The Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation (LWRCF) is pleased to present its second annual Run for the Beads Mardi Gras 5K Run/Walk on February 10, 9:00 a.m., at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch. Registration ($35-$45) is now open at runforthebeads.com. Proceeds support LWRCF’s grant giving to nonprofits that make a direct impact in the lives of those in need in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding eastern areas of Sarasota and Manatee counties, with the goal of fostering a vibrant and thriving community. Participants in this Mardi Gras-themed 5K run/walk will enjoy a scenic, meandering course through downtown Waterside, peninsulas, and parks. Runners and walkers receive a T-shirt, scored finishing time, finishers’ medal, and a free beverage. There will be a Mardi Gras costume contest, giveaways, and top finisher awards immediately following the race. A 100-yard kids dash begins at 8:30 a.m.; registration is required for this free event. Brayan Hernandez-Valdez, a finalist for LWRCF’s inaugural Junior Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2023, will officiate the race start. For more information and to register, visit runforthebeads.com. The race is sponsored, in part, by Stalnaker Law; Cileone Jewelers; Williams Parker; David Ahrens, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Platinum Realty; and New Balance Sarasota. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available; visit runforthebeads.com or call Adrienne Bookhamer, LWRCF’s executive director, at (941) 208-6799. For more information about the Lakewood Ranch Community Foundation, visit lwrcf.org or call (941) 208-6799.