Carnival-themed benefit run set

HARLINGEN — Ready for another run?

Hundreds of health aficionados are gearing up for the 6th Anniversary Festival Run in the cool summer evening through Arroyo Park. The 5K run will take place June 9 at 7:30 p.m., with a smooth course with plenty lighting to help out the evening sunlight.

The route along the McKelvey Trail will be completely free of traffic. Water stations will be set up along the course along with well wishers cheering the runners, said Eddie Gonzales, public relations coordinator for Footworks, which is hosting the event. Adults and children alike will have the option of the more leisurely one-mile route or the more arduous 5K.

Gonzales said this year’s race will have a Carnival-like Rio de Janeiro theme, enhanced by the race being held in the evening.

“It’s not just going to be a run,” Gonzales said. “We’re going to have a dance. We will also have food.”

In tune with the Carnival theme, each runner who is of age will be given one free beer.

Registration fees will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Harlingen and the Humane Society of Harlingen.

“The Humane Society is bringing pets,” Gonzales said. “They’re going to have a kennel set up so as the runners go by they’ll be able to see the pets.”