The Marathon Lady filled the decks with grinning kids and their catch on June 18 for the Key Colony Beach and Marathon Ron Sutton Memorial Kids Fishing Derby.
The 18th annual contest challenged three age divisions of Middle Keys youngsters to bring the largest fish of any species over the rail, chasing winners’ trophies taller than many of the contestants.
After the free day of fishing, contestants, parents and volunteers retired to the Key Colony Inn for an afterparty and awards ceremony led by derby co-organizers Joey Raspe and Kris DiGiovanni – complete with the smorgasbord of prizes and giveaways that have become a hallmark of the friendly competition.
Photos by JUSTICE LEE ISOM/Keys Weekly
And the winners are..
6-8 years old
1st place: Richey Worthington
2nd place: Melody Franco
3rd place: Elliana Koeller
9-11 years old
1st place: Lorelei Klein
2nd place: Kayson Young
3rd place: Jayden Arencibia
12-14 years old
1st place: Melanie Olivio
2nd place: Francisco Garcia
3rd place: Adrian Felix
