5k Run/Walk scheduled with Shrimp & Petroleum Festival

The 100 Black Men of St. Mary Parish is encouraging runners and walkers to sign up early this year for its annual fun run and walk.
The first man and the first woman to cross the finish line will each win $300 in cash.
“We’re holding an open call for runners and walkers to register right now, to get a better handle on our event which, thank God, just keeps growing and growing,” said Clarence Robinson Jr., president of the organization.
The event, a running and walking 5K, will celebrate its 18th anniversary this year. It will be held Sept. 5 at 8 a.m., the Saturday morning of the 80th Annual Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival.
Proceeds from the 5K are used to award scholarships to one graduating senior from each St. Mary Parish public high school. The 100 Black Men of St. Mary is a nonprofit community service organization which is comprised solely of African-American men who reside in Iberia and St. Mary parishes.
Robinson estimates that nearly $75,000 has been awarded in scholarships since the first pair of tennis shoes left the starting line at the corner of Front and Everett streets near Morgan City Hall in the historic district.
Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in each of the following age categories: 13 and under, 14-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55 and over.
Runners and walkers can download an application at www.kbze.com/2015.html, the website of KBZE 105.9FM, the host radio station for the event. There, you will also find video of a news story on the race’s namesake, Marcus Jones.
Late registration begins on the day of the race at 7 a.m. in front of Morgan City Hall, located on the corner of First and Everett streets. Credit card registration is available by calling 985-312-2154.
For more information about the event, contact Robinson at 985-255-9775. For more information on the 100 Black Men of St. Mary, including an application to join the organization, visit :
www.100blackmenstmary.org.