First Inaugural 5K for the Bays News Release
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Media Contact:
Aleighsa Wright
Outreach Specialist
(850) 770-2198
St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program Hosts Inaugural 5K for National Estuaries Week
Panama City Beach, FL — The St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program is excited to announce the first-ever “5K for the Bays,” a family-friendly race set to take place at Conservation Park on Saturday, September 28, 2024. This event marks the culmination of National Estuaries Week, offering participants a unique opportunity to support estuarine conservation efforts while enjoying the natural beauty of our watershed. The “5K for the Bays” is more than just a run—it’s a celebration of the vital estuarine ecosystems that support local wildlife, tourism, and community health. Proceeds from the race will directly benefit the St. Andrew & St. Joseph Bay Estuary Program’s initiatives to protect and restore these critical resources.
The event will begin with the Kids’ Fun Run at 8:30 AM CDT, followed by the 5K race at 9:00 AM CDT, both held at Conservation Park located at 100 Conservation Park, Panama City Beach, FL. Registration costs for the 5K are $25 through September 21, increasing to $30 from September 22 through race day. The Kids’ Fun Run costs $20 through September 21 and $25 thereafter. Participants are encouraged to register early, as those who sign up by September 4 will receive a complimentary event shirt. Early bib pick-up will be available on September 26 and 27 from 10 AM to 7 PM CDT at Minutes and Miles, located at 228 Harrison Ave. #104, Panama City, FL.
The race will take runners and walkers on a scenic route through Conservation Park’s well-groomed trails, boardwalks, and even some paved sections, offering a perfect setting for families and nature enthusiasts alike. Conservation Park was created to rehydrate wetlands using reclaimed water from the City of Panama City Beach, making it an ideal venue to highlight the connection between upland management and estuarine health and innovative techniques to improve the health of our bays.
The 5K for the Bays also offers a chance for community members and businesses to show their support through sponsorships. Contributions directly benefit the estuary program’s efforts to protect the bays’ delicate ecosystems. Special thanks to Dewberry, the event’s Super Sponsor, for their generous support in making this inaugural event possible. For those interested in experiencing the event at a leisurely pace, walkers are welcome, and there are plenty of opportunities to support the cause through donations and volunteer efforts. Join the St. Andrew and St. Joseph bays as they close out National Estuaries Week with a run that supports the future of our local environment. For more information on registration, sponsorship, and event details, please visit SASJBEP.ORG/5KFORTHEBAYS
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About the St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program:
Our Vision:
Healthy, resilient bays and estuarine habitats that support native species, natural systems, recreation, fisheries and the economy, together with vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities in the watershed that live in harmony with the needs of the estuary.
Our Mission:
To collaborate—as representatives of private, public, and non-governmental stakeholders—to improve our common sense, science-based understanding of the needs of the estuary, and to develop, promote and implement projects that protect and restore the health of the bays.
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