by clicking here. For sponsorship, information, or registration, please call Nancy Stubbs, Race Director, at (727) 619-0694 or email her at nstubbs@tancinc.org. You can also visit The Arc Nature Coast’s website at www.tancinc.org.

What about the Neff Lake Monster?

“The legend of the Neff Lake monster remains a mystery, but some say it stems from the fact that the hills on the course are a beast!” Nancy shares when asked about the famed character. When asked if the monster was actually in Neff Lake, she simply smiled and shook her head.

The Spring Lake Memorial Classic is for Everyone

Whether you want a 10k Challenge or a 2-mile Fun Run/Walk, the Spring Lake Memorial Classic is a great way to get out and have fun while helping a worthwhile cause. Gather your friends and family and make a morning of it!

Some of those served by The Arc Nature Coast participate in the race. It’s entirely up to them. Some of the residents at its neighboring Group Home will come and participate by volunteering.

It is truly a feel-good event – both physically and emotionally.

Consider a Sponsorship. All Entry Fees support The Arc Nature Coast

With funds from both sponsors and runners contributing to the Spring Lake Memorial Classic, monies raised go toward providing life skills development, employment, transportation, and community access services for people who are on the Medicaid Waiver waitlist. “It helps our clients get involved quickly, giving them and their caregivers a healthy outlet for growth,” Nancy explains.

Eurotech is the race’s Gold sponsor this year. Florida’s Adventure Coast, UTech CNC, Insurance Office of America, Machine Maxx, Hengesbach & Hengesbach, and Dennis Realty, as well as your NatureCoaster.com, are sponsoring this year’s event so far.

You can still help out! Sponsorships are still available, ranging from $250 to $2,500. Please call Nancy Stubbs at (727) 619-0694 or email her at nstubbs@tancinc.org if you want to get involved for 2024.

“We are truly grateful for all of our sponsors and our volunteers,” Nancy states emphatically.

About The Arc Nature Coast

The Arc Nature Coast was established in 1972 by a small group of citizens concerned with the lack of services and activities for adults with developmental disabilities. At that time the organization acquired 30 acres of naturally wooded land on Neff Lake Road and has provided services from that location since.

In recent years, The Arc Nature Coast moved its main offices to 15782 Little Ranch Road, Spring Hill, FL 34610, but some of the group homes and classrooms are still located on the Neff Lake Road property. Those classrooms will be relocated into the Education Center as soon as it is ready!

About the Spring Lake Memorial Classic 10k/5k/2 Mile Fun Run/Walk May 25

• The Spring Lake, Florida foot race will be held in scenic eastern Hernando County.
• Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. The 10K race starts at 7:30, 5K at 7:40 and the 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk begins at 7:45 a.m.
• Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third-place finishers in various age groups. Snacks will be served after the race.
• The entry fee is $40.00 for the 10K (AKA Neff Lake Monster), $35.00 for the 5-K (Florida’s toughest 5K), and $25.00 for the 2 Mile Fun Run/Walk (the perfect stroll).  The cost increases by $5.00 per race on the day of the event.
• Registration is available online at *Spring Lake Memorial Classic* 2Mile / 5K / 10K (runsignup.com). For information or registration, call (727) 619-0700, or visit The Arc Nature Coast’s website at www.tancinc.org.