On Saturday, March 7, hundreds of local and visiting runners will take to the beach and golf course for the 14th annual Sombrero Beach Run.
In past years, up to 500 runners have participated in the event, which is co-organized by Key West Southernmost Runners.
Race director Donald Nelson explains the different courses his group has laid out. “Runners have the option of two different distances, a shorter 5k which allows walkers to enter the race too, and a 10k run.”
The races will run consecutively and on the same course, with 10k runners completing a loop that goes along the golf course and onto the islands around Sombrero Beach and 5k runners turning around at the 1.5 mile point. The 10k begins at 8 a.m. and the 5k at 9:15 a.m. Ambitious competitors can partake in the 15k challenge, which combines the results from both races. All races will be chip-timed.
As they challenge themselves to compete in our tropical environment, runners also raise critical funds for Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (KAIR), a nonprofit serving those in crisis. KAIR aids people and families in need, providing food, clothes, rent and utility payments, medical bills and school supplies, explains Nelson.
“Life happens, and people get sick, their kid gets sick, they lose their job or their family becomes separated and now they’re a single parent,” said KAIR director Marj Roberts. “People run into crisis in their lives, and we think it’s worthwhile to keep those people stable so they can move forward and raise their families in our communities.”
Roberts has been at the helm of KAIR since 2005 and recalls its modest beginnings. The organization began as a collaboration between all the churches and has grown from there, she said. While they primarily focus on the Middle Keys, KAIR does reach out to help those in need around the Keys.
Here’s where the run comes in. The annual event raises critical funds that allow KAIR to do what it does best: help people.
“When people have a problem, they come to KAIR and we try to help them figure it out,” said Roberts. “Sometimes crazy things happen and then domino and suddenly you can’t get out of it.” The director offers an example of someone with a suspended driver’s license. If they try to drive to go to work, they get arrested. If they don’t go to work, they can’t pay their rent. KAIR helps manage challenges like these which prevent citizens from moving forwards in their lives.
Roberts estimates that 40 to 50 people a day come to KAIR for assistance daily and that 30,000 pounds of food are given out monthly.
That’s why the funds raised through the race help so much. “Cumulatively over the last 13 runs, we’ve raised three-quarters of a million dollars through the run only,” says Roberts. “It’s a huge boost for us. Every penny goes to client services and the food pantry.”
Nelson hopes the race will raise upwards of $20,000 for KAIR through sponsorships and runners fees.
The entire weekend is dedicated to raising money, friends and awareness for KAIR and its mission. The Friday night registration party and race package pickup at the beach includes a DJ, wine, beer and snacks as the sun goes down. Saturday race day includes a runner’s breakfast, the races and medal ceremonies and finish line village including a DJ, cold beer and refreshments and a silent auction. Sunday will be an afternoon at the beach, enjoying beach games, watermelon-eating contests and good friends.
The 10k run, 5k run, 5k walk each cost $25 and the kids’ fun run is free. The 15k challenge costs $30. Prices increase after Friday, March 6. For more information and to register, visit sombrerobeachrun.org.
KAIR is a non-profit organization serving individuals and families in Marathon and the Keys who find themselves in crisis. Working in partnership with other agencies and organizations, every effort is made to return people to self-supporting, productive lives. For more information, visit kaironline.org, call 305-743-4582, email KAIRonline@bellsouth.net or stop by in person at 3010 Overseas Highway, Marathon.
