When most people think of Cinco de Mayo, they picture tacos, tequila, and mariachi music. But in Fort Myers, the celebration starts with sneakers, sweat, and community spirit.
This past weekend, Bell Tower transformed into a starting line, a finish line, and a fiesta all at once for the second annual Cantina’s CincoRita Run Presented by Worthington Realty—one of six themed races in the 2025 Bell Tower Race Series, organized by Apex Promoz and designed to support local restaurants, charities, and small businesses. More than just a 5K, the event brought together runners, families, local businesses, and nonprofits for a morning that energized bodies and sparked connection, commerce, and compassion.
Why Fort Myers Loves the Bell Tower Race Series
Most 5Ks start early, end quietly, and leave local businesses untouched. But Cantina’s CincoRita Run—and every event in the Bell Tower Race Series—changes that pattern entirely. It’s built around one key idea: keep the energy going after the finish line, and put it to work—for the community, for local businesses, and for a cause.
How Cantina’s CincoRita Run Boosted Local Restaurants and Shops
Cantina’s CincoRita Run offered more than one way to get moving. In addition to the 5K, runners could opt for the Margarita Mile—a festive, shorter-distance event that kept the fun accessible and the energy high. It was a playful twist on the traditional format, perfect for those who came to party in motion!
Unlike most local charity runs, which often finish in a park with a banana and a water bottle, Cantina’s CincoRita Run ends where the real party begins: at Cantina Laredo. Runners crossed the finish line and stepped straight into an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and the kind of early-morning energy restaurants dream of.
It’s a win-win model. Cantina Laredo opened early, filled with runners and supporters ordering margaritas, micheladas, and piling plates high with eggs, sausage, and french toast sticks. Non-runners joined in too, drawn by the food, the atmosphere, and the opportunity to support a good cause.
Surrounding businesses felt the lift too. Bell Tower’s open-air layout, pedestrian-friendly design, and inviting plaza spaces made it easy for people to linger. Shops saw an uptick in guests, and the entire center came alive with the kind of weekend buzz that turns new visitors into regulars. A local run that directly boosts commerce? That’s rare—and refreshing.
Every Step Counts for Valerie’s House
While businesses gained customers, Valerie’s House gained something even more valuable: support for grieving children and families in our community. Valerie’s House provides compassionate support through peer support groups, mentoring, and a safe space for children and families to heal after the loss of a loved one. Learn more or make a direct contribution at valerieshouse.org. Proceeds from the breakfast buffet went directly to this beloved local nonprofit.
Families lined up to eat, knowing every bite gave back. Valerie’s House volunteers welcomed guests, shared their mission, and reminded everyone that healing takes community—and events like this make it possible.
At its core, it was about showing up for one another. The run offered a way for families to celebrate Cinco de Mayo while supporting an organization that walks with others through the most difficult moments of life.
Family Fun and Festivities at Bell Tower Cinco de Mayo 5K
Organized by John and Adrienne Bodner of Apex Promoz, the event brought people together in a way that was both energizing and heartfelt. From bounce houses and piñatas for the kids to cornhole and margaritas for the adults, the morning felt more like a block party than a typical race morning.
This event is part of a growing series that’s redefining what local races can be. From McGregors’s Kilts & Kilos in March to December’s Rockin’ Around the Tower, each race creates space for connection, fun, and giving back—one themed event at a time.
Why Worthington Realty Invests in Fort Myers Community Events
At Worthington Realty, we believe great things can happen when people get together. That’s why we were proud to present this year’s CincoRita Run. We showed up because this is the kind of event that reflects what we value most: meaningful connection, local pride, community impact, and running with purpose. As a local business, we believe in moving our feet and moving our community forward.
When neighbors show up for each other, good things follow. When businesses lend their support, impact multiplies. And when a simple 5K brings smiles, funds, and full tables…it’s worth every step.
Upcoming Fort Myers 5K Races at Bell Tower in 2025
Events like the CincoRita Run highlight what makes Bell Tower a true hub in our community. A place to shop and dine, but also a place where neighbors gather, celebrate, and connect. From the shaded courtyards to the event-friendly layout, Bell Tower makes it easy to connect, celebrate, and give back.
The 2025 Bell Tower Race Series is just getting started. With record turnout in 2024 and even bigger crowds expected this year, Apex Promoz has built a race calendar that brings energy, meaning, and momentum to Fort Myers—one themed event at a time.
From the kilts of March to the jingle bells of December, each themed race offers something special. Upcoming races include La Ola’s Big Run presented by Fleet Feet Fort Myers (June 7), Run Like a Kid (September 13), and Partners Pink Run (October 11)—all capped off with Rockin’ Around the Bell Tower on December 13, presented by Worthington Realty. Want to join in? Whether you’re looking to run, volunteer, or become a business sponsor, there’s still time to be part of the fun. Learn more about upcoming races and how to get involved at ApexPromoz.com.
It’s already becoming a Fort Myers tradition. If you missed it this year, we hope to see you next May. Until then, follow us at Worthington Realty to see where we’ll show up next—and how we keep investing in the community we call home. Ready to make it your home too? Contact us today!
Run Bell Tower. Worth every step.
