The Foley Rotary Club has Gulf Coast runners warming up and stretching all their muscles — and their stomachs — for the 18th annual Gulf Coast Oyster Run in downtown Foley.

This year’s event will begin with registration on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 a.m. in the courtyard of Orange Blossom Square. The 5K race will begin at 8 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run will begin at 9 a.m.

The racecourse begins at Orange Blossom Square at Alston Street and turns onto Azalea Road before doubling back to Orange Blossom Square. Water will be provided to runners and walkers along the racecourse.

The Oyster Run’s proceeds, as in previous years, will go toward charitable endeavors of the Foley Rotary Club according to Dr. Art Holmes with the Foley Rotary Club.  

“All proceeds go to charity,” said Holmes. “Primarily it goes to fund high school scholarships, or local charitable organizations including the YMCA and Youth Reach.”

Other beneficiaries include the Rotary Foundation, American Field Service, Camp ASCA, Foley High School Sports and the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.

Holmes also said this charity run allows the club to give nearly $6,000 in scholarships each year to local high school students.

According to Holmes, the Oyster Run usually raises $10,000, once all expenses for the race are paid for.

This year’s sponsors account for $13,000 toward the race already. The major sponsors for this year’s race include the Alabama Gulf Coast Christian Academy, Bon Secour Fisheries and the Gift Horse Restaurant.

According to Holmes, the pre-registration for this year’s race seems to be higher than some previous years, and he has high hopes the enjoyable weather will draw more people to the race this weekend to make the event a success. Holmes said there are 100-200 runners register for a typical race.

Runners will be eligible for door prizes as well, including a three-night weekend beach vacation donated by Meyer Real Estate.

Holmes also said the theme of the Oyster Run every year has been centered around the oysters Bon Secour Fisheries brings, opens and serves to the runners.

“It is the breakfast of champions,” joked Holmes.

The oysters are provided free of charge to the runners, along with 20 pizzas from Mellow Mushroom before and after the races.

The awards ceremony will begin at 10 a.m at Orange Blossom Square. Awards will include overall male and female, master male and female, grandmaster male and female, senior grandmaster male and female, wheelchair, racewalk male and female, fun run male and female and top three finishers in each age group.

Holmes is also adding a unique touch to this year’s trophies.

“I am gluing oysters to each of the trophies. I will clean them, bleach then and hot glue them to each so they have an individual feel,” said Holmes.

Registration fees for the 5K are $20 before the race and $25 on Saturday. Registration fees for the one-mile run are $15 before the race and $20 on Saturday.

For more information visit foleyrotary.org or call Holmes at 251-943-4948.