Now, it’s time again to lace up your running and walking shoes and enjoy a run in the country woods in the Coon Hill Day 5K and Half Mile Fun Run fundraiser, set to start at 8 a.m., this Saturday, April 7, at Coon Hill Cemetery. The Half Mile Fun Run will start at 9:15 on the same day. Registration is on Friday, April 6th, during packet pick-up, which is Friday, April 6th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at New Bethel Baptist Church in the New York Community, 10995 Chumuckla Highway 10995 in Jay, Florida and at the race site on race day.
The fee for early registration Friday is $20.00, and the day of race registration will be $25.00.
The Race start and finish is an out-and-back on a flat red dirt road from Coon Hill Cemetery. Directions to the race and a course map will be made available at packet pick-up.
Online registration is open and mail-in registration is also available. Visit the following internet site for more details and a printable registration form: http://dobsonduo.weebly.com/
The race will take place in the beautiful, scenic woods of northern Santa Rosa County; south of Jay, but north of Chumuckla in the New York Community. The directions are as follows. From Highway 90, take Chumuckla Highway (197) for about 18 miles, turn left on to Wade road until road intersects at Mineral Springs Road, keep straight and follow the road for about 1.5 more miles. Coon Hill entrance is to the right on a dirt road. Follow the race signs.
Coming from Jay on Chumuckla Hwy, turn right on to Mineral Springs Road for about 2 miles, the race entrance is on the right. Follow the signs.
Local Jay resident, runner, and Coon Hill Cemetery Trustee, Matthew Dobson, coordinates the event as a fundraiser for the preservation and restoration of the Coon Hill cemetery located south of Jay.
The Coon Hill Community came into existence around 1820 near a big spring of fresh water and had a general merchandise store, stable, blacksmith shop, Pony Express Station, U. S. Post Office, and a church that alternated between Methodist and Baptist. The Coon Hill Cemetery is recognized as the oldest cemetery in north Santa Rosa County.
The first Coon Hill Day 5K in 2017 was very successful in raising funds for the maintenance, preservation, and restoration of the cemetery.
"We had a very good response from the people in Santa Rosa and Escambia counties last year. In fact we had several runners from out of state. Like last year, we are seeking sponsorships to cover the costs of t-shirts and race awards for this year’s race." Sponsorship amounts range from $50, $150, $300 and $500. Each sponsor, depending on the amount, will have their business and/or name included on the back of the race t-shirt.
The course is out-and-back and includes dirt, grass, and a minimal amount of sand.
“It’s a very scenic run and is a much needed break from the numerous road runs that most people compete in,” Dobson says.
Post-race amenities will be supplied, such as Gatorade, water, fruit, and cookies.
“It will be a family-friendly, fun day in the country. I am expecting a good turn out.” Dobson said.
The course consists of packed dirt with some small areas of gravel and minimal sand and red dirt roads. It’s an Out-and-Back course from the Coon Hill Cemetery to Mineral Springs Road and back. Restrooms (port-a-johns) will be available at the start/finish area. Water/Aide stations will be available.
All half-mile runners will receive a participation award, and top half-milers in each age group will receive a wildlife trophy.
You may be asked to sign a waiver at packet pick-up. Also please visit the Jay Historical Society website (www.jayhistoricalsociety.org) and click on “Pioneer Stories” to learn more about the Coon Hill Cemetery.
For more information contact Matt Dobson at 850-217-2603 or at [email protected]
All donations and entries are appreciated.
