Ready, set, help! More than 400 runners of all ages raced to the end of summer at the third annual Alys Beach 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, organized by The Alys Foundation.

The run became a town tour of sorts leading runners down roadways, pathways and nature trails on a sunny late summer morning throughout the beautiful community of Alys Beach in South Walton. After the races, racers relaxed at a post-race awards party featuring Grayton Beer, Vivo Spa Salon, Piper’s and 30A Pop Stop including a raffle contest and music by Shane from Rock the House. Little racers cooled off in the Fountain and chilled on the grass in the Amphitheater. Many returned later in the evening to enjoy a live concert and fireworks display.

Proceeds from the event raised $60,000. The Alys Foundation provided $20,000 each in the name of the Starkey Family to Autism Society Emerald Coast, Autism Society Georgia and Autism Society of America, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization.

This year’s race was held in honor of Jon Starkey, an Alys Beach homeowner who has autism. Starkey, 40, designed the artwork showcased on the official race t-shirts. This event was made possible for The Alys Foundation with generous support from EBSCO Industries, Inc., Comer Companies, LLC, the Starkey Family, the Frist Family and Galvas Construction, Inc.

“It is such a privilege and an honor to be a part of something special where so many people are pulling together for a common cause. A very deep thank you to everyone who made it possible,” said Jason L. Comer, president of The Alys Foundation.

For more info about the event, visit The Alys Foundation.