Shelter House to Host 5th Annual Luminaria Run

Shelter House will host a unique twilight run designed to shine the light on abuse in our community. The 5^th Annual Luminaria Run to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, presented by Verizon Wireless and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., will take place on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 4:30 p.m. Runners will start at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Destin and follow a course lined with more than 2,000 luminarias lighting their path.
 
The race includes 5k and 9k courses winding throughout the Indian Bayou neighborhood. The 9k distance represents that a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds in the U.S., and the luminarias symbolize how Shelter House and their community partners light the way to a safer place for victims of abuse.
 
“This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Luminaria Run,” said Shelter House Executive Director Rosalyn Iovieno. “It is encouraging to see support for the run grow each year as the community joins together to raise awareness of domestic and sexual abuse. All proceeds from the race go to help survivors of domestic and sexual violence right here in Okaloosa and Walton counties.”
 
Children are encouraged to participate in the run, and walkers are welcome. This family-friendly event will have a “sweet finish” at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. featuring confections, s’mores, hot cocoa and more as well as Bubba Gump’s famous gumbo.
 
This is a twilight race starting at 4:30 p.m. Runners are encouraged to wear reflective gear, and a prize will be awarded for the best lit runner. Glow packs are available for purchase during online registration and the day of the run.
 
Packet pick up begins on Friday, December 4 at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Destin from 5pm to 7pm. On-site registration and packet pick up will be open on race day from 2pm to 4pm at Bubba Gump.
 
Luminary bags will be labeled and placed along the course in honor or in memory of loved ones. Bags are available through a $10 donation to Shelter House and can be purchased at the Shelter House office in Fort Walton Beach or on-site the day of the race.
 
Shelter House would like to thank this year’s run sponsors: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Verizon Wireless, Destin Commons, SoWal.com and Sandprints Photography. Additional sponsorships are available.
 
To register, please go to www.shelterhousenwfl.org. For more information on the race, sponsorships or luminary bags, call Shelter House at 850-243-1201.
 
Last year’s Luminaria Run drew more than 360 runners and raised over $20,000 to help keep abused women, children and men in the local community safe