The 15th annual Kilwins Ice Cream Run will take place at Kilwins St. Johns Beachwalk on July 18 at 7:30 a.m. with all-you-can-eat ice cream after the race. Dana and Vance Stallings started the race in 2013 to give back to the community and Clarke School for Hearing and Speech where their oldest daughter, Haley, attended after being diagnosed with moderate-to-severe hearing loss. The race has been giving back to the community and local nonprofits ever since.
This year, the race will benefit five local nonprofits: Prestige Workforce, Pie in the Sky, Isaiah 117 House, Livestrong at the YMCA and Mercy Support Services. Several local athletic programs and PTAs will benefit as well. All of the proceeds are donated directly to the nonprofits.
The race is not just for strong runners, Dana Stallings said. The ice cream run has several options for the whole family to participate. There is a 5K at 7:30 a.m., one mile run at 8:45 a.m. and 25-yard dash for kids at 9 a.m. The 5K and one-mile run takes runners and walkers through the beautiful Beachwalk community. Each participant who completes the race will receive a medal and there will be overall and age group awards as well. There will be vendors offering food samples and of course, plenty of Kilwins delicious ice cream to enjoy after the race.
This year, the race has more than 1,200 participants, Stallings said. Runners and walkers can look forward to a sunny summer morning of outdoor exercise and ice cream for a good cause.
