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Coconut Creek Runners Brave the Cold at the Annual 5K Butterfly Run

by David Volz February 4, 2026

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The start of the 2026 Butterfly Run. {David Volz}

Nicolas Ponce, an experienced distance runner, was pleased to win first place for male runners living in Coconut Creek and third place overall at the annual 5K Butterfly Run at Tradewinds Park on February 1.

“I felt good during the run, even though it was cold, and I was glad to place well. I grew up in Coconut Creek, so it was nice to be in a run here,” said Ponce.

Theresa Holstein, the first-place female runner living in Coconut Creek, also enjoyed the run. “It was a good run, but it was really cold,” she said.

The conditions were frigid, and all runners wore winter clothing, including coats and caps, as the temperature at race time was in the upper 30s. Many wore butterfly wings on their backs. Participants received an email notification the night before stating the run would take place.

City Manager Sheila Rose participated in the run and said 564 people participated. “I love this run, and it brings the community together,” she said.

Mayor Jackie Railey, who participated in the event, thanked all participants and complimented them on their dedication to the Butterfly Run on such a cold morning.

Finalists at the 2026 Butterfly Run.

The City Parks and Recreation Department hosted the run, and people of all ages and athletic abilities were encouraged to participate. It was a large-scale, USA Track and Field-certified race, according to city information.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.