BATH — Visitors to Bath best beware this Saturday: the town is not being overrun by pirates, but it will be inundated with runners dressed like pirates.

The second annual Bath High School Preservation 5K Pirate Run begins at 9 a.m. at Bath Elementary School. Runners and walkers are encouraged, but not required, to get into the spirit and hit the course dressed in some nontraditional running gear, according to Jeannie Woolard, one of the event’s organizers.

“That’s something new this year—you don’t have to, by any means, but you can come dressed like a pirate,” Woolard said.

Last year, event volunteers put on skullcaps and used swords to point runners along the course, but one runner, in full pirate gear, sparked the idea to extend the invitation to dress the part to all participants.

The Pirate Run is a fundraiser for the preservation of the old Bath High School, a town treasure that’s on the National Register of Historic Places and currently undergoing major renovation into a town community center.

“They are working hot and heavy on the old cafeteria right now which, in a few months, hopefully by the end of the year, will become our community library,” Woolard said.

Last year’s Pirate Run raised over $10,000 for the effort. This year, the BHSP organization is combining two fundraisers — the 5K run and BHSP’s annual raffle — into one event.

Once the runners have returned to the finish line, the raffle will begin. Tickets are $50 each or three for $100 and there’s plenty of pirate booty to be won: four day/three night getaways to Williamsburg and Table Rock Mountain, a bicycle, ECU football tickets, a half-day fishing trip, a Google Tablet, paintings and pottery by local artists and restaurant, landscaping, oil changes gift certificates are among the treasure to be had, Woolard said.

The best-dressed pirate and the runner/walker raising the most money through a “Sponsor a Runner” contest option will be awarded prizes, as well.

Last year’s race brought 93 runners and walkers out to cruise the streets of North Carolina’s oldest town.

“It’s a beautiful course, all right within the two bridges of Bath,” Woolard explained. The course runs from it’s start at Bath Elementary School on King Street, down Craven and Carteret streets, through Springdale Village and back down the Main Street historic district.

“You get to see both the historic homes (Palmer-Marsh House and Bonner House) and go by the St. Thomas Church, so you really get to catch all the historic beauty of it,” Woolard said. “Last year it was absolutely beautiful.”

Entry fees are $20 for children 12 and under; $25 for adults. Registration can be done online at www.bhsp5k.com or after 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race. For more information, visit the website or call Jeannie Woolard at 252-923-7831.