Bike-jog set at nature preserve March 4

The Port Aransas Independent School District will sponsor a biking and jogging event at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture on Sunday, March 4.

The Skeeter Ride and Ramble will start at 1 p.m. at Port Aransas Community Park. The course heads from there to the nature preserve.

“Come survive the mosquitoes and brave the wildlife!” joked Jennifer Kidd, an organizer of the event.

The event is funded by an H-E-B Healthy Campus grant that was awarded to H. G. Olsen Elementary School in January. It’s a three- year grant, with $5,000 supplied each year.

The grant is to support programs and events promoting good health for youth. While the grant technically was awarded to the elementary school, it will benefit children throughout the whole school district, Kidd said.

The school district’s health advisory council is collaborating with the Port Aransas Parks and Recreation Department to put on the Skeeter Ride and Ramble. The event, designed for children in first through fifth grade, is not a race.

“ The focus is on participation and positive attitudes,” Kidd said.

Students will be able to earn wristbands along the course. They can jog the entire boardwalk or do shorter loops. They can use any kind of bike but must wear a helmet.

The Parks and Recreation Department will give free helmets to those who don’t have them on a first-come, first served basis.

Registration forms are being sent home with students this week. Parents also can go to www.portashac.com to download forms. Registration ahead of time isn’t required, but organizers are encouraging it, so they’ll have an idea of how many participants might show up.

Questions should be directed to Des Kidd at deskidd@yahoo.com or (210) 872-1734.