By Julie B. Connerley
Islander Correspondent
The second annual Bushwacker 5K was held Saturday, August 4. A total of 917 runners and walkers, aged 6 to 87, enjoyed the 3.1 mile course that began at the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center, passed over the Bob Sikes Bridge, and finished at the Visitors Information Center. The Capt’n Fun Runners hosted the event.
EVENT HISTORY
1987 marked
the inaugural Capt’n Fun 5K run on
In 2000, after a two-year hiatus, Capt’n Fun Runners again organized the race with a new charity, new course, and new name -- the Bushwacker 5K. Last year’s event raised $3700 for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
“While the figures are not yet
finalized,” said
“It is important,” he continued, “that the Bushwacker 5K develop the strong ties to the running community that we enjoyed for many years as the Capt’n Fun 5K. Each time somebody new runs the race, he tells his friends, and they come and tell their friends, so the event continues to grow. That is our goal.”
VOLUNTEERS AND SPONSORS
More than 120 Capt’n Fun Runners
and Jubilee Walkers volunteered their time and talents to ensure a successful
event. Explained Volunteer Coordinator
After crossing the finish line, some participants headed for the Bushwacker drink stands, while others made a beeline for the food tables on the deck at Capt’n Fun’s Beach Club.
Generous food sponsors included two Boardwalk eateries. Papa’s Pizza donated 50 large pizzas and Hooters gave 400 wings. Krispy Kreme provided 600 donuts and Damiams gave ice cream. Mountains of fresh fruits were supplied by Bruno’s and Winn Dixie, both located in Gulf Breeze, and Albertson’s on 9th Avenue.
Thirteen-year-old Keelan Blake, of
Tragically, both boys were involved in an automobile accident recently. Keelan was killed, and his brother Lochlan suffered a broken pelvis and could not bear to come without his older brother.
The running community rallied to support the family and a Band Scholarship Fun at Avalon Middle School has been established in his memory. The Capt’n Fun Runners also plan to present Lochlan with a perseverance medallion for the race he and his brother were to have run together.
The Hash House Harriers (HHH) of
“The New Orleans Track Club,” explained HHH Phyllis Punch, “used to sponsor or participate in 54 races a year. The club backed off to about 48 races a year now, just so members could enjoy the Pensacola Beach 5K.”
Stephen Erwin, the HHH grand master concurred, “This run is a hoot. We wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
OFFICIAL CAPT’N FUN BAND
Main Street Band played before and after the awards ceremony at the Boardwalk band shell. As Capt’n Fun Runner’s “official band of choice” Main Street knows how to blend the tempo of their popular dance music to match the average runner’s mindset.
Mike McCartan, Main Street’s drummer, and the original founding member, is also a runner. He explained, “After a 5K run, the body needs to cool down, so we start off with concert music (like Santana), then we start working them up into a frenzy, with our guest drummer, 14-year old Kellen Chestnut. After that, we match the runners’ stamina by playing dance music for 2-3 hours straight.”
Because the
Capt’n Fun Runners have a reputation for putting on a good race, and even
better party, the annual 5K on the Island is like a family affair. As Mr. Capt’n Fun himself,