The Gardens Trailblazer 5K

In 1996, Ann Knight and her friend Janet Boylan put on the very first Santa Rosa Island Triathlon. On race day, as they watched a few hundred new triathletes struggle to complete the race, they decided that a training program for new triathletes might be a good idea.

And so the Mere Mortals program was born in 1997. Ann teamed up with her husband Charlie to plan for the second annual SRI Tri, and Janet took on the task of organizing a free training group for those who might want help getting ready for their first Triathlon. In those first few years, 20-30 people would meet on Pensacola Beach and work their way up from short drills of swimming, biking, and running, eventually building up to a combined practice Tri that covered the full distance of the SRI Tri on the very same course they’d use on race day.

In the years since then, Mere Mortals has grown from an informal gathering to an organized event with attendance often exceeding 200 members. It is now managed by Tri Gulf Coast, the local triathlon club, and staffed by numerous volunteers who handle sign in, water safety, bike course monitoring, run water stops, refreshments, and weekly expert guest speakers!

If you’re thinking of trying out your first triathlon and you live anywhere near Pensacola beach, there is no better way to prepare than Mere Mortals!

🌅 2026 Niceville Sunset Stampede 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, July 25, 2026

⏰ 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Starts: 6:30 PM

⏰ 5K Run/Walk Starts: 7:30 PM

📍 Northwest Florida State College – Baseball Parking Lot

Get your neon gear ready and join us for a glowing night of fun supporting the Niceville High School Boys & Girls Cross Country Teams!

Participants will receive neon goodies:

✨ Glow necklaces

✨ Glow bracelets

✨ Neon sweatbands

Awards will be presented for:

🏆 Overall Male & Female

🏆 Age Group Winners

🐶 Dog & stroller friendly!

⚠️ Some areas are dark — glow lights on dogs & strollers are strongly encouraged.

👕 Registration Perks & Deadlines

✔ Shirt size guaranteed if registered by July 10

✔ First 250 registrants guaranteed a race T-shirt

🦅 Early registration closes:

Friday, July 10 at 12 AM

🕡 Regular registration closes:

Friday, July 24 at 12 AM

📝 Race-day registration (on-site only):

5:30 – 7:30 PM

🎟 Packet Pickup

📍 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

1198 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville

🕓 July 25 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM

📍 Race Day Pickup – NWFSC Baseball Parking Lot

🕠 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Don't worry! If running is not your thing or you are unavailable to participate in person, you can still support the Niceville High School Cross Country Program by making a donation without registering for the race. Simply click the DONATE tab from the menu or email NicevilleXC@gmail for sponsorship opportunities.

There will be NO REFUNDS for any reason, including, but not limited to cancelation or postponement of this Event.

The Coming Clean 5k is held yearly by West Florida Baptist Church. This event was created to help raise awareness for Coming Clean Recovery (CCR), a free, faith-based, addiction recovery program. CCR uses the proven 12 step recovery method and the truths found in God's word to usher in a life of freedom from addictive behaviors and substances. 100% of the profits from the race go to support WFBC's Coming Clean Recovery Program.

Seiz Up: A Run for Epilepsy Awareness invites runners of all levels to take on the scenic shores of Pensacola Beach in support of a great cause. Choose your challenge with a full marathon, half marathon, or an energetic 5K fun run—all designed to raise awareness for epilepsy while enjoying the stunning coastal views.

After crossing the finish line, celebrate with an exciting awards ceremony and a beachside after-party! Age division awards will be given for male and female competitors in each category, along with overall winners for each race. Plus, make sure to stop by the Gulfside Pavilion, where vendors will be set up with all kinds of goodies for some shopping fun.

Best of all, every stride helps make a difference, with all proceeds going toward epilepsy awareness and support efforts. Lace up, hit the sand, and be part of something bigger—this is more than a race, it’s a movement!

Join us for the 12th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Event options include the 9K Run, 5K Run, 5K Walk, and 1 Mile Fun Run. Virtual options are also available for those unable to join us in person. The first 300 9K and 5K registrants receive an official event shirt and challenge coin. A post-party with DJ, food, drinks, and an award ceremony will round out the morning.

It's about much more than running.

Supporting "Care for Alzheimer's"

The 12th Annual CMSAF Binnicker Memorial Run presented by Eglin Federal Credit Union will benefit the memory care wing at Air Force Enlisted Village's assisted living residence, Hawthorn House, where military widows, retirees, veterans, and their family members with Alzheimer’s and dementia reside. Every dollar raised from this event will provide care and support for the residents there. We feel this would make CMSAF#9 Binnicker proud.

Event History

The inaugural CMSAF James C. Binnicker Memorial 9K was held in August of 2015 at Bob Hope Village in Shalimar, Florida. The idea for the event was suggested by Airmen from nearby Eglin AFB who were participating in the Air Force Marathon. The Airmen wanted to honor CMSAF Binnicker while training for their upcoming marathon. Since CMSAF Binnicker served as the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, it was only fitting the event was a 9K run.

About CMSAF Binnicker

CMSAF#9 James C. Binnicker served as the Air Force Enlisted Village's President and CEO from 2000 to 2015. Binnicker believed the residents should be treated with respect and dignity. He created The Mom Rule, which all employees still use today when working with residents or making decisions regarding their care. Binnicker's vision brought many additions to the Bob Hope Village campus to include the Garden of Hope, the Bob Gates Welcome Center, and Hawthorn House, an assisted living residence with an option for memory care for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. Binnicker served as the 9th Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force from 1986 to 1990. Read more about Binnicker here.