Shelter House 3rd Annual Luminaria Run Dec 7

Shelter House, the domestic violence and sexual violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties, will present a unique twilight run designed to shine the light on abuse in our community.

The 3rd Annual Luminaria Run to end domestic and sexual violence will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4:30 p.m. Due to the race’s growth, it is moving from Sandestin to the City of Destin this year. Runners will start at the Destin City Hall Annex and follow a course lined with more than 2,000 luminarias lighting their path.

Registration for adults is $30 for the 5k and $45 for the 9k and includes a long sleeve t-shirt. Children ages 3 through 12 are $10 for the 5k and $15 for the 9k.

The race includes 5k and 9k courses winding throughout the Indian Bayou neighborhood. “We chose the 9k distance to represent that a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds in the U.S.,” explained Shelter House Executive Director Michelle Sperzel. “The luminarias symbolize how Shelter House and our community partners light the way to a safer place for victims of abuse.”

Children are encouraged to participate in the run, and walkers are welcome. This family-friendly event will have a “sweet finish” featuring s’mores, hot cocoa, cupcakes and more.

This is a twilight race starting at 4:30pm. Runners are encouraged to wear reflective gear, and a prize will be awarded for the best lit runner. 

New this year, Shelter House is adding a run expo the evening before the race. Runners, friends and family are invited to come to the expo at The Palms of Destin on Friday, December 6 starting at 4pm. Packet pick up and vendor booths will be open. 

Luminary bags will be labeled and placed along the course in honor or in memory of loved ones. Bags are available through a $10 donation to Shelter House and can be purchased at the Shelter House office in Fort Walton Beach or on site the day of the race.

Shelter House would like to thank this year’s run sponsors: BE Events, Blueprint Health Studio, Destin Shines, Dixielectricar, Emerald Grande, Furry Fanatics, Kind Bar, Nike Factory Store, Proffitt PR, Run With It, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, SoWal.com, Think It Wear It Express and Wagley Creative. Register online now for earlybird pricing! For more information on the race, sponsorships, expo vendor booths or luminary bags, call Shelter House at 850-243-1201.

Last year’s Luminaria Run drew more than 400 runners and raised over $13,000 to help keep abused women and children in the local community safe.

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Shelter House, Inc. is a state certified domestic violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton Counties and offering emergency confidential shelter, crisis counseling, a 24-hour hotline, children’s programs, information and referrals, education, professional training, safety planning and prevention services to survivors of domestic violence and their children.