Apopka resident to run in Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend for Second Harvest

Emmanuelle Briot shares a passion for both running and giving back to the community. 

This weekend, the Apopka resident will have the opportunity to indulge in both. 

Thursday, Nov. 4, kicks off Disney’s Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend. 

With four full days of fun-filled events, the race invites locals to participate in a variety of different ways. 

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is the celebrated charity of the event.

Corporate Partnerships Manager for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida Maureen Mikel said the event provides over 350,000 meals to children, families and seniors in the community who are facing hunger, just in time for the holidays.

"Each year we look forward to sharing our mission and interacting with running enthusiasts who also have a passion for helping our community," Mikel said. "We are provided the opportunity to speak at the start-line of each race and thank runDisney and the runners for supporting our neighbors facing hunger. There is such a positive, high energy at each of the races, and we feel so lucky to be a part of this incredible event weekend!"

During the three races this weekend, a team of runners will help create awareness for the food bank and raise funds to support the growth of Second Harvest’s mission.

For one runner, that mission is personal.

Briot was born in France and didn't find her passion for running until she moved to Florida. She said her family relied on food banks when money was tight. 

“I still remember how the box of food supplies was like a Christmas gift any time of the year we would receive it," Briot said. 

Now, Briot is a member of Second Harvest’s Outrun Hunger team. 

She said one day she was volunteering at the food bank when she saw a sign that read, “Not all heroes wear capes, some wear running shoes.”

This year, Briot will run for her third year with a goal to raise $1,250, which is 5,000 meals, for families in need.

"It’s important for me to give back because these are families who are working hard to make ends meet, but at the end of the day may have to make tough decisions like putting food on the table, or buying medication for a child when they get sick," Briot said. "I don’t feel anyone should have to have to make a decision like that."

For a complete list of the weekend events and more information, click here.