Walk, run or sashay in new 5k Rehoboth race

CAMP Rehoboth and the Seashore Striders will hold the inaugural “Sundance 5k: Run, Walk or Sashay!” on Sunday, Aug. 29 in Rehoboth Beach, Del., to kick off “Sundance Week,” CAMP Rehoboth’s annual Labor Day weekend benefit.

“We thought that we would add something that would help to expand Sundance,” said Chris Beagle, a member of CAMP Rehoboth’s board of directors. “A large number of people said they would like to see outdoor events.”

The scenic course is considered an “out-and-back” course, meaning it starts and finishes at the same point, in front of the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center on Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach.

Runners will continue through town, crossing Lake Gerar, and head north toward Cape Henlopen State Park. Just prior to the park entrance, runners will turn around and follow the same route back into town.

The top overall finishers will be awarded prizes as well as the top three finishers in nine age groups ranging from 9 and under to 70 and older.

There will also be a one-mile “FUN” walk where creativity and costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded in several categories. T-shirts will be provided to the first 300 registrants.

What started as a rained-out pool party to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Steve Elkins and Murray Archibald in 1988, the annual Sundance benefit takes place the Saturday and Sunday nights of Labor Day weekend at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.

“It started as a small group that got together to celebrate the end of the summer and friendship and it has evolved into a fundraiser for CAMP Rehoboth,” said Beagle.

Saturday, Sept. 4 is the Sundance Auction, both silent and live, from 7 to 10 p.m.; it will include food and an open bar. Sunday, Sept. 5 is the Sundance. The party begins at 8 p.m. with dancing until 2 a.m. There will also be an open bar all night.

Sundance benefits the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center; a percentage of the race proceeds will also go to the Center.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, CAMP Rehoboth is a non-profit community service organization dedicated to creating a more positive environment in Rehoboth Beach and its surrounding communities. Its mission is to promote cooperation and understanding among all people, while working to build safe, inclusive communities with “room for all.”

For more information about Sundance weekend and CAMP Rehoboth in general, check out camprehoboth.com.

Pre-registration for the 5k race, held at 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 29, is $20 through Aug. 22. After that, general registration is $25. For more information on the race and to register, visit seashorestriders.com.