Pre-registration by Nov. 15 guarantees a participant a runner bag and event shirt
Kick off the holiday season by participating in the 42nd annual Sandy Claws Beach Run on Siesta Beach, returning Dec. 8, Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources is inviting the public.
Anyone who pre-registers by Nov. 15 is guaranteed a runner bag and a long-sleeve performance event shirt, a news release points out. Pre-registration will end on Nov. 29, with limited race-day registration beginning at 7 a.m., the release adds.
“With many participants wearing fun holiday costumes, this annual event presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Dr. Heidi K. Anderson draws hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers for the 5K run and one-mile fun run,” the release notes.
Each 5K finisher will receive a custom medal, and every 1-mile participant will receive a ribbon, the release continues. Custom awards will be given in overall categories, divided by age groups, for those who finish in the first through sixth places, the release says.
Kinesiology (body movement) taping and holiday photo opportunities will be available pre- and post-race, the release notes. All runners are invited to participate in a holiday-themed costume contest, the release adds.
The 5K run is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club. Its proceeds benefit the Summer in the Parks Adopt-A-Camper scholarship program.
For online registration and a full schedule of events, visit scgov.net/parks or active.com. Registration forms are also available for pick-up at any county recreation center, library or government building, the release explains. Completed forms should be mailed to Twin Lakes Park, Building C, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241.
Early packet pickup will be available from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 6, at the New Balance Sarasota store, located at 1872 Stickney Point Road, the release notes.
On race day, the 1-mile fun run will begin at 8 a.m., with the 5K run starting at 8:20 a.m. The holiday-themed costume contest winners will be announced at 9:15 a.m., the release adds.
For more information, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000.