PANAMA CITY BEACH — Enjoy the coast while doing something good for yourself and your community during Saturday’s sixth annual Run for the Redfish half marathon and 5K in Pier Park.
“It’s supposed to be perfect weather. It’s going to be a little cool in the morning, which runners like, and not too hot in the afternoon,” said Lance Allison, president/CEO of the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce. “It promotes a healthy lifestyle and also promotes the beach and businesses on the beach.”
The Beach Chamber has been involved in the event, co-founded by Paul Wohlford and Steve Bailey, for the past four years.
The certified course, professionally timed by Runners Edge Race Timing, begins at Pier Park Drive heading west down Front Beach Road and then looping around to end at Pier Park Drive. DJ Markie Mark will be spinning sounds at the Start/Finish line, and Gatorade and water stations will be set up throughout the course. Arnold High School soccer players and supporters will be helping as volunteers.
“We will have GU Energy Gel, and a portalet at the turn for the half marathon,” Allison added. “Water will be everywhere.”
An after-party at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in Pier Park will feature live music and free gumbo and beer for race participants.
The 2013 Run for the Redfish brought out more than 850 runners from across the country.
“We’re attracting around the same number this year, and more will sign up in the next couple of days,” Allison added on Thursday. “A portion of the proceeds goes to the Beach Chamber Education Foundation, which is used for scholarships to area schools.”
Online registration is no longer available, but you may still sign up through the Beach Chamber, 309 Richard Jackson Blvd., Suite 101, Panama City Beach.
“Just call or come by,” Allison said. “We’ll be here till 6 (Friday).”
2014 RUN FOR THE REDFISH
- What: Sixth annual run to benefit Beach Chamber Education Foundation
- When: Dec. 6; Half-marathon starts at 8 a.m., 5K at 8:30 a.m. and Kid’s Fun Run at 10 a.m.
- Where: Pier Park, 600 Pier Park Drive, Panama City Beach
- Cost: $60 for half-marathon and $45 for 5K (price includes Run for the Redfish long sleeve T-shirt and swag bag); kids younger than 12 run free in 1-mile fun run
- Register: Panama City Beach Chamber, 235-1159, or 309 Richard Jackson Blvd., Suite 101, Panama City Beach
- Details: RunForTheRedfish.com