It’s just about that time of year to dress in Mardi Gras garb and head out to the Port Arthur seawall for a day of fitness and fun while helping to raise money for a charitable cause.

The 5^th Annual Mardi Gras 5K/1K Run/Walk on the Seawall is scheduled Jan. 30.

“It’s a lot of fun; we encourage people to come out and wear their feathers, to dress up for Mardi Gras,” Jody Holton, marketing director for the YMCA of Southeast Texas, said.

The yearly event not only is a good time for running enthusiasts, but is also a way for less active walkers to compete in a fun event.

“It’s for all fitness levels, all ages. If you want to walk, then walk it, if you want to run, then run,” Holton said.

This year’s Run/Walk features chip timing by Cajun Timing and an awards ceremony for participants.

The Kid’s 1K Run/Walk begins at 8:45 a.m. while the 5K Run/Walk is scheduled to start at 9:05 a.m. Start and finish line is at the Carl Parker Multipurpose Center, 1830 Lakeshore Drive, Port Arthur. Children ages 3-10 are eligible to participate and parents may walk with their children.

Registration for the 5K Run/Walk is $25 until Jan. 13. Early registration guarantees an event t-shirt. Those registering from Jan. 14 to race day will be charged a late registration fee of $30.

Registration fee for the 1K Run/Walk is $15 until Jan. 13 and guarantees a t-shirt. A late registration fee of $20 will be charged from Jan. 14 to race day.

The maximum family rate is $60 until Jan. 13 with a t-shirt provided. Late registration for the maximum family rate from Jan. 14 until race day is $70.

Pre-race packet pickup is at the Port Arthur YMCA, 6760 Ninth Ave., from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. Jan. 26-28 and from 5 a.m. until noon on Jan. 29.

Race Day registration and packet pickup is at the Carl Parker Multipurpose Center parking lots from 7:45 a.m. until 8:45 p.m. On site registration is from 7:45 a.m. until 8:30 a.m.

For 5K Run/Walk participants awards will be presented for first through third place overall male and female for 10 different age groups, 8 and under through 70-plus.

All participants who register by Jan. 13 for the Kids 1 K Run/Walk will receive an award.

Proceeds will support YMCA’s Southeast Texas Annual Campaign Fund which provides financial assistance to the needy such as senior citizens that cannot afford a membership, or a child enrolling in after school daycare, Holton said.

“This is what makes YMCA affordable for everyone,” she said.

Last year about 200 people participated from as far away as California and Chicago, Holton said

“Our seawall sells it. The boats come up and down and honk at the racers. It’s just so much fun,” Holton said

E-mail: sherry.koonce@panews.com

Twitter: skooncePANews