Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will host the 39th annual event
The 39th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run will be held on Siesta Key Public Beach on Saturday, Dec. 12, Sarasota County has announced.
This event “draws hundreds of runners, joggers and walkers to the beautiful, hard-packed sand of Siesta Beach, with many participants wearing fun holiday costumes,” a county news release points out. “A 5K race is available for the serious-minded competitors,” the release adds, while a 1-mile fun run “is available for those who want to take a casual approach to this family friendly-event.”
Race-day registration is $35 for the 5K event and $30 for the fun run, the release notes. Race-day registrants will receive event shirts while supplies last, it says.
Awards will be presented to those who take the first six spots in each age group: trophies for first-, second- and third-place champions and ribbons for fourth- through sixth-place finishers, the release says.
Among other event activities, participants may try kinesiology taping — offered pre- and post-race — and enjoy a post-race party featuring music, a holiday-themed costume contest, raffle prizes, a holiday photo op, and food and beverages, the release notes.
The race, sponsored by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department and Drs. Heidi Anderson and Paul Brannan of DOCs (Dermatology & Oculoplastic Consultants), is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and is chip-timed, the release points out.
Siesta Beach is located at 948 Beach Road on Siesta Key. Race-day registration will start at 7 a.m., the release says. The 1-mile fun run will begin at 8 a.m., and the 5K event will start at 8:20 a.m.
For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit www.scgov.net.