The 37th Annual Arbor Day 5K-1 Mile-1/4 Mile Run/Walk/Roll for Disability Awareness

The 37th annual Arbor Day 5K-1 Mile-1/4 Mile Run/Walk/Roll for disability awareness is Saturday, February 22^nd at the Biloxi Town Green. About 500 individuals participate annually.

The Run is a partnership between the Gulf Coast Running Club, the most respected running club in South Mississippi, Disability Connection, and the City of Biloxi to encourage people with disabilities to enjoy the healthful fun of a run.

The Run registration fee is $25 per person. Early discount pre-registration of $22 is available through February 16^th at www.GulfCoastRunningClub.org    All participants receive a t-shirt and free trees while supplies last. Everyone with challenges to running receive a medal.    Registration begins at 8:00 am. The 5K starts at 9:00 am.; the 1 Mile and ¼ Mile start together at 9:45 am.

This fun outdoor event promotes healthy lifestyles to individuals of all ages with and without disabilities.  This event has 2 goals to encourage a healthy lifestyle and to encourage people with disabilities to be active community participants by joining the fun of a run.

People with disabilities are included in each length of the race, some in racing wheelchairs. The race includes a ¼ mile challenge so that everyone, including wheelchairs, can participate in the healthful benefits of a run with awards following.

Event at the Biloxi Town Green: Saturday, February 22, 2025

Join this fun event promoting healthy lifestyles to individuals of all ages with and without disabilities. The goal is to encourage participation in a run with the Gulf Coast Running Club, the most respected running club in South Mississippi, and to just have FUN!

All Registration for Individuals is through the Gulf Coast Running Club:

You can register for the Run/Walk/Roll at the event ($25) or Pre-Register and pay a discount ($22, Children $15), postmarked by February 14, 2025. To pre-register, go to www.GulfCoastRunningClub.org, click on the Arbor Day Run.

Print the registration form, and mail it to the address on the form. Runners receive a T-shirt and a tree.

Team Registration though Disability Connection:

Individuals and/or Teams who have members with a special challenge can pre-register in advance through Disability

Connection to participate at the event at Point Cadet Plaza, Biloxi, for a $20 per runner fee. The fee must be attached to the Individual Run Registration Form that includes a signature for a Waiver Release. Individual Team Members can run the 5K, 1 Mile, or 1/4 Mile. TEAM Captains should turn in their Individual Registration Forms with their fees and Waiver Signatures before February 13th to guarantee shirts at event. Family support, caregivers, and volunteers do not have to pay the registration fee to assist a runner with disabilities unless they desire a t-shirt. Individuals in Disability Connection’s Supported Employment program must register but will have their $20 fee paid by Disability Connection.

Team members can all enjoy the event and play soccer, but are not required to join the run/walk/roll. However,the fee needs to be paid to get a t-shirt. Teams will receive their T-shirts before or at the walk and a medallion after the race. Team members and their volunteers can choose to play Special Needs Soccer with the MS Coast Special NeedsSoccer Association. Teams will also receive a sandwich bag lunch following the event.

Saturday Scheduled Run with Gulf Coast Running Club, Point Cadet Plaza, Biloxi:

• 8:00-9:30 Registration, and Sign-in for those pre-Registered

• 9:00 5K Race Start

• 9:45 1 Mile Race and . Mile Race Start together

Event proceeds support the Disability Connection programs and events. For Sponsorship or Team information contact the Disability Connection office at (228) 604-4020.

NOTE: Go to www.DisabilityConnection.org.  You will see a fun VIDEO of one of the previous year’s events. 

Disability Connection connects and strengthens South Mississippi by developing programs, events, and resource materials that support a healthier community for everyone including individuals with disabilities