Coon Hill 5K – Get Registered!

Local Jay resident, runner, and Coon Hill Cemetery Trustee Matthew Dobson, will coordinate the Coon Hill Day 5K and Half Mile Fun Run 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.
Being a competitive runner, Dobson has participated and coordinated several runs in the Pensacola Bay Area. The first Coon Hill Day 5K in 2017 was very successful in raising funds for the maintenance, preservation, and restoration of the cemetery. Now, it’s time again to lace up your running and walking shoes and enjoy a run in the country woods!
“Both the 5K race and the half-mile fun run will actually start and finish at the cemetery. Plenty of race amenities will be provided and we have some of the best awards any local race provides,” said race coordinator, Matthew Dobson. Race day is set for April 7, 2018, beginning at 8 a.m. The 5K participants will race first then the half milers will follow at approximately 9:15 a.m. Dobson said, “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: 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.
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/
(see other side for more details)
The 5K Run/Walk & ½ Mile Fun Run: 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. Directions: From Hwy. 90, take Chumuckla Hwy. (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 signs. 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.
The Course: Packed dirt with some small areas of gravel and minimal sand. The course is 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.
Packet Pick-up: Friday, April 6th, 2018 from 4:30 – 6:30pm at New Bethel Baptist Church in the New York Community, 10995 Chumuckla Hwy. 10995, Jay, Florida; and at the Race Site on Race Day. Early registration ends on April 3rd postmarked or online. You may still register on Friday, April 6th during Packet Pick-up and the fee will be $20.00. Day of race registration will be $25.00.
Awards: Overall Awards in 10 categories and Top 3 in the following Age Groups: 6 and under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and up. Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female Walkers will receive an award.
Unique, Rustic, Wildlife themed awards to the winners. ALL ½ mile runners will receive a participation award, and top 1/2 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

Event details and schedule
April 7th at 8:00am 5K Start at Coon Hill Cemetery – Mineral Springs Road.
April 7th at 9:15am ½ Mile Fun Run Start
For more information contact: (850) 217-2603 – Matt Dobson
rmdobson@liberty.edu
If you would like to make a donation and cannot attend the run/walk you may do so by contacting us! All donations and entries are appreciated!