The annual Veterans Day Parade will be kick off at 11 a.m. next Friday, Nov. 11, to honor all those who have lost their lives and for those who have and are proudly serving our country.

South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency Economic Development Manager Helen Ramey said this is the first year the parade will be held at 11 a.m. In past years it has been held at 4 p.m.

“It is a wonderful way to spend your day,” she said.

The parade route will be held on Southeast 47th Terrace from Southeast 9th Place marching east to Southeast 15th Avenue.

The parade will feature more than 50 units, which will include marching bands, veterans groups, the Shriners, drill teams and much more.

Ramey said the CRA has sponsored the parade for the past three years. She said it is the largest and most wonderful parade in Southwest Florida.

“It is wonderful to see the outpouring of people that come to pay their respect,” Ramey said.

The annual Veterans Day Midpoint Madness 5k run will also take place Nov. 11. The course will begin on Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers at the top of the McGregor Boulevard fly-over at 7 p.m. Once the participants make it over the bridge, they will turn-around and head back towards the Royal Palm Square Shopping Center.

The entry fee for the race is $25 for adults and $20 for those under the age of 17 until Nov. 10. The fee increases on the day of the race to $35 for adults and $25 for those under 17 years old.

Registration can be done online at www.ftmyerstrackclub.com, at YMCA located at 1360 Royal Palm Square Blvd. or on the day of the race from 4:30-6:45 p.m. at Royal Palm Square Court Yard.

A commemorative T-shirt will be given to all registered participants and a variety of food and drinks will be available on Veterans Day.

The proceeds from the run will benefit the Lee County YMCA.

Overall and age group awards will be presented to the winners of the Veterans Day Midpoint Madness 5k run.