Events season in the Upper Keys gets underway on Saturday, Oct. 3 with a run and a stroll on the scenic Old Highway in Islamorada.
Dubbed the Old Highway 5k Run/Walk, the race is back for a third year. The run and walk was organized by Baptist Health South Florida for a number of years before it came to an end. The event is now under racing and events coordinator Henry Menendez, of HNO productions. He’s the organizer of the biggest race in the Upper Keys, the First State Bank Key Largo Bridge Run, which takes runners over Jewfish Creek Bridge.
Menendez said he’s particularly excited about growing the Old Highway Run in year three. And more than anything, he’s ready to bring the community throughout the Keys and on the mainland back for a beautiful run and walk.
“The course is for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities,” Menendez said. “It’s a beautiful highway wedged between lush vegetation and away from U.S. 1.”
Runners and walkers will take to the starting line at Coral Shores High School at 7:30 a.m. From there, they will make their way up the Old Highway and loop back around to the finish line at the high school.
With a flat course and plenty of shade thanks to canopy trees, participants can test their best time or simply enjoy a stroll.
Menendez said proceeds will support Coral Shores High School.
Race shirts and participant medals will be available to the first 200 to register.
Awards will be presented to the overall top three male and female finishers, overall masters for male and female runners and top three for each age group. After the race, runners and walkers can reunite with family and friends while enjoying snacks, refreshments and music. The mobile coffee camper Cupacabana will be at the event.
More information is at oldhighwayrun.com.
