The runners break away at the start of the 2018 Dixie Day Festival 5K. The 2019 event will begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, July 27, at North Webster Town Park, 403 S. Dixie Drive. Dress as a pirate, sailor or captain for extra prize opportunities. (File photo)

NORTH WEBSTER  —Some changes have been made in the always popular, sanctioned Dixie Day Festival 5K. Renamed the Dixie Day Dash, the theme for 2019 is “Run like a pirate, walk like a captain.” Wear pirate, sailor, or captain’s apparel or accessories, to be eligible for a prize.

This year’s event will begin in a new location. The starting line is in North Webster Town Park, in front of the Dixie Landing. The address is 403 S. Dixie Drive. The start has moved due to construction on the new library in North Webster but, the race will end where it always has, back at Dixie Landing. The route has been adjusted a bit but still provides vistas of Webster Lake and woodland areas.

Registration is $25 until the day of the race, Saturday. July 27, when it will be $28. Register online www.runsignup.com. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m., Saturday, July 27, in the park pavilion and the race starts promptly at 8 a.m. Walkers are also welcome.

The race is professionally timed by Kosciusko Runners Association with prizes in several age categories. They include, under 12, 13-19, 20-24, 45-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 plus. Prizes are given in each category to male and female athletes who qualify.

North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce board member Emily Shipley, Todd Realty, is the chairman of the Dixie Day Dash. Sponsors are North Webster Ace Hardware, Loose Moose Motor Sports, Lake City Bank, Mohawk Pier & Lift, Kosciusko Runners Association, Dixie Day Festival Committee and the Chamber of Commerce. Updates about the Dixie Day Festival are available online www.northwebster.com and on the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.