Annual Diane Keller Kiwanis Club 5K for Children in Crisis

The Kiwanis of Fort Walton Beach is raising money for Children in Crisis by hosting the Annual Diane Keller Kiwanis Club 5K run or walk on May 11. Packet pick up will start at 7 a.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings (99 Eglin Parkway NE Unit 3A in Fort Walton Beach) with the race beginning at 8 a.m.

The race will utilize an out-and-back route which will begin on Hughes Street near Buffalo Wild Wings and travel up Hughes to a left turn onto Walton Drive by Elliott Point Elementary School. The course will then follow Walton Drive to a left turn onto Yacht Club Drive. Next is a left turn onto Nebraska Avenue followed by another left onto Clements Street. After a quick right and loop around a turnaround cone, the course reverses back to Buffalo Wild Wings where an after party will be held offering wings, beer, and drinks for participants.

You can register for one of the various categories in which to compete and help sustain programs for Children in Crisis:

• Running-5K – Individual Age group/open ($30)
• Running-5K – Track Club or Military ($28)
• Walking-5K – Individual Age group/open ($30)
• Running-1 Mile – Individual Age group/open ($25)

This annual race was named after Diane Keller (1956-2018) –an active member in Kiwanis having served on numerous committees to include Kiwanis Charity 5K chairwoman and coordinator. Involved in numerous local organizations, she also served on the Fort Walton Beach City Council. An avid runner, Diane aspired to run a 5k or half marathon in every state. Before her death, she achieved a run in 42 states.

Children in Crisis is a local, non-profit charity whose mission is to provide a home to the abused, neglected, and abandoned children of our community while simultaneously endeavoring to keep brothers and sisters together. The organization is located at 1000 Luke’s Way in, Fort Walton Beach and may be contacted by calling (850) 864-4242.