Dashing to Help, Celebrate Penguins

February 2023
Written By: 
Pete Banko
Photographs by: 
courtesy of Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is hosting the Penguin Dash 5K Run/Walk and Ripley’s Penguin Family Fun 1 mile walk/run on Saturday, February 18.

This family-friendly, themed event will be a celebration of the South African Penguins. Guests are encouraged to dress up for the costume contest and all ages are welcome. There is even a free Toddler Waddle taking place in front of Ripley’s Aquarium at 9 a.m.
 
The main events will start and end in front of Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach and the route takes the runners through the Broadway at the Beach shopping and dining complex. 

Norman and Sharkee will be there and visitors may actually get a special visit from the penguins themselves!

A portion of all race proceeds will be donated toward Penguin Conservation efforts through  The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. The organization's primary objective is to reverse the decline of seabird populations through the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of ill, injured, abandoned, and oiled seabirds–especially endangered species like the African penguin. 

In addition, each participant has the opportunity to make subsequent donations during registration. These donations go directly toward penguin conservation.

Penguin Dash 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun 1 Mile Walk/Run
February 18
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, 1110 Celebrity Circle, 8 a.m, $20+.
runsignup.com/Race/SC/MyrtleBeach/RipleysPenguinDash5KRunWalk