100 Black Men unite for a 5K cause

Everything you need to know you DIDN’T learn in Kindergarten
August 3, 2011
Keith Joseph Landry
August 5, 2011
Everything you need to know you DIDN’T learn in Kindergarten
August 3, 2011
Keith Joseph Landry
August 5, 2011

St. Mary’s 100 Black Men organization is gearing up for its annual Marcus Jones 5K Fun Run/Walk Sept. 3.

Simultaneously, the all-black male group is celebrating its 14th anniversary. Since its inception in 1993, the 100 Black Men of St. Mary Parish has awarded more than $65,000 in scholarships to students at the parish’s six public high schools.


In addition to mentoring area youth, the organization promotes health and wellness among blacks and provides free economic education seminars locally.


“We’re holding an open call for runners and walkers to register,” said Clarence Robinson Jr., president of the 100 Black Men of St. Mary. “Thank God, [the event] just keeps growing and growing.”

Proceeds from the 5K Fun Run/Walk fund scholarships at West St. Mary, Franklin, Centerville, Patterson, Berwick, Morgan City and Central Catholic high schools.


A $150 Walmart gift certificate is being given away in a random drawing among the event’s first 50 registrants. The process is repeated among the next 50 registrants for a $150 gift certificate for dinner at Loco’s, a Mexican restaurant in Cypress Bayou Casino.


“We’ll have another prize for the third set of 50 registrants, and so on,” Robinson said.

The run/walk begins at the corner of Front and Everett streets, near Morgan City Hall in the historic district. Registration begins that morning at 7 a.m. near the start line.


First place male and female finishers are awarded $250. Trophies and medals are given to the top finishers in each category: 13 and under, 14-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55 and over.


The race’s namesake, 70-year-old Marcus Jones, an avid runner, is delighted to be part of the event.

“I appreciated everything everyone has been doing with this race,” Jones said. “I did not think at this time of my life I would get this type of prestige. I have been running for 40-plus years now, and it’s a blessing. Best of all, I still don’t have any aches and pains.”

Unlike most races, the success of the 5K Fun Run/Walk is measured by participation, or as member Butch Metz describes, “Not by how fast they walk, but by their commitment to help send a history maker of tomorrow to college.”

“We encourage men and women of all ages and races to participate and to bring their children,” Robinson said. “In fact, many dads and moms run the entire course while pushing their infant’s stroller. It’s great fun for the whole family.

Applications for the event are downloadable at www.kbze.com/2011.html, the website of KBZE 105.9 FM, the host radio station for the run/walk.

For more information about the event, call Robinson at (985) 255-9775. To learn more about the 100 Black Men of St. Mary, visit www.100blackmenstmary.org.

Marcus Jones 5K Run/Walk

Where: Race starts at corner of Front and Everett streets, near Morgan City Hall

When: Sept. 3 with registration at 7 a.m.

Cost: $20 before Aug. 31 or $25 day of race

For More Info: (985) 255-9775