Registration is now open for the 10th Annual Kayak for the Warriors hosted by the Town of Pine Knoll Shores. The three-day event features a 5K/1K run/walk, Warrior reception with live and silent auctions, a 3.2-mile kayak and paddle board race, and lunch benefiting Hope For The Warriors.

Celebrating more than a decade of service, Hope For The Warriors, founded aboard Camp Lejeune, is a national nonprofit that assists veterans, service members and military families with a variety of programs including clinical health and wellness, sports and recreation, community and military relations and transition services.

“We are excited to be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Kayak for the Warriors events,” said event coordinator, Jean McDanal. “What began with seven stalwart kayakers paddling through the canals of Pine Knoll Shores has now grown into a kayak/paddle board event with 150 paddlers on average.”

On Saturday, May 27 the festivities kick-off at 8 a.m. with the 5K Beach Run and 1K Fun Run and Walk beginning at the Inn at Pine Knoll Shores (formerly The Clamdigger). Registration for the 5K is $25, which includes a t-shirt, and $15 for the 1K.

Then on Thursday, June 1, the Crystal Coast community can come together at the Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium for the annual Warrior reception with silent and live auction beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, and includes heavy appetizers and access to the aquarium’s exhibits.

On Saturday, June 3, the signature kayak and paddle board race begins at 10 a.m. The 3.2-mile race starts at Garner Park and moves through the Pine Knoll Shores canals. Registration is $50 and includes a t-shirt and lunch. Once again, the WARRIOR RACE, a race with in a race, will be a part of this event. Participants are encouraged to raise funds for Hope For The Warriors, allowing fundraisers to deduct one second from their raw time for each dollar raised. A WARRIOR RACE winner will be crowned along with the kayaker and paddle boarder with the fastest times.

For those preferring to stay on land while supporting local veterans, military members and families, lunch is available for $10 per person or $15 per family.

“Hope For The Warriors was founded in Eastern North Carolina, so we’re extremely grateful for the continued support of the community where we started.” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and president of Hope For The Warriors. “Thanks to the Town of Pine Knoll Shores and its amazing residents, the funds raised from the 10th Annual Kayak for the Warriors will positively impact veterans, service members and families based in North Carolina and across the county.”

Since 2008, Kayak for the Warriors has raised more than $350,000 benefiting Hope For The Warriors and its programs.

Preregistration is encouraged for any/all events and can be completed at http://support.hopeforthewarriors.org/site/TR?fr_id=1252&pg=entry#.WN6ZfxjMw1g or k4tw.org. On-site registration is also available.

To learn more about Kayak for the Warriors visit k4tw.org.

For more information on Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter.