The Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K, presented by SEASIDE®, is back, launching its 22nd year of racing.

Registration, presented by Visit South Walton, is now open for Race Weekend from February 16th through 18th, 2024, further establishing this event as a signature running event and paramount fundraiser in Northwest Florida. Every year, athletes from around the world converge in Seaside, Florida, assisting in funding The Seaside School, Inc., a pioneering and enduring public charter school in Walton County, Florida.

“We’ve witnessed tremendous growth and transformation over the years, not just in numbers, but in the quality of the educational experience we provide,” commented Teresa Horton, Executive Director of the Seaside School Foundation. “Each year, Race Weekend is a true testament to the collective passion and commitment of our community. 2024 promises an exhilarating experience for everyone!”

This year’s race will embrace a dynamic superhero theme. Participants and spectators alike are encouraged to immerse themselves in the spirit of the event, donning attire inspired by their favorite superheroes, and celebrating the strength and resilience that defines the Seaside community. There will also be first time exclusive VIP experiences for racers and spectators.

“Each registration for the Race Weekend directly fuels our mission based programming at The Seaside School, Inc. Whether it is enhancing educational experiences for our students through new technology, exploratory programming or gaining access to higher levels of our collegiate curriculum, every race participant plays a pivotal role in our students’ success,” said Dr. Tom Miller, the new Executive Director of The Seaside School, Inc. “Their financial support resonates throughout every classroom, enriching their lives and inspiring the next generation of leaders to live a life of personal growth and prosperity.”

The weekend experience commences with the coastal cuisine extravaganza, Taste of the Race, on Friday, February 16, 2024, promising culinary delights, celebrating local flavors, and culinary maestros. Saturday will be bustling with activity at the Race Expo, where participants can gather their race packets and bask in the pre-race excitement at the Seaside Lyceum. The main event is set for Sunday, February 18th with the out-and-back half marathon starting at 7:00 AM and the 5K at 7:30 AM, both showcasing the stunning views along the iconic Scenic Highway 30A, starting and concluding in Seaside.

“Seaside’s deep-rooted history with the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K, now spanning 22 years, embodies our shared ethos of community, vitality, and a commitment to excellence,” said Micah Davis, President of Seaside Community Development Council (SCDC). “As Seaside continues to flourish, it’s rewarding to see parallel growth and achievement in The Seaside School, Inc., honoring the vision of my parents and our town founders Robert and Daryl Davis.”

Registration this year comes with delightful surprises, notably swag from The Seaside Style, this year’s swag sponsor. This gesture not only adds a touch of local flair but also emphasizes the community’s integral role in the race.

“It’s genuinely a mammoth effort, requiring the dedication of over 400 volunteers including students, teachers and parents from Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School, to bring this weekend to life,” added Kim Mixson, Principal of the Seaside Neighborhood School at The Seaside School, Inc. “We’re immensely grateful for the community’s unwavering support.”

REGISTRATION DETAILS 

Registration for the 5K is $95, and the half marathon is $130 and 100% of the proceeds benefit the Seaside School Foundation. Exclusive VIP experiences for both racers and spectators are also available for $125 with dedicated parking or $95 without parking. Kids can also take part in the VIP experience for just $25 [limited to two kids per adult]. Weekend parking passes will also be available for purchase.  Military personnel, first responders, and teachers are eligible for a $20 discount upon presentation of valid identification.

TASTE OF THE RACE 

The 22nd annual charity Race Weekend will kick-off on Friday, February 16th with an evening under the stars at the official race pre-party, Taste of the Race. Party-goers can attend this delicious Seaside party that features local chefs and restaurateurs competing for the top culinary awards including the coveted Chef’s Choice Award, last year won by Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs operated by the Dawson Group, and the People’s Choice Award, won by The Red Bar.

PACKET PICK-UP 

On Saturday, February 17th, runners are invited to pick-up their race packets at the Seaside Neighborhood School and enjoy the Expo taking place in the Seaside Lyceum. 

RACE START TIMES 

The race weekend comes to a pinnacle with the half marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 7:00 AM and the 5K (3.1 miles) at 7:30 AM, on Sunday, February 18th, 2024. Both races – the half marathon and 5K – start in the town of Seaside, Florida with an out-and-back run along the coastal dune lakes of Scenic Highway 30A. 

“The race is really important to me because I love Seaside, and without this race, our school might not be here. It’s so much fun to participate, cheer for the runners, and hang out with my friends,” said Charlotte Stubley, a 7th grade student at Seaside School. “Organizing it takes a lot of effort from our staff, students, and board members. Like my dad always says, ‘many hands make light work.’ I’m thankful everyone comes together to make this event so special.”

For more information and to register, visit runseasidefl.com.