Run for the Money 2026 - Key Training Center Celebrates 50th Annual Run for the Money with Record-Breaking Community Support LECANTO — Fifty years after the late Chet Cole laced up his running shoes and set out alone from the steps of the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, hundreds of runners, walkers, cyclists, volunteers, sponsors and supporters gathered Saturday, July 25, to celebrate another successful Key Training Center Run for the Money.

The 50th Annual 180-Mile Run for the Money concluded at the Key Training Center's Chet Cole Life Enrichment Center with the 17th Annual Walk A Mile in My Shoes and the annual Runner's Celebration Carnival, bringing together the community to honor five decades of advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What began in 1976 as a six-day, 180-mile solo run by Cole has evolved into one of Citrus County's most recognized fundraising traditions. The event was created to raise awareness of the challenges and successes experienced by adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities while providing critical scholarship funding for those who receive little to no state assistance and remain on Florida's waiting list of more than 22,000 individuals.

Since its inception, Run for the Money has logged more than 19,000 miles and generated more than $6 million to support Key Training Center programs. Last year's event raised more than $335,000, while this year's milestone campaign set a new record by raising $340,489.

The symbolic journey represents the daily determination required by individuals with disabilities to accomplish tasks many take for granted, including walking, dressing and brushing their teeth. This year's Core Runners departed Monday, July 20, from the steps of the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. The team included Tim Snedeker, Bob Asztalos, Dawn Crawley, Kim Swinehart, John Ritli, Madi Whitmeyer, Heather Cogar, Tyler Sununu and Austin Hooker. Several runners were participating in the Tallahassee run for the first time, including Dawn Crawley, Kim Swinehart, John Ritli, Robert "Bob" Asztalos, Director of the Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD), and Tyler Sununu, President and CEO of the Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. Their participation helped highlight the statewide importance of supporting services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Throughout the week, community members joined morning and evening Community Runs, culminating in a record-breaking 373 community miles. The final evening alone logged 54 miles and included Key Training Center clients, Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent, local firefighters, Tallahassee runners and young athletes from 352 Legends football. The Tallahassee cycling team also completed the full 180-mile journey, adding another visible show of support for the mission.

Saturday's festivities began with the annual Walk A Mile in My Shoes, where Sheriff David Vincent walked alongside Danny Hochadel, a 15-year veteran of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. During the walk, Jeff Brogdon pushed Joe Rice's wheelchair while his wife, Kim Brogdon, a Direct Support Professional at Burnes Cottage, participated in the event.

A highlight of the Runner's Celebration Carnival was the annual booth decorating competition, where community organizations showcased creative and interactive displays for attendees. Family and Friends Reaching for the Abilities (FFRA) earned first place and a $500 prize for its "Pretty in Pink" booth. Second place was awarded to the Women Helping Women Group for its own "Pretty in Pink" booth, while third place went to Larry Koppman's "Star Wars Galactic Battle" booth, also representing the Women Helping Women Group. The Crystal River Woman's Club received an Honorable Mention for its "Caterpillar Ball Toss" booth. The competition was judged by Ann DesRoches and Kathy Sage.

As the Core Runners made their final approach to the finish line, Key Training Center clients lined the course holding colorful signs of encouragement. Staff members stretched the iconic "Run for the Money" banner across the finish as Core Runner Dawn Crawley crossed alongside clients Matt Collins and Shane Morgan. Community Run organizer Chelsea Dowling, Core Runner Tyler Sununu, Core Runner Madi Whitmeyer and John Ritli followed close behind to complete the six-day journey. One of the day's emotional moments came as Ginny Crider and Chelsea Dowling displayed Chet Cole's bronzed running shoes, which have been carried during the event each year to commemorate the historic first run.

During the live-stream celebration, Dowling was recognized for coordinating every morning and evening Community Run throughout the week. The Community Run also showcased remarkable family participation. The Barnes family—Sean, Jessica, Aidan (14) and Brantley (11)—ran every day during the week, accumulating an impressive 120 miles together. Sean and Aidan each completed 12 miles on the final day before joining the Core Runners across the finish line.

The Runner's Celebration Carnival offered activities for families of all ages. Family and Friends Reaching for the Abilities (FFRA) representatives Robert DeSimone ("Robin the Clown") and Kathy Turner Thomas ("Chatty Kathy the Happy Clown") entertained guests alongside Key Training Center client Kathleen Lee. Visitors also enjoyed a variety of community exhibits, including a homemade R2-D2 created by Larry Koppman, who, along with his wife Phyllis, represented the Crystal River Woman's Club Women Helping Women Group.

Carnival attendees also had the opportunity to receive caricature drawings from artist Samuel Graham of Grace Art. The Key Training Center expressed its gratitude to the many organizations and businesses whose sponsorships helped make the milestone event possible.

Major Run for the Money sponsors included Keith Taylor Law Group, HCA Florida Citrus Hospital, Wardlow & Cash, P.A., Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, A&J Gardner's Concrete, Vertex Consulting, Brooks Septic & Plumbing, IMS Pharmacy, Mike Bays State Farm, Duke Energy, Brannen Bank, Worthington AC, Paycom, Tampa General Hospital, ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital and Accurate Pest Control.

Runner's Celebration Carnival sponsors included Family and Friends Reaching for the Abilities (FFRA), Women Helping Women, New Horizons, the Crystal River Woman's Club and Advanced Aluminum. As another successful Run for the Money came to a close, the message remained the same as it was 50 years ago when Chet Cole began his first journey north to south across Florida: a community working together can open doors, create opportunities and provide life-changing support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.