Mobile’s downtown streets will fill with runners this Saturday, September 25, as the fourth annual BayFest 5K opens festival weekend two weeks ahead of the main event. The race starts on Royal Street and finishes at Bienville Square on Dauphin Street, with a one-mile fun run also on the schedule for participants who want a shorter distance.
Every dollar raised goes to the BayFest Music Industry Education Program and its scholarship fund, which helps local students continue their music education. According to race organizers, students can compete for a share of $10,000 in scholarship money, and the high school that turns out the most runners this year will earn an extra $1,000 for its music program.
Why It Matters Beyond the Race
“The BayFest 5K offers a great way for us to give back to the community, and it is the only fundraiser for the BayFest Music Industry Program,” BayFest CEO Bobby Bostwick said of the event.
Runners will get more than a workout for their entry fee. Past scholarship winners are scheduled to perform after the race, and the morning will also include a children’s train ride, food vendors and other family activities at Bienville Square.
Overall race winners will take home a pair of BayFest weekend passes along with VIP passes to the festival, and the top three finishers in each age category will also receive weekend passes. Organizers are giving away door prizes as well, including a hotel room stay for BayFest weekend, October 1-3.
Runners who want to guarantee their spot can preregister online through midnight on September 23. Registration details and additional information are available at www.bayfest.com.