PAUL HOOVER MEMORIAL FREEDOM RUN 5K
PAUL HOOVER MEMORIAL Freedom Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
A race supporting Wakulla High School Cross Country &
Their Continued Pursuit of Excellence
Saturday, June 24, 2023, Wakulla Springs State Park
Special to The SunWAKULLA HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY TEAM HOSTS 12TH ANNUAL RACE
9th Year as the Paul Hoover Memorial 5K
Race Proceeds Benefits the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Teams for 2023 School Year
Crawfordville, FL, June 20, 2023: It will be a wonderful day to lace up your sneakers, enjoy nature, and get some exercise while providing financial support for the Wakulla County High School’s Cross Country teams. Start stretching now and be ready for the12th Annual Race which has been known as the Paul Hoover Memorial 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk for the past nine (9) years.
The Paul Hoover Memorial 5k and Fun Run is set to go off on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Wakulla Springs Park in beautiful Wakulla County. The 12th Annual Race is hosted by the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Team at Wakulla County High School and is named in honor of beloved, former
Coach Paul Hoover. The race has also been designated a Gulf Winds Grand Prix event.
Registration for the race is available online and is open online until June 23, 2023. Registrants may choose to register only to run; or to participate in the race and receive a souvenir beach towel. A limited number of towels are available, so sign up online now to ensure you are not left out of this unique race memory. Day of race registrations are available, but there is no guarantee that any souvenir towels will be available. The link to register is listed at the end of this release. All runners will receive a finisher’s medal and awards will be given by age group.
If you are not a runner (or a walker), the event hosts a silent auction of incredible items donated from the community including baskets and services from local restaurants, shops, and even outdoor equipment! Additional donations to our Silent Auction would always be appreciated as
all proceeds from the race and the Silent Auction support the activities of the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Team during the upcoming 2023 competition year and fund the Paul Hoover Scholarship.
“With the support of the Boosters and the funds raised during the Annual Race, we are able to assist runners with the costs of running camp, expensive equipment, and to provide snacks throughout the season,” said Coach Mike Martin. “These funds mean kids can participate in this
sport with little out of pocket costs to the family,” Coach Martin added.
"As Race Director, I am encouraged every year when I see the continued support of the community for our kids and for the cross country team,” said Dr. Michael Atkinson, Race Director.
“Sponsors are essential to the success of our event.”
When Coach Hoover showed up at Wakulla High School 16 years ago, the Wakulla High Cross Country program had only 15 participants. Since that time, participation has grown to between 30-40 athletes per year. The Cross Country Team has had numerous Regional qualifying teams,
District Championships, Runner-up teams, and individual Regional and State qualifiers.
“Our kids are also excellent students and citizens. In past years, the teams have routinely had 20 to 30 of our runners achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher. With the strong foundation we have at Wakulla, we are expecting another great season this coming year!” said Coach Martin.
To Register for the Race - Online Registration Closes Thursday, June 23rd:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paul-hoover-memorial-freedom-run-5k-extra-mile-runwalk-2023-tickets-584951665177?aff=odd_tdt_creator
If you are interested in being a sponsor, making a donation, or providing an item for the silent auction, please reach out to one of the Booster Contacts by Friday, June 23rd.
As a 501(c) (3) organization, all donations to the Cross Country Boosters are tax deductible.
“Sponsorships and funds raised from the silent auction help us continue to develop the program and encourage participation. Contributions will be used to purchase team uniforms, end-of-the-year awards, and to help send our students to summer running camp. This is a great opportunity to positively affect the lives of our children,” said Race Director Atkinson. Sponsorship will also help fund the Paul Hoover Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship helps graduating runners as they continue with their education goals. Past recipients have used those funds to continue their education at state universities, trade schools, and private colleges.
So, go put your sneakers on and register today for the Paul Hoover Memorial Freedom Run 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk and help the student runners of Wakulla have a great 2023 season.
RACE DETAILS:
Start Time for 5K: 8:00 a.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023
Cost: Under Age 18: No towel - $10
With Towel - $18
Race Day Registration* - $20
Over Age 18: No Towel - $15
With Towel - $20
Race Day Registration* - $20
Start Time for The 1-mile fun run/walk: Follow the conclusion of the 5K race at 8:45
Cost: Under Age 18: No towel - Free
With Beach Towel - $10
Same Day Registration* - $0
*Towels are not available for Same Day Registration
**All runners receive finisher medals and awards are given in each age group.
Location: Wakulla Springs State Park
465 Wakulla Springs State Park Drive
Wakulla Springs, Florida
Registration Deadlines (Online): Open until midnight on June 24, 2022
Available online at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paul-hoover-memorial-freedom-run-5k-extra-mile-runwalk-2023-tickets-584951665177?aff=odd_tdt_creator