Make way! Volunteers prepare to receive the finishers at last year’s Beach Dash. This year’s fun run will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, beginning at 8 a.m. Registrations will be accepted up to the start of the race. COURTESY PHOTO Lace up those running shoes and stretch those legs, the Port Aransas Kiwanis Club’s seventh annual Beach Dash is set for Saturday, Feb. 26.

The fun run will be held between the Horace Caldwell Pier and mile marker 25, beginning at 8 a.m.

The race, featuring a two-mile walk, 5K and 10K runs and a Kids’ Dash, offers door prizes, music and camaraderie for adults and kids alike. Many say it feels like a festival, according to event co-chair Jana Snow.

Jenna Ward will get things started with her rendition of The National Anthem, Pete Hartje and Karen Jones will keep things rolling with their DJ act, and live music by Goldie Oldies, Medicare Band and David Beane and Friends will energize participants.

The Kids’ Dash, for children up to age 10, will be the first event. All Kids’ Dash finishers will receive a medal and be entered into a drawing for beach prizes. A secure, monitored beach fun area also will be available for kids while their parents participate.

A professional chip timing system will be used at the event. Water stations will be positioned at start, finish and halfway points of the race.

An awards ceremony will follow immediately after the race, with winners announced in each of the categories. Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in the following age groups: 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 plus.

Through tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 25, the entry fee for all events is $20, except Kids’ Dash, which is $15. On race day, all events will cost $25. The first 300 registrants will be guaranteed a long-sleeved Beach Dash t-shirt, and in past years they have run out. T-shirts were still available as of press time.

This year’s event design was submitted by Port Aransas High School senior April Sutter in an artwork contest. Her design depicts a crab untying the lace on a tennis shoe.

Packets for entrants may be picked up tomorrow from 4 to 8 p.m. at Park Road Storage, 2035 State Hwy. 361, or at the event on race day from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m.

Registration may be made today online at www.portaransas- beachdash.com, or at packet pickup on Friday, or on race day.

Beach dashers are invited to take advantage of a carbohydrate-loaded spaghetti dinner, benefiting Project Graduation, tomorrow in the H.G. Olsen Elementary School cafeteria, 100 S. Station St., from 5 to 8 p.m. Meals will be $5 per person.

Proceeds from the fun run will fund scholarships for graduating PAHS seniors as well as previous years’ graduates who are still in school and in good standing.

Snow said, “Each year, every graduating senior who is going on to some sort of continued education, whether to pursue a medical degree or a cosmetology one, is awarded some sort of scholarship by the Kiwanis Club of Port Aransas.”

Because students are the beneficiaries of the funds raised, they are involved in various capacities in the success of the event. Besides designing the t-shirt and poster art, students also create the pottery plate designs for top finisher awards, help market the event by distributing posters and registration forms and work at the event by manning water stations, playing music or singing the national anthem. Many participate by running.

The event, sponsored by Cinnamon Shore, also is held in hopes of heightening the awareness of the importance of strong physical fitness in our community.

“There’s nothing better than witnessing someone who has set a goal to finish a 5K or 10K run or a two-mile walk, and has worked hard to prepare for it, come across that finish line, ” Snow said.