By Mike McCombs
The Island News
The Town of Port Royal is inviting area runners to join in the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the town’s incorporation by taking part in the Ribaut Run 5K and 10K on Saturday, March 9, starting from Live Oaks Park.
The first annual Ribaut Run is named for Jean Ribaut, French explorer and captain, who named Port Royal in 1562. The Town of Port Royal was incorporated on March 9, 1874.
In celebration of the 150th, Naval Hospital Beaufort is opening its gates for the 10k race, allowing runners to experience 1.18 miles through the hospital grounds. This includes a historic view of the Beaufort River, adjacent to Camp Saxton and the site of one of the earliest public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863 at the Smith Plantation.
The race is sponsored by the Town of Port Royal and the Historic Port Royal Foundation. Grounded Running is assisting with race management and providing timing.
Medals/pendants will be given to the top three Male and Female finishers overall and in each age group. Certificates from local merchants may also be presented to top finishers.
Online registration ends at 4 p.m., March 7. Registration after this time is discouraged but, if needed, can be done in-person from 3 to 5 p.m. on March 8 at Grounded Running.
If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com.
According to Pamela Courtney, Executive Director of the Historic Port Royal Foundation, this is only the first of many events this year to celebrate the town’s sesquicentennial. Other events could include a 75th anniversary celebration of Naval Hospital Beaufort, an exhibit on the USS Port Royal, a scholarship competition, the first International Storytelling Festival and a dedication for Mile Marker 0 for the Port Royal Railroad.
