By Katie Lott Gragnaniello
Last Saturday, the Texas Crab Festival Fun Run 5K/1K took place at Gregory Park with approximately 200 people in attendance—including 124 entries for the 5K, 10 entries for the kids 1K, and numerous community volunteers braving the light rain to ensure the fun run went off without a hitch. In true Crab Fest spirit, runners, attendees, and volunteers suited up in elaborate crab costumes and accessories for race day. Sandra Warden from Sour Lake, Texas was the first female kiddo to cross the finish line, and Gabriel Rehfuss of Houston, Texas was the first male kiddo to finish the kid 1K.
Jeremy Tan from Galveston, Texas finished first overall in the 5K race and Brooke Whisenhunt from Houston, Texas was the first female finisher to complete the 5K course. As the 100 plus participants neared the finish line, they were met with enthusiastic applause and coolers of water and cold beer.
All participants received a Crab Fest t-shirt, neon green race bag, and other goodies including a koozie and free admission into Crab Fest. The fun run was sponsored by Sweat Fitness and others including Farmers Insurance, Third Coast Coffee, Island Liquor, RE/MAX, Traditional Craftsmen Homes, Green Life Nursery, and Fit Tri Run.
The morning fun run successfully brought the community together to kick-off Crab Fest 2019 and support a community that so many of us love. The proceeds from the annual Texas Crab Festival and donations from patrons are reinvested in the community and help fund youth scholarships and camps, local schools and volunteer fire departments, and various outreach initiatives.
Texas Crab Festival Charities is a nonprofit that serves to improve the lives of those who call the Bolivar Peninsula home. Like me, some of the runners do not call the Bolivar Peninsula home but are eager to give back and support a community that has given us so many memories—new and old.
Thanks to all those who came out to run for a reason and give back to the Bolivar Peninsula community. I hope to see y’all next year!
[5-14-2019]
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