Sandy Claws Beach Run set for Dec. 9 on Siesta Key

Early registration available online or by picking up forms at county facilities

Photo courtesy Sarasota County

Get in the holiday spirit with the annual Sandy Claws Beach Run, which will return to Siesta Public Beach for the 41st year on Dec. 9, Sarasota County has announced.

With many of the participants typically wearing fun seasonal costumes, this annual event draws hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers to the No. 1 beach in the nation for a 5K run and 1-mile fun run, a news release explains. The event is sponsored by the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department in partnership with Dr. Heidi K. Anderson-DOCS.

The early registration deadline is Nov. 20. Participants also will get a reduced rate if they register by Dec. 4, the release adds, but registration will be available, as well, on the day of the event. Early registration does guarantee a participant will receive a collectible long-sleeve event shirt and a gift bag, the release points out.

Race-day registrants will receive event shirts while supplies last, the release notes.

Kinesiology (body movement) taping will be offered both pre- and post-race, and holiday photo opportunities will be available during the event, the release adds. Runners also will be invited to participate in a holiday-themed costume contest.

The 5K run is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club, the release says. All participants will receive ribbons, the release points out, but custom awards will be given to first- through sixth-place winners in specific categories and age groups. Proceeds benefit the Summer in the Parks Adopt-A-Camper scholarship program, the release notes.

For online registration or a full schedule of events, visit scgov.net/parks or active.com. Alternatively, a participant may visit any county recreation center, library or government building, where he or she may complete and then return a flier/registration form.

Early packet pickup will take place at the New Balance Sarasota store, located at 1872 Stickney Point Road, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, the release says.

Siesta Beach is located at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. Race-day registration will start at 7 a.m. The 1-mile fun run will begin at 8 a.m., and the 5K run will start at 8:20 a.m., the release points out.

The holiday-themed costume contest will begin at 9:30 a.m.

For more information, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000.