Cinco de Mayo in Fort Myers brought something fresh this year. The second annual Cantina’s CincoRita Cinco de Mayo looked a little different in Fort Myers this year. The second annual Cantina’s CincoRita Run, presented by Worthington Realty, turned Bell Tower into the starting line, the finish line, and the party all at once.
Part of the 2025 Bell Tower Race Series organized by Apex Promoz, the CincoRita Run was designed to connect people, spotlight businesses, and support local causes. And judging by the turnout, it worked. Families, runners, and neighbors gathered for a morning that felt less like a race and more like a celebration.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- The CincoRita Run was part of the 2025 Bell Tower Race Series in Fort Myers.
- Runners could choose between a 5K and the Margarita Mile.
- The event boosted local restaurants and shops at Bell Tower.
- Proceeds from the breakfast buffet supported Valerie’s House, a nonprofit for grieving children and families.
- The Bell Tower Race Series continues throughout 2025 with themed community events.
Why Fort Myers Shows Up for the Bell Tower Race Series
Most races start early, end quickly, and scatter their crowds before businesses even open. Bell Tower does things differently. By keeping the celebration alive after the finish line, the series blends fitness with food, entertainment, and community connection.
The CincoRita Run was a perfect example. It kept people together, filling the plaza with music, laughter, and the kind of buzz that lingers long after the medals are handed out.
Boosting Fort Myers Restaurants and Shops
The race gave participants two ways to move: the full 5K or the Margarita Mile. The shorter option added a playful spin and brought in families, kids, and casual walkers who might not have signed up otherwise.
When the running ended, Cantina Laredo came alive. The breakfast buffet was crowded from the start—tables full of eggs, sausage, french toast sticks, and runners already raising margaritas to toast the morning. The atmosphere was equal parts finish line and fiesta.
And it didn’t stop at the restaurant doors. Bell Tower’s open-air setup encouraged people to wander. Shoppers browsed stores they might not have stepped into otherwise, and the entire center felt the lift. A Saturday morning that could have been quiet turned into one of the busiest mornings of the season.
Every Step Counts for Valerie’s House
Behind the fiesta was a cause that matters deeply to Fort Myers. Proceeds from the breakfast buffet supported Valerie’s House, a nonprofit that helps children and families heal after the loss of a loved one.
Volunteers were on hand to greet participants, share stories, and explain how the programs work. Parents explained to their kids why the food mattered, and kids carried plates knowing they were helping someone else by simply eating breakfast. For a few hours, running shoes and donations combined in a way that made the mission feel real and close to home.
Family Fun and Festivities in Lee County
The event itself felt like a block party. Kids bounced in inflatable houses and swung at piñatas. Adults laughed over cornhole, live music, and early-morning cocktails. There was no rush to leave, no sense of hurry—the plaza stayed full long after the last runner crossed the line.
That spirit is what sets the Bell Tower Race Series apart. It is about exercise, yes, but it is also about joy, connection, and the kind of neighborhood energy that turns first-time visitors into regulars.
Why Worthington Realty Invests in Events Like This
Worthington Realty was proud to present the CincoRita Run. Running is part of who we are, and we’re grateful to be part of the Fort Myers running community. Supporting events like this allows us to combine our love for the sport with our commitment to this city.
We believe that when neighbors gather, something good always follows. These events reflect the same values we bring to real estate: connection, trust, and helping people feel at home in Fort Myers.
What’s Next for the Bell Tower Race Series
The CincoRita Run is one stop on a growing calendar of themed races at Bell Tower. The 2025 series continues with La Ola’s Big Run on June 7, Run Like a Kid on September 13, Partners Pink Run on October 11, and Rockin’ Around the Bell Tower on December 13, also presented by Worthington Realty.
Each event brings a new theme and a new way to connect. With record turnout in 2024 and even bigger crowds expected this year, the series is quickly becoming one of Fort Myers’ favorite traditions.
FAQs About the CincoRita Run in Fort Myers
The race took place during the first weekend of May at Bell Tower, aligning with Cinco de Mayo festivities in Fort Myers.
Participants could run the full 5K or join the Margarita Mile, a shorter race designed for fun and accessibility.
Proceeds supported Valerie’s House, which provides safe spaces and peer support for grieving children and families in Southwest Florida.
Details for upcoming runs are posted at ApexPromoz.com. Runners, volunteers, and sponsors can all get involved.
Fleet Feet Fort Myers, located right in Bell Tower, is a go-to spot for local runners. They offer personalized fittings, expert advice, and a wide selection of shoes designed for every type of runner. It’s also the store behind many community events, including several races in the Bell Tower series.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 CincoRita Run blended fitness, food, and community purpose into one morning. From boosting restaurants to supporting Valerie’s House, it showed what can happen when Fort Myers gathers around a shared experience.
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