Event features 5K race and 1-mile fun run, plus costume contest, music and food
To kick off the holiday season, consider participating in the 43rd annual Sandy Claws Beach Run on Siesta Beach, returning Saturday, Dec. 14, Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department (PRNR) has announced.
People are encouraged to pre-register by Nov. 20 to guarantee the best price, a news release says. They also will receive a long-sleeve performance event shirt and runner bag if they meet that deadline, the release notes.
Pre-registration will end on Dec. 8; limited race-day registration will begin at 7 a.m.
“With many participants wearing fun holiday costumes,” this annual event presented by the Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department and Dr. Heidi K. Anderson-DOCS draws hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers, the release explains. The event features a 5K race and a 1-mile fun run.
The 1-mile fun run will start at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K run at 8:20 a.m. The holiday-themed costume contest winners will be announced at 9:15 a.m.
The 5K race will be chip-timed, the release points out.
Finisher medals will be presented to the 5K and 1-mile run participants. Custom awards will be distributed to first- through sixth-place finishers in all age categories, the release adds.
Following the races, runners are invited to stay for music, food and a raffle for prizes. All runners also are welcome to participate in a holiday-themed costume contest, the release points out.
The 5K run is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club; 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. Registration forms also may be picked up at any county recreation center, library or government building, the release says. Completed forms may be mailed to Twin Lakes Park, Building C, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota, FL 34241.
Early packet pickup will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, at the New Balance Sarasota store, which is located at 1872 Stickney Point Road, the release adds.
Siesta Beach is located at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key.
For more information, call the county Contact Center at 941-861-5000.