More than 200 runners will take part in the inaugural Wrightsville Beach Valentine 10K this Saturday, Feb. 13.
Countless 5K races are held at Wrightsville Beach, but the town’s parks and recreation department, which organized the event, wanted to introduce a longer distance race to the island.
“There are seldom 10Ks down here, so this just provides something different for people,” said Katie Ryan, parks and recreation program supervisor.
The 6.2-mile run also falls about one month before the Wrightsville Beach Marathon, Ryan added, so marathon participants can use the 10K as a tune-up.
Local businesses like Blockade Runner, Shell Island Resort and Oceanic Oceanfront Dining have added their support to the inaugural event. Sixteen Wrightsville Beach residents have registered to participate, too.
The race starts at 9 a.m. in Wrightsville Beach Park. The course circles under the Heide Trask Drawbridge and down Causeway Drive to a turnaround point at the end of Waynick Boulevard. Nearly the whole race will be in view of the water.
Valentine’s Day-themed prizes will be given to not only the fastest runners, but also the runners wearing the best Valentine’s Day outfits. The event also offers a recreational, untimed loop walk.
Proceeds from the race benefit the town’s WECT Sounds of Summer Concert Series. The concerts, which are free to the public, feature live music in Wrightsville Beach Park every Thursday evening during the summer.
Ryan said as the race gains popularity in future years, she hopes it will help fund some of the parks and recreation department’s many other projects around the island as well.
To register, visit https://its-go-time.com/wbvalentine10k/
email [email protected]
