Seaside Marathon Every March; A Beach Run Where Everyone Wins

The chill of the morning air had anxious runners in sweatshirts, which everyone knew would be shed by 10:00 am. As hopping running shoes bounced on the pavement in prep, the spunk of electricity was in the air. This year, the Seaside Marathon on the beach HWY 30A (in the panhandle of Florida) gathered more contestants than ever. Though hosted in early March - this is something to put on the calendar as a standing appointment. It was a blast!

Over 3,000 runners flooded the streets this year and over 7,000 attended for the most family friendly run on the coast. It began early in the pristine township of Seaside in Santa Rosa Beach. Physically challenged contestants hit the streets first and inspired everyone to do their best. Winning music filled the air as the local radio station camped on the starting line with huge speakers - encouraging participants and personalizing the fun.

And they're off...

As the run began, the two lane street could hardly contain the numbers in attendance and the runners passed for minutes on end. Some started off walking and planned to walk the whole race. Some families walked together despite age. And some were there for a cause, or just uniting with old friends. But no matter who ran (or walked) past, there was a casual atmosphere of everyone simply having a great time for fitness - contributing to the local school of Seaside.

Each year, the Seaside Neighborhood School hosts this marathon as one of its largest annual fundraisers. The Seaside School is an elite charter middle school that requires no tuition of its lottery drawn local students. Though it is elite in character, the funds to function come from key events throughout the year, and this run is one of them. Though the school totally benefits, they go to the nines to make the day fabulous for all who attend.

Local radio supports in grand fashion. The best bands on the coast perform throughout the day at the amphitheater in Seaside (where the race starts and finishes), free beer is offered to all participants...and this year, Vera Bradley supported the event awarding every runner a bag (and promised to support next year - YEAH!) Yes, big support was evident throughout the day in sponsor, community and students of the school (all volunteers.)

The school students made funky signs to encourage the runners that were comical and darling - all along the path. As runners came in for the finish, students passed out free bottled water by the dozens and cheered on the final steps. Runners were funneled into a long breezy tent that was lined with platters of fruit and cheese, as well as granola and bread. And finally, the medal and the Vera Bradley travel bag were given as participants exited onto the lawn of the outdoor amphitheater. To boot, masseurs and photographers were in the brick streets of Seaside offering photos and leg rubs. Who could resist that after 5K?

Finally, the sunny day was complete as bands performed in the grandstand and the smell of smoking Bar-B-Q filled the air well into the afternoon, until the nightlife picked up. This was no impersonal affair. It was quaint, fun and completely energetic. If you are looking to start a family tradition, try the Seaside Marathon next year. Even if you come in last place...it is an unbeatable experience!

(Be sure to check out the community of Seaside in the associated links with this article for more info and pictures!)