By Staff Report
Community members of all ages are invited to lace up their running shoes for the upcoming Stars & Strides 5K and Family Fun Run, taking place Saturday, September 6, at John Clark Park in Esto.
Hosted by the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and title-sponsored by the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, the event combines fitness, family fun, and patriotic celebration. The other sponsors who helped make this event possible, was Panhandle Lumber and Supply, Reborn Remodeling, Glow RX, Emerald Coast Hospice, Green Pen Promotions, Pepper Town Market, Smith AutoWorks, Doctors Memorial Hospital, Joyfeel Therapy, and Angle Tree Acres.
“Our goal is always community involvement and business promotion,” said Emily Locke, Chamber Board President and co-organizer of the event. “This 5K will allow the sponsors firsthand interaction with runners that are coming from all over, to talk and share about their business. Part of the sponsorship package was that they get to come and promote their business and share it with participants of the race.”
Locke explained that events like this are not only about bringing people together but also helping sustain the Chamber’s mission.
“The Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit that runs solely on memberships with partnering businesses,” she said. “Events like the 5K help raise money to cover the everyday expenses and needs of the Chamber so that it can focus on helping with business development, networking, and informational opportunities to the businesses.”
In addition, the Esto Volunteer Fire Department has partnered with organizers of the event to provide children’s entertainment with “Touch a Truck” and water sprinklers for kids to enjoy at the park.
The event will begin with a check-in starting at 7:00 a.m. and followed by the official start of the 5K at 8:00 a.m. Late registration, including the day of the race, will be $35. Race packets will be provided and will include runner bibs and other materials for participants. One of the sponsors for the event, Glow RX, will be set up to provide IV hydration for the runners as well.
At the end of the race, awards will be presented. Prizes include a $100 cash award for the top overall male and female finishers, as well as medallion prizes for age division winners. A special prize will also be awarded to the participant who is “Most Patriotic” in appearance.
In addition to the 5K, a 1-Mile Family Fun Run will begin at 8:15 a.m. for a $10 registration fee, payable on site. Participants in the fun run are encouraged to run, walk, or stroll around the park’s scenic lake.
The morning will end with refreshments, music, and a closing ceremony for attendees to celebrate and connect. Organizers emphasize that the event is designed to promote community engagement, fitness and health, as well as local pride.
