GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will hold its third annual 5K race on Feb. 2, 2019, which complements the current featured exhibit “Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs.”

The “Monster Dash 5K” begins at 8:30 a.m. in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza commuter lot on Hull Road across from the SW Rec. Center. Early registration closes Jan. 10, 2019, and costs $25 for adults and $20 for youth or UF students with a valid Gator 1 card.

“The flat course allows people to be fast if they want, while the beautiful trails encourage runners to take the time to enjoy nature,” said Amy Hester, Florida Museum volunteer coordinator. “Plus, top runners will receive hand-crafted trophies created by a local artisan.”

Participants will receive a custom medal, T-shirt and free entry into the “Permian Monsters” exhibit on race day. All ages and skill levels may compete in the race which will be chip-timed by Spitler Race Timing.

Runners may pick up early registration packets at the museum on Feb. 1, 2019, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Race day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. if spaces are available. Only cash or checks will be accepted on race day and checks should be made payable to the University of Florida.

Trophies will be presented at 9:30 a.m. to the first-, second- and third-place runners in adult male, adult female, boy and girl categories.

For non-race participants, admission to “Permian Monsters” is $8 for adults ($7 for Florida residents, seniors and college students); $5.50 for ages 3-17 and free to museum members and UF students with a valid Gator 1 card. The museum will display the exhibit through May 5, 2019. For more information, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/exhibits/permian.

Registration after Jan. 10, 2019, is $30 for adults and $25 for youth or UF students. For more information or to register, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/event/5k or call 352-273-2055.

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Writer: Nikhil Srinivasan, 352-273-2034, nsrinivasan@flmnh.ufl.edu
Source: Amy Hester, 352-273-2055, ahester@flmnh.ufl.edu
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu