MARATHON, Florida Keys — A weekend-long event for runners and walkers, the annual Sombrero Beach Run typically attracts families of all ages, and even international participants from Canada, Germany and Trinidad and Tobago.

Themed the Marathon Weekend, the 2010 event begins Friday, March 5, with a 5-7 p.m. kick-off party and registration social poolside at the tiki bar at Banana Bay Resort, located at mile marker (MM) 49.5 in Marathon.

Saturday, March 6, walkers and runners can register on site at 6:30 a.m. at Sombrero Beach at the end of Sombrero Beach Road, MM 50.

A 15k combined challenge, new this year, starts runners off at 7:30 a.m. along with 10k runners. Individual 5k runners and walkers begin at 8:45 a.m. All runners and walkers have until noon to finish.

Attractions during the race event include food, beverages, raffle prizes, music and fun, all highlighting a weekend of events for attendees to enjoy.

Sunday, March 7, participants and visitors can enjoy a family event called Key Colony Beach Day. Set for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the grounds of Key Colony Beach City Hall, the day features vendors, food, live music and more.

Early registration for the Sombrero Beach Run is $30 per person and race-day registration is $35. Students ages 18 and under can enter for $10. The first 500 registered runners will receive a custom logo T-shirt.

Awards are to be given in a variety of categories including 15k, 10k and 5k first and second place, senior masters, grand masters and masters, overall and age groups.

All proceeds from the race event benefit Keys Area Interdenominational Resources (www.kaironline.net), which provides help for Keys families in need.

For more information and additional events during the race week and weekend, visit www.sombrerobeachrun.com, call Jane Packard at 305-289-9868 or e-mail SombreroBeachRun@bellsouth.net.

To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at 305-743-5417 or 800-262-7284, e-mail visitus@floridakeysmarathon.com or visit the official Web site of the Florida Keys & Key West at www.fla-keys.com.

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