The 9th annual Jail Break 5K sponsored by Old Town Trolley Tours will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. The race starts at the Old Jail and runs through downtown St. Augustine, over the Vilano Bridge and to the Atlantic Ocean. Not only is this a fun event, but it raises money for St. Johns County Education Foundation known as INK!
Cathy Newman, executive director at INK!, shared some details about the race and how this themed charity run/walk for the whole family benefits St. Johns schools.
She explained how the race goes all out with the jail break theme and includes Old Jail “inmates” and “deputies” sprinkled around the course. Race participants are supported on their route by local bands and cheerleaders.
“Costumes are encouraged at the Jail Break 5K,” Newman said.
There will be a youth and adult costume contest and the top three participants in each category will receive a cash prize. The race ends at the beach where participants or “escaped prisoners” will receive water and snacks.
They will be picked up by the trolley and taken back to The Old Jail where more festivities await them, including a jailhouse breakfast, upbeat music from the DJ, food trucks with coffee and lunch available for purchase and an awards ceremony. There will also be giveaways, local vendors and fun photo opportunities.
In addition to the Jail Break 5K being a fun event, the proceeds go to a great cause.
“The proceeds from the race are invested into a variety of educational programs and resources INK! infuses into St. Johns County public schools,” Newman said. “These programs include early literacy intervention for VPK, kindergarten and first-grade students, tutoring and mentoring support for at-risk youth, classroom supplies and resources, grants for innovative classroom and school projects, scholarships for college and career/technical education and teacher resources and support.”
Last year, the race raised just under $30,000 gross profit. In 2023, the race had a record of 820 runners/walkers, and Newman said this year’s goal is to register 850-900 race participants.
The date of the race is approaching, but registration is still available. All are welcome and there is a virtual option for those who want to participate but can’t attend the race in person.
You can visit the website to register at: https://bit.ly/JB5K
