240 Hughes St. NE, Fort Walton Beach FL
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Welcome to Fort Mardi Gras 2026 — where movement meets music, community, and better minds
Packet Pickup: We are offering one final packet pickup for all participants and late registrants of the Fort Mardi Gras 5K Run • Walk.
Date: Friday, February 27
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: 53 Ferry Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Note: Although this address is a residence, turn into Ferry Park and you will see us set up for packet pickup.
Cooperation: We kindly ask that if you are able, please pick up your packet early to help us ensure a smooth and timely start on race morning.
The 7th Annual Fort Mardi Gras 5K Run/Walk & Festival is back and bigger than ever!
Powered by the Beads, Beats, and Better Minds Foundation
Race START: 9a.m. with Mardi Gras Festivities till 3p.m (FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC)
Check-in and Start/Finish Location: Located by Basketball Courts in Ferry Park.
Special Notes:
Children's Registration:
Age 10 & Under Free WITH ADULT REGISTRATION. You will Register your child on Raceday or Packet Pick Up Days!
Every Race Participant Receives Custom Mardi Gras MEDAL! (Late Registration & Same Day Registrants Not Guaranteed)
Mardi Gras Best Dressed: Encouraged but NOT REQUIRED.
Pets: Leashed Well-Behaved Dogs are Welcome!! Or Stroll with your Baby in a Stroller!
(PLEASE arrive early as 7a.m. race day to check-in if you missed packet pick up days)
CLICK HERE AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!
About the 5K:
The 5k will be our 7th Annual, presented by the Beads, Beats & Better Minds Foundation, a Non-Profit whose mission is to support active minds and uplift young adults, their family and peers.
Mental Health Awareness: Mental Health/Disease is a social dilemma that's greatly damaging our communities. The fact is either not readily addressed, quietly spoken about, or simply ignored.
The Fort Mardi Gras 5k is designed to address Mental Health/Disease by promoting proper exercise, creating healthy minds, coordinating wellness and encouraging mental stability.
Together we will raise awareness while embracing diversity, supporting one another to help direct hundreds of lives as we get closer to defeating mental disease to the fullest extent possible.
MORE INFO:
Phone: 501-837-5219
Phone: 404-573-0951
Email: pr.ekelsey@gmail.com
Visit the Race Page for More Information!
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