"Run for the Gulf" to Benefit Alabama Coastal Foundation

GULF SHORES, Ala., April 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning Atlanta-based radio personality Paul Leslie will complete a 52-mile run to benefit the Alabama Coastal Foundation beginning Tuesday, April 5 and ending Saturday, April 9. Leslie will run in honor of the 25th publication anniversary of the novel "Forrest Gump" by Winston Groom. He will begin his run along Heron Bay in southern Mobile County and run along the Gulf coast of Alabama until he reaches the Florida state line.

In the movie, Gump runs across the country several times, gathering a small following of people who find purpose in his action. Leslie hopes the same will happen with "Run for the Gulf," inviting everyone to don their running shoes and join him in a show of solidarity when he departs from The Beach Club by Spectrum Resorts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6. Leslie and the group will run from The Beach Club to Lulu's at Homeport Marina where a celebration will be held to cheer him on at approximately 5:30 p.m.

During the run, donations can be made to support the Alabama Coastal Foundation on their website, www.joinacf.org. You can also track Leslie's progress as he runs for the Gulf on the website. Leslie said the purpose of the event is to create awareness of the Foundation, as well as remind everyone that Alabama's beaches are beautiful, pristine and open for business!

"We are excited to participate in the run and help support ACF, an important organization whose goal is to enhance our natural habitats and preserve our coastal resources," said Kathleen Williams, Spectrum Resorts general manager. "Being located in the wildlife sanctuary at The Beach Club, preserving our natural surroundings and protecting our sugar-white sand beaches is obviously near and dear to us at Spectrum Resorts. The 'Run for the Gulf' is another way to promote awareness of our beautiful beaches."

Spectrum Resorts invites everyone to come out and run with Leslie or cheer him on! Those booking the "Run for the Gulf" special at The Beach Club will get Saturday night free when staying Thursday and Friday night. This offer is only available by phone and some restrictions may apply. Call (855) 280-0214.

"Many people don't realize that Alabama has some of the most beautiful coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico," said Bethany Kraft, executive director of the Alabama Coastal Foundation. "We are incredibly appreciative of Paul's efforts to raise awareness and his support of our work to protect these resources."

For more information on the Alabama Coastal Foundation, visit www.joinacf.org. For information on Spectrum Resorts, the Alabama Gulf Coast's leader in luxury beach resort accommodations, visit www.SpectrumResorts.com.

SOURCE Spectrum Resorts