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

Register by Nov. 17 for best price, county staff recommends

Photo courtesy Sarasota County

Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources (PRNR) staff is inviting members of the public to kick off the holiday season by participating in the 47th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run at Siesta Public Beach on Saturday, Dec. 9.

“Register by Nov. 17 to guarantee the best price” and to receive “a long-sleeve performance event shirt and runner swag,” a news release says.

This annual event, presented by PRNR, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Dr. Heidi K. Anderson and Eager Beaver, “draws hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers” for the 5K race and 1-mile fun run, with many participants wearing whimsical holiday costumes, the release notes.

The 5K race is chip-timed, the release points out.

Finisher medals will be presented to all participants, the release adds, with custom awards to be distributed to those who finish in first through sixth place in all age categories.

“Following the races, runners are invited to stay for music, food and raffle prizes,” the release says. “All runners are also welcome to participate in a holiday-themed costume contest.”

The 5K run is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and is a part of its fall racing series, the release notes.

Proceeds benefit the county’s Summer in the Parks Adopt-A-Camper scholarship program, the release adds..

To register, click here. Registration will be open until 7:45 a.m. on race day, the release notes.

Early packet pickup will be available from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7, at the New Balance Sarasota store, which stands at 1872 Stickney Point Road in Sarasota, the release points out.

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 and race awards will be announced starting around 9:15 a.m.”

Siesta Beach formally is located at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. For additional information, call 311 or visit www.scgov.net