Krystal Thomas, co-chair of the Key West Rotary Club Fourth of July 5K, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the event.
The Key West Rotary Club July 4th 5K happens on July 4 at 7:30 a.m.
Thomas said, “We’re expecting a big turnout. Last year we had over 300 participants. This year we’re shooting for 400 and the first 400 get a T-shirt and a finisher medal, and there will also be cash prizes for the most patriotic costume for adults and children.”
The 250th anniversary of our country ties in with the 5K.
Thomas said, “It’s a great way to start the holiday. It’s a well-known race, we get locals, we get tourists, we get kids, we get dogs, we get everybody that participates, and it’s really progressed over the years. So our goal was originally to raise money for the Edward B. Knight Vocational Scholarship at the College of the Florida Keys, and that’s a $4,000 scholarship. And last year we netted over $10,000 towards our scholarship program after all expenses, so it was really great, and it’s been really great to see the evolution of the race over the years. We meet at the Edward B. Night Pier, right by Higgs Beach, and it’s an up and back race, so you race along Atlantic Boulevard and then up on to South Roosevelt and come back. We have people cheering you on along the way, and I do want to say that there is a time frame in terms of the pricing for the participation, so if you sign up before June 30, adults, so 13 and up is $45. After that, you can still sign up until the race day, about 10 minutes before the race starts, and it goes up to $50 and then the kids amount is always the same, and that is a $30 race for youth, and that is 12 and under. It’s also a special anniversary for our club, because it’s the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Club partnering with the City of Key West to put on the fireworks, and so it’ll be a really great, I think, way to kick off all of our events that we have for the day.”
A number of people participate in the 5K every year.
Thomas said, “It’s a very much a tradition for a lot of families in the Keys. We have people that run it, and now they’re running it with their families. We have people who come into town every year for the month of July, and that’s how they kick off their vacation, so it’s a great tradition. So, if you don’t have a Fourth of July tradition yet, or you’re looking to add to yours, it’s a great addition.”
Anyone who would like to volunteer is welcome.
Thomas said, “We take all volunteers. So, if you are interested in helping out, either with the 5k but also throughout the rest of the day, depending on what time allows, we always take volunteers. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved, so if you’re looking for a way to get involved in a path to service, Rotary is a great way to start.”
The 5K is for all runners.
Thomas said, “It’s all ages, all skill levels, walkers, runners, skippers, joggers, whatever you want to do, however you want to get from point A to point B, we don’t discriminate. June 30 at midnight is the deadline for early registration. You can register up until about five to 10 minutes before the race starts, but after June 30, the registration goes up to $50 for adults.”
For more information, click here: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/KeyWest/RotaryClubOfKeyWest4ThOfJuly5K