Shine a Light - 5K for EPIC Cure

St. Augustine's Charity 5K Brings Community Together for EPIC Cure

The Shine a Light 5K kicks off Saturday morning, October 17th at 8:00 AM from Anastasia Baptist Academy, combining coastal scenery with a meaningful cause. This charity 5K in St. Augustine draws runners and walkers of all abilities to support EPIC Cure, a foundation dedicated to pediatric brain cancer research. The early morning start time catches the cooler October temperatures before the Florida sun climbs too high, making for comfortable racing conditions along the A1A South corridor.

What to Expect:

Anastasia Baptist Academy provides a community-focused setting for this all-ages event, with the 2.5-hour window accommodating both competitive runners aiming for personal records and families walking together. The October timing means St. Augustine's tourist crowds have thinned slightly from summer peaks, creating a more local feel while still offering that coastal atmosphere the area's known for. Expect a supportive crowd where seasoned 5K veterans line up alongside first-timers, all united around raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.

Insider Tips:

- Plan to arrive by 7:30 AM to allow time for packet pickup and pre-race preparations without feeling rushed
- October mornings in St. Augustine can still be humid despite cooler temps, so hydrate well before the start
- The A1A South location means coastal breezes, but also potential sun exposure once the race gets going—sunscreen matters even at 8 AM
- Parking fills progressively as race time approaches, with the academy's main lot serving as the primary option
- Bring cash or cards for any post-race refreshments or EPIC Cure merchandise that may be available
- Families with strollers should confirm course accessibility details ahead of time, as 5K routes can vary

Getting There:

Anastasia Baptist Academy sits directly on A1A South, the main coastal route running through St. Augustine Beach. The venue is easily accessible from State Road 312, which connects the barrier island to mainland St. Augustine. Drivers coming from downtown cross the Bridge of Lions and follow A1A South for about four miles. The academy's location between the Matanzas River and the Atlantic Ocean means straightforward navigation—stay on A1A and watch for the address. Street parking along A1A South provides overflow options if the main lot reaches capacity, though arriving early typically secures a spot closer to the start line.

Local Scene:

The A1A South corridor offers practical pre-race fuel options within easy driving distance. McDonald's sits less than a mile north for those needing a quick breakfast before the 8 AM start. Amici Italian Restaurant, about a half-mile away, makes a solid post-race lunch spot for groups wanting to celebrate their finish times together. Starbucks provides the familiar coffee fix roughly a mile down A1A Beach Boulevard for those needing caffeine before lacing up. The 10:30 AM end time leaves the rest of Saturday open, and Salt Life Food Shack offers that casual beachside atmosphere about a mile south for anyone extending their morning into a full coastal day. Wendy's gives another fast option for families with hungry kids right after crossing the finish line.