Maybe I will not be running with penguins but Ripley’s Penguin Dash 5K Saturday should be a lot of fun

Visitors can enjoy different experiences, including ones with penguins, at Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach. (Larry Vaught Photo)

Okay, maybe I won’t actually be running with penguins Saturday at the Ripley’s Penguin Dash 5K Run/Walk in Myrtle Beach but it will probably be as close as I ever get to do so.

The 5K Run/Walk along with the one-mile fun run and toddle waddle start and end at Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach and is a family-friendly event that serves as a fundraiser for the South African penguins as a portion of the proceeds will go to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds.

I wondered why Ripley’s Aquarium decided to sponsor this event since I have not been part of any other 5K sponsored by an aquarium.

“I have a love for running as well. I have done a couple of marathons and I love supporting runners but this is also a fundraiser for our penguins, so that makes it even more special,” said Michelle Barnhill of Ripley’s.

This is not the first year for the race but it is the first year a race management team is helping. However, aquarium team members will not only be participating in the run but also in helping with various tasks Saturday.

“We are going to have our mascots out and team members will also be out cheering for runners and walkers,” Barnhill said.

There will be just over 300 entries — the most ever for the event — that includes several “out of area” entries like me.

“We don’t want the course around Broadway at the Beach too crowded, so 300 is a manageable number,” Barnhill said.

She expects runners of all abilities — “My 70-year-old mom is running,” Barnhill said —and says the one-mile fun run and free toddler waddle help encourage more people to participate.

“We want runners of all abilities to have fun and support conservation of penguins,” Barnhill said.

But will I get to see the penguins?

“Our participants will have a close up view of our penguins,” Barnhill laughed and said. “It’s kind of a surprise with participants having a viewing of the penguin exhibit. The last time we had our 5K the penguin exhibit was not open. This year we will give participants a close up view of the penguins.

“No, the penguins won’t be outside. They are an endangered species, so we have to be careful with them. But there is a voucher for free admission to the aquarium for all participants so you can go take a shower and come back or just wait and come another day.”

For the first time race officials are encouraging runners/walkers to wear costumes.

“We want people to have fun on the course. We don’t know how the costumes will go but we are hoping it will be a lot of fun,” Barnhill said.

Ripley’s Aquarium tries to be community-oriented. There is a special “Splash of Love” Valentine’s dinner tonight that sold out quickly.

“You get to eat dinner in the ‘tunnel of love’ surrounded by fish and sharks,” Barnhill said.

Pancakes & Penguins opportunity where adults and children can eat breakfast and then get “face-to-beak” with the penguins. The price includes a photo with Norman, the penguin mascot, and admission to the aquarium.

“We try to be community oriented and cater to all ages,” Barnhill said. “We have marine science camps for students through high school. We do work with the Special Olympics and the autism network.”