Family Fun at Bub Run on Saturday

Written By: 
Melody Marler
Belden Communications

     It’s almost time for the sixth annual Bub Run 5K on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Port Orange City Center Amphitheater, 1000 City Center Circle.  Registration will open at 6:30 a.m., with the race beginning at 8:30 a.m.

     The event is organized by the family of Charles “Bub” Bleakley, who struggled with heart disease that lasted for more than 30 years. 

     “He was such an amazing guy and had such a heart of gold,” said Shannon Faller, Bub’s daughter and owner of Port Orange Dance on S. Clyde Morris Blvd. “We felt we needed to do something to honor his memory, and we chose two of his favorite charities, the American Heart Association and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, to benefit from this event.”

     All of the proceeds from the Bub Run will go to those two charities. “My dad was a big football fan, so we always hold this event on Super Bowl Weekend,” Faller said. A couple of years ago, she ran the New York City Marathon in honor of her dad, even though she doesn’t even consider herself a runner!

     This year, everyone who enters to run or walk the Bub Run will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes. “We get prizes donated from throughout the community, and everybody has a chance to win, whether it took you two hours walking the course or if you did the run,” Faller said. Prizes include an iPad Mini, Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure Tickets, restaurant gift cards, gym memberships, and more.

     “Every year, this event grows a little bit bigger,” Faller said. “We hope to make a positive change, donate some money, and honor our dad.”

     This is intended as a fun event for the entire family, and everyone is invited, Faller said. While the time has passed to be guaranteed a race t-shirt, you’re still encouraged to go to www.thebubrun.com before Feb. 1 and register to attend. You may also register the day of the race at the site. The course is certified/flat/fast and accessible for wheelchair athletes as well. The entry fee is $26 per person, and $18 for those age 17 and under.