Twenty-five years ago, Alabama resident Winston Groom released his novel Forrest Gump, the basis for the 1994 blockbuster motion picture.

As part of the story line in the movie, Gump treks back and forth across the United States, as folks from all over the country begin to follow.

On Friday, Atlanta radio host Paul Leslie is going to remember the Forrest Gump run, while at the same time raising awareness for the Alabama Gulf Coast. Just like in the movie, Leslie hopes people will join him on his run that will begin at The Beach Club on Fort Morgan Road at 1 p.m. and ends at Lulu’s Homeport Marina in Gulf Shores. Leslie is expected to arrive at Lulu’s between 5 and 6 p.m. where there will be live music and a celebration of the run.

Donations for Leslie’s Run for the Gulf will benefit the Alabama Coastal Foundation.

Working to improve the quality of Alabama’s coastal resources and to create a balance between the conservation needs of those resources and the desire for economic growth, the Alabama Coastal Foundation has been in existence since 1993.

Since it’s inception, the Alabama Coastal Foundation has been awarded the best Alabama Environmental Education Program in 2008, the Alabama Wildlife Federation Governor’s Conservation Award in 2000, and the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program Stewardship Award in 2000.

Leslie’s run will begin at Heron Bay to Pelican Pub in Dauphin Island on Tuesday. He will run from Pelican Pub to The Beach Club on Wednesday. Thursday will be a rest day, before he begins his run to Lulu’s on Friday. The run will finish up on Saturday with Leslie running from Lulu’s to the Florabama in Perdido Key.

 “We are excited to participate in the run and help support the Alabama Coastal Foundation, 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.”

Because Spectrum Resorts is hosting Paul Wednesday through Saturday at The Beach Club and then at Turquoise Place on Saturday night. there will be a “Run for the Gulf” special for anyone who wants to come cheer Paul on or run with him. Visitors can stay Thursday and Friday night and get Saturday night free.

Donations for Leslie’s Run for the Gulf, which can be made at www.joinacf.org, will benefit the Alabama Coastal Foundation. Call 251.224.2500 for information on the Run for the Gulf special.