By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
MARTIN COUNTY -- As some new runners line up for this year's Bull Run 5K, they might be relieved to know that no actual bulls will be in attendance at the fundraising event.
The name is actually derived from the sponsor of the run, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, and the event begins in front of their building in Stuart.
"They are the sponsors, and we work with them to put on the race," said Wendie Berardi, the assistant director of development for the United Way of Martin County.
Ms. Berardi says this is the eighth year of the event, which started out with just a couple of dozen people.
"Now we have more than 100 people participating," she said. "It seems to grow bigger every year."
This year, the run will have categories for top individual finishers by age group, as well as divisions for schools, families, male, female and mixed.
Entry forms and registration will be available the day of the race.
The money raised is part of the Martin County United Way annual fundraisers, and goes towards the many health and human service programs at 46 local nonprofit agencies in the Martin County area.
"Since its inception, this run has raised more than $12,000 for programs in this community," Ms. Berardi said.
The Bull Run 5K will take place March 2 at the Merrill Lynch Building, 2301 S.E. Monterey Road in Stuart. Preregistration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the race beginning at 7:30 a.m.
For more information, call (772) 223-6761 information.