Shelter House, the domestic violence center serving Okaloosa and Walton counties, is once again teaming up with Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for a unique twilight run that will shine light on domestic violence. Last year, the inaugural Luminaria Run drew more than 260 runners and raised over $7,000 to help keep abused women and children safe. The 2nd Annual Luminaria Run to End Domestic Violence will take place on Saturday, December 8th, starting and ending at Sandestin’s Baytowne Marina.

The course will be lined with more than 2,000 luminarias, lighting the path for the runners. The race includes 5K and 9K courses winding throughout Sandestin.

“We chose the 9K distance to represent that a woman is assaulted or beaten every nine seconds in the U.S.,” said Shelter House’s Executive Director Michelle Sperzel. “The luminarias symbolize how Shelter House and our community partners light the way to a safer place for victims of domestic violence.”

Children are also encouraged to participate in the run, and this family-friendly event will include a party at the finish line featuring s’mores and hot cocoa.

This is a twilight race starting at 5:00 PM. Registration for the 5K is $25 for adults in advance or $35 on-site, and $10 for children in advance or $15 on-site. The 9K race costs $40 in advance or $50 on race day for adults, and $15 in advance and $20 on race day for children. Walkers are also welcome.

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.

Sandestin is offering special rates for race participants wishing to stay at the resort. Call 800-622-1038 for reservations or reserve online at www.sandestin.com with the group code HOUSE2.

To register, visit www.shelterhousenwfl.org, or for more info, call 850-243-1201.