Event set for Saturday, Dec. 13
“Get a running start on the holiday season by participating in the 49th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run, starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Siesta Beach Park,” staff of the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department is inviting the public.
The beach park is located at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key.
The 5K run and 1-mile fun run “have become fixtures in the Sarasota County community,” a news release points out. “Presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, the event draws hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers each year. Proceeds benefit the ‘Summer in the Parks’ Adopt-A-Camper scholarship program,” the release adds.
“The Sandy Claws Beach Run is a cherished Sarasota County tradition,” said Nicole Rissler, director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, in the release. “We’re proud to host events like this that promote health and wellness while uniting our community,”
The 1-mile fun run will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K run at 8:20 a.m., the release notes. Early packet pickup will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the New Balance Sarasota store that stands at 1872 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota, the release notes. Packets also may be picked up on race day before 8:10 a.m., the release adds.
The 5K race is chip-timed and sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club as part of its fall racing series, the release continues.
Finisher medals will be given to all participants, the release says. “Custom awards will be presented to the overall winners and the top six finishers in each age category,” it adds.
Further, “Kinesiology taping, stretching support and massages will be available for all runners before and after the races,” the release points out.
Additionally, after the races, the release says, “participants are invited to stay for music, food, holiday photo opportunities and raffle prizes. All athletes are also invited to participate in a holiday-themed costume contest, with contest winners and race awards announced at 9:15 a.m.”
Members of the public must register by Nov. 21 “to guarantee the best price and receive a long-sleeve performance event shirt and runner goodies,” the release points out. “Registration will remain open online until 7:40 a.m. on Dec. 13,” the release says. To register, visit www.bit.ly/sandyclawsreg.
This annual event is presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreational and Natural Resources, Eager Beaver Car Wash, FASTSIGNS of Sarasota and North Port, New Balance Sarasota/New Balance University and Fleet Feet Sarasota, Venice Pier Group-Siesta Beach Eats, Chick-fil-A Pelican Plaza, Oak & Stone, Skin Vitality MD, Paws ‘n’ Rec and Nichole Lunn State Farm, the release notes.
For more information, email parksoline@scgov.net or visit SarasotaCountyParks.com.