Friends of Hunting Island (FOHI) announced that the organization is once again joining with Hunting Island State Park to sponsor its third annual 5K Run/Walk along the park’s beautiful, recently-refurbished trails. The Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, October 8, starting at 10 a.m. Runners, walkers, and supporters will gather at the park’s Nature Center, the entrance is just short of the Fripp Island bridge.
This run is both for the serious runner and it’s a fun, family run or walk if you prefer. The 5K run is timed by Play Hard Timing and is entirely within the park.  The event begins and ends at the Nature Center and follows the Nature Center Trail to the Lagoon Trail and then crosses over to the Maritime Forrest Trail back to the Nature Center. Volunteers will be stationed at each turn. Strollers are permitted but sorry, no pets.
Friends of Hunting Island especially encourages whole families to come out and “take a walk” and enjoy our most popular state park’s lovely trails, some cool breezes, and unparalleled forest views. Funds from this event will be used to support Friends’ work with the Discover Carolina Program, which brings elementary and middle school students to the park for a day of nature programs and hands-on learning.
<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Sports-HI-5K-1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-3253" title="Sports-HI 5K 1" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Sports-HI-5K-1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Register for the event online at http://www.active.com/running/hunting-island-sc/hunting-island-5k-runwalk-2011-yn877?int=29-6. Online registration closes on October 6 at 11:59 p.m., PST. Walk up registration is welcome on the day of the event. Please note that park fees will still need to be paid to join this event. For more information, please contact the event Chair Tom Valentino, 843-379-4895 or cell 912-667-3774.
The Friends of Hunting Island (FOHI) organization began in 1993, dedicated to helping the park enhance the unique natural wonders and educational opportunities that exist on the island. Friends has a current membership of nearly 800 families and we continue to grow, matching the park’s increasing need for help initiating and maintaining various projects and functions which otherwise might be scaled back due to fiscal restraints in the state of South Carolina. FOHI is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, nonprofit organization that has an annual of budget of approximately $120,000, which includes the management of grants, donations, and fundraisers. To learn more, visit www.friendsofhuntingisland.org.