26th Annual Hemingway 5K Sunset Run/Walk and Paddleboard Race Set for July 21

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Old Town Key West will host runners, fitness walkers and paddleboard enthusiasts testing their skills and celebrating Ernest Hemingway’s sporting lifestyle on Saturday, July 21st. The longest on-going race in Key West, this year’s Hemingway 5K Sunset Run/Walk and Paddleboard Race is rated #3 on Active.com’s list of top ten international destination races to turn into a vacation.

The well-established athletic challenges are part of Hemingway Days, a six-day commemoration of the life and work of the author who lived and wrote in Key West for most of the 1930s.

“This is the hottest race in Key West! Literally!” said organizer Barbara Wright. “It’s held on a hot summer night here, but the great thing is participants can jump in the beautiful Key West waters to cool off after the race and there are lots of cold libations to satisfy your thirst!”

The  Paddleboard Race will kick off at 5:30 p.m. at the island city’s Southernmost Beach, 1405 Duval St. on the Atlantic Ocean. A 3-mile ocean course will challenge paddlers before they finish back at the beach.

Then, at 7:30 p.m., the popular 5K Run/Walk will begin at the Southernmost Point in the continental United States, oceanfront at Whitehead and South streets. Participants race through picturesque Old Town Key West, past landmarks including the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, Green Parrot Bar, the Key West Lighthouse, and Custom House as they complete the fast, flat 3.1-mile course.

On race day, a registration booth will be open from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on the beach outside of the Southernmost Beach Café. Race packets, bibs and shirts can be picked up there.

Afterwards, a great post-race awards beach party is scheduled outside in the same area and includes free food, music, libations, and raffles.

Paddleboard awards will be presented to the first- through 10th-place male and female finishers, plus to the top first- through third-place male and female race boards. In the 5K, awards await the top three male and female overall finishers, top three male and female masters, and top three male and female finishers in five-year age categories ranging from 9 and under to 75 and over. Great prizes, including Caribbean trips, will go to the overall winners.

In addition, those competing in all challenges will receive unique finisher medals.

Interested participants can register online at active.com or download registration forms by visiting www.keywestspecialevents.com.

The entry fee includes a collectible race tech shirt, chip timing, custom bibs, food, finisher medals, libations and lots of great giveaways including Caribbean Resort Trips for up to four!

Proceeds benefit Key West Sunrise Rotary Scholarship Fund and the FKCC Youth Swim Program. Sponsored in part by Monroe County Tourist Development Council, Islamorada Beer Company, Southernmost Beach Resort, Southernmost Beach Café, Hemingway Home and Museum, Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina, Elite Caribbean Resorts, and prizes from many great Key West establishments!

More information: Barb Wright (305) 240-0727 or visit keywestspecialevents.com.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]