MANCHAC — The Middendorf’s Manchac Run — the ninth annual event — is set for Nov. 11 and features 10-mile, 10K and 5K races, which start and finish at the iconic seafood restaurant.

Middendorf’s owner Karen Pfeifer said it’s quite a sight to watch everyone make their way over the old Highway 51 bridge, last year of which featured 620 runners and walkers.

“If you haven’t registered yet, you definitely need to do so,” Pfeifer said.

“The Manchac Run is a fun, unique, and memorable trek through the swamp with tons of energy and excitement in the air. And, if you need a little extra motivation, Middendorf’s scrumptious thin fried catfish will be waiting for you at the end of the race. That works for me.”

This year, proceeds from the run will benefit Child Advocacy Services, a private non-profit organization serving ten parishes throughout our local region.

It provides advocacy, clinical services and prevention education resources to give voice, healing and security to children through their Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Child Advocacy Center (CAC) programs.

CASA recruits, trains, and supervises community volunteers to represent children as they navigate through the court system in hopes of reaching a safe and permanent home.

The Children’s Advocacy Center conducts forensic interviews in a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have disclosed sexual or physical abuse. Additional advocacy, resources, and prevention education services are also offered.

“We’ll be out there on race day to join the festivities and say thank you to Middendorf’s and all the other generous individuals, organizations, and businesses that are making the Middendorf’s Manchac Run happen,” said Rob Carlisle, Child Advocacy Services CEO.

“We’re also going to add to the incredible excitement on race day by holding the playhouse raffle drawing for Cottages for CASA. One lucky person will win a unique, custom designed playhouse created by local designers, builders and painters.”

Ginger Cangelosi, community outreach director for child advocacy services, said all sales and proceeds from the Cottages for CASA project help provide more services in the local community.

“Additionally, it raises awareness to help us recruit more CASA Volunteers. We currently have a waiting list of over 205 children that need a CASA,” Cangelosi said.

“We are so grateful the people in our local communities that sacrifice their time, skills and resources to support this project and take part in helping keep children safe in our communities. We especially thank Middendorf’s for choosing us to partner with for the Manchac Run this year.”

It all gets started at 7 a.m. Registration is open through race day. Get more details at nolarunning.com.

To learn more about Child Advocacy Services and Cottages for CASA, log onto childadv.net or call 1-800-798-1575.

Info on Middendorf’s Seafood Restaurant can be found at middendorfsrestaurant.com.