As life slowly begins to climb back to normal, more and more businesses are welcoming guests to their outdoor and pandemic-friendly events/festivals. Luckily for local non-profit Chemo Noir, their upcoming event has always been enjoyed on the sunny shores of Jacksonville Beach.
On Saturday, June 26th, Chemo Noir is bringing back their fifth annual one mile “fun run” and wine tasting event at Casa Marina. Participants purchase their tickets online, and the money raised from the event goes directly towards Chemo Noir’s goal of providing financial support to families, friends, and warriors battling cancer.
“It has grown year after year,” said Chemo Noir founder Katrin Casey. “I feel like people that come experience it one year bring friends the next year.”
Last year, due to the pandemic, the run was hosted virtually, but now it is back in person and better than ever. This annual run gives participants the opportunity to run, or walk, ½ mile from the Jacksonville Beach pier and back. The turning point, which is dubbed Tara’s Turn in dedication to one of the non-profit’s first supporters Tara Newton Richardson, serves as a halfway point and a water station for the joggers.
“It is a big part of my story,” said Casey. “When I got sick, I could not lift anything over ten pounds or run for almost two years. So, the first time I had a chance to run I went on the beach, ran a mile, cried the whole time, and [decided] to make an event around it.”
Following the run, ticket holders can mosey back to Casa Marina for wine tastings and beer tastings from local breweries. Royal Palm Wine & Tapas will sponsor the wine tasting this year, as well as some rosé tastings provided by KC Evolve.
Guests can listen to Barrett Thomas perform live, and participate in raffles and games, as well.
Tickets for the event, that normally gathers close to 1000 participants, have been limited this year and are quickly selling out. To sign up for the race, or learn more about it, visit the Chemo Noir website.
