Walk, run or sashay in Rehoboth benefit

Camp Rehoboth and the Seashore Striders will hold the second annual “Sundance 5k: Run, Walk or Sashay!” on Aug. 28 in Rehoboth Beach, Del., to kick-off “Sundance Week,” a Labor Day weekend benefit.

According to Chris Beagle, the race’s organizer, last year’s race brought about 210 runners and he’s hoping for 300 this year.

Registration begins at 6 a.m. on race day and the 5k kicks off at 7:30 a.m. The course, considered an “out-and-back” due to it starting and finishing at the same point, begins in front of the Camp Rehoboth Community Center at 37 Baltimore Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach.

The course continues through town, crossing Lake Gerar, and heads north toward Cape Henlopen State Park. Just prior to the park entrance, runners will turn around and follow the same route back to Camp Rehoboth.

“We’re having a local drag queen lead the race on a scooter,” Beagle says.

The top three overall male and female finishers will be awarded prizes as well as the top three male and female finishers in 15 age groups ranging from 9 and under to 70 and older. Prizes will also be presented to the top three walkers over all.

Performance T-shirts will be provided to the first 300 registered runners.

Last year, the shirts were red and this year they’ll be orange. According to Beagle, they hope to continue with the rest of the colors of the rainbow at future runs.

There will also be a 1-mile “fun” walk where creativity and costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded in several categories.

Taking place at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center (229 Rehoboth Ave.) Saturday and Sunday night of Labor Day weekend, Sundance started when the 10th anniversary party of Steven Elkins and Murray Archibald was rained out in 1988.

Saturday, Sept. 3 is the Sundance Auction, both silent and live from 7 to 10 p.m. and will include food and an open bar. Sunday, Sept. 4 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 and a percentage of the race proceeds will go to support the Camp Rehoboth Community Center.

For more information about Sundance weekend and Camp Rehoboth in general, check out its website at camprehoboth.com or on Facebook.

Pre-registration for the race is $20 and must be postmarked by today. After that, general registration is $25. Beagle says this year, he’s promoting the idea of teams more than before and already quite a few runners have registered as part of a team.

There is also the sleepwalker registration option to donate $25 to Camp Rehoboth without actually running. For more information on the race and to learn how to register, visit seashorestriders.com.