Studer Community Institute

Run for the reef on Navarre Beach

October 17, 2014
/ Amy Minchin
/ community-dashboard

Runners and walkers young and old will take to the streets of Navarre Beach Saturday, Oct. 18 for the sixth annual Run for the Reef 5K & 10K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run benefitting the Navarre Beach Marine Sanctuary. This is the first year for the 10K race. “We have some runners who participate every year and many of them requested we add a 10K,” said Mike Sandler, president of the Navarre Beach Chamber Foundation. As organizer of Run for the Reef, the Chamber Foundation directs proceeds from the event toward improving the Navarre Beach Marine Park and maintaining the artificial reefs installed over the last few years in the adjacent Santa Rosa Sound and Gulf of Mexico. [sidebar] If you go: Event: Run for the Reef 5K/10K and Kids’ One-Mile Fun Run sponsored by Navarre Press Date and Time: October 18, 2014 at 8 a.m. Location: Navarre Beach Pier Cost: Entry fees are $25 for the 5K; $30 for the 10K; $15 for the Kids’ Fun Run (ages 12 and under). Details: Register here. [/sidebar] Sandler says Run for the Reef typically draws a majority of its participants from the local area, but the race also attracts runners from more distant Florida cities and other states. “We always have some fall vacationers who register the week of the event,” he added. Each race follows an out-and-back course along Gulf Boulevard starting at the Navarre Beach Pier. The one-mile Kids’ Fun Run begins nearby at the Sea Turtle Conservation Center following the 5K. Participants taking part in the 10K (6.2 miles) or 5K (3.1 miles) can enjoy a post-race party at Lagerhead’s on the Navarre Beach Pier deck when the race concludes. Race officials will present medals handmade locally by Holley Hill Pottery. They will hold a drawing for artwork and photographs donated by local artists, as well as SCUBA certification courses donated by two area dive shops. According to Sandler, the positive impact of past years’ Run for the Reef events is showing as Navarre Beach Marine Park thrives. “We’ve seen a significant increase in visitors, including dive clubs from as far away as Louisiana,” he said. “They really appreciate the amenities at Navarre Beach Marine Park, from the well maintained indoor flush toilets and showers to the picnic areas. These make it so much nicer to spend a day at the beach.” Plans for an addition to the Gulfside reef are in process, Sandler said. “Since the first reefs were installed two years ago, conditions have been right for plants and animal life to grow,” Sandler said. “They’ve attracted more fish, including larger and different species.” The reefs’ popularity with divers and snorkelers was expected, Sandler said. “What we didn’t expect was how many paddleboarders and surfers would come out to enjoy the reef,” he added. “On a good, green flag day, paddleboarders and kayakers can go out and see snapper, trigger fish and our resident turtle that has made the Gulfside reef its home.” Run for the Reef registration is available online at active.com or participants can download a registration form at navarrebeachmarinesanctuary.com. Registration forms also are available at the Navarre Visitors Information Center and the Navarre Beach Pier.

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Run for the reef on Navarre Beach

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