Run. Pick. Protect.

Run. Pick. Protect. was a community cleanup activation hosted by Debris Free Oceans in partnership with Bearly Runners, Run Little Havana, and Sneaker Impact, held at Henderson Park in Miami's historic Little Havana neighborhood.

Volunteers laced up and took to the park, walking or jogging while collecting trash and logging every item in the Marine Debris Tracker App. Together, they removed 247 pounds of waste and recorded 1,597 items, contributing real community science data that helps identify pollution patterns and inform action at the source. The most common finds: bottle caps, plastic fragments, and beverage containers. Participants who completed item tracking and a post-event survey received custom zero-waste toolkits: reusable water bottle, bamboo utensil kit, and reusable bag included.

After the cleanup, the group gathered for bites donated by Yo Soy Centro Americano, reflected on the plastic pollution they encountered, and explored ways to live more consciously. Artist Leti Romano added a personal touch, raffling off her portraits of Little Havana to close out the morning.

The activation demonstrated how fitness, stewardship, and community can move together - restoring Henderson Park while deepening neighborhood connections and advancing a shared mission toward a cleaner, more resilient Miami.