SOUTH PADRE ISLAND — A local organization is set to host its annual run on the beach in support of a good local cause.
The Port Isabel Rotary Club will hold a First Responders 5K/10K Beach Run Saturday, Sept. 7, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Clayton’s Beach Bar and Event Venue.
All participants will receive dry-fit race shirts and medals.
Winners will receive trophies for their age categories.
Runners can register online or in person at SOS Services, 2216 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island.
As of Monday, a little more than 100 runners had registered.
Proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club’s endowment fund, which provides funds to support first responders in the Laguna Madre area who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.
“We fortunately have never had to use the money,” said former Port Isabel Rotary Club President Bettina Tolin. “We haven’t had an instance like that since we’ve started the fund nine years ago, but it’s set up so that if a firefighter, paramedic or police officer here in South Padre Island, Laguna Vista or Port Isabel were to get injured on any type of call, we are set up to provide them or their families $1,000 per incident to cover medical costs or what have you.”
Additionally, funds raised will be used to recognize first responders for their heroism through special recognition awards and other Rotary Club service projects for the community.
Tolin said the organization gets a great deal of joy from honoring and celebrating first responders.
“The thing I think we enjoy most about this particular fundraiser is that we’re celebrating our local heroes,” she said. “These are the people that really put their lives on the line to save others in our community and they’re sort of the unsung heroes. So, we encourage runners of all ages to come out and support the event.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT — First Responders 5K/10K Beach Run
WHEN — Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:30 a.m.
WHERE — Clayton’s Beach Bar & Event Venue, 6900 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island
REGISTRATION — Online at https://tinyurl.com/y35vwry2 or in person at SOS Services, 2216 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island
ENTRY FEES —
• 5K run $25
• 10K run $35
• First responders and veterans receive $5 discount
• Teams of five or more receive a $5 discount.
AWARD CATEGORIES —
5K & 10K
• Overall Male/Female
• Top 3 Male/Female in age groups — 1 to 14, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 55 and 56 to 99.
For more information, email Port Isabel Rotary Club President Lonnie Gillihan at lrgillihan@gmail.com
Alana Hernandez