‘Sun & Fun’ Highlight the Sombrero Beach Run Weekend March 2-4
MARATHON, Florida Keys — Florida Keys sunshine, athletic action and family fun attract hundreds of avid runners and walkers from the U.S., Canada and Europe for the annual Sombrero Beach Run weekend, set for Friday through Sunday, March 2-4.
In recognition of the outdoor run/walk’s popularity and to encourage families to participate in the healthful weekend together, organizers are offering specially priced online registration fees.
Until 11:59 p.m. (ET) Friday, March 2, registration for the combined 15k is $30 per adult age 18 and over. Students 17 and under and U.S. military personnel can enter for $15. For each of the 10k and 5k events, registration is only $20 per adult age 18 and up and $10 for students.
After midnight March 3, the 15k entry fees increase to $35 per adult, and 10k and 5k entry fees increase to $25 per adult. Student fees remain the same.
The first 500 pre-registered participants are to receive a custom logo T-shirt and neck wallet.
Initially conceived to help stamp out hunger among Keys families in need, proceeds from the event benefit Keys Area Interdenominational Resources, a Marathon-based nonprofit organization that provides food pantry and emergency services as well as housing assistance and relocation services.
The weekend begins with its traditional evening kick-off party set for Friday, March 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with food, drinks and music and entertainment at Sombrero Beach at the end of Sombrero Beach Road, mile marker 50. Runners and walkers can pick up registration packets there.
Walkers and runners also can register on-site at 7 a.m. Saturday. The 10k run starts at 8 a.m. and the 5k run/walk begins at 9:15 a.m. A free kids’ fun run is planned for 10 a.m.
Race day attractions include music and beachside fun, refreshments, door prizes and a silent auction to bid on artwork, Keys resort stays, exclusive memberships and admissions to Keys attractions, and a coveted single entry into the exclusive Seven Mile Bridge Run in April.
An awards ceremony on the beach follows Saturday’s race with a barbecue, drinks and music. Overall male and female winners of the 10k and 5k runs and 5k walk are to be recognized, as are first- and second-place male and female finishers in multiple age categories. Awards typically include resort stays, cash and Florida Keys eco-attraction and watersports experience passes.
Sunday afternoon rounds out the family fun weekend with sporty activities such as beach games, music, food and beverages, and more Keys sunshine.
Event information and registration: sombrerobeachrun.com
Marathon visitor information: fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284
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