Registration is now open for The Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K, now celebrating its 21st year of racing. The event which runs February 17th through 19th, 2023, has cemented its spot as one of the longest consecutive running events and top grossing fundraisers in Northwest Florida. The charitable cause, which draws participants from all over the country, has helped fund The Seaside School, Inc., one of the first and now the oldest operating public charter schools in the state of Florida.
“It’s an exciting time for The Seaside School, as we are the #1 ranked combination charter school in Florida and, in partnership with NWFSC, working to expand the Seacoast Collegiate High School campus and program offerings,” said Teresa Horton, executive director of the Seaside School Foundation. “We are so excited to welcome runners near and far to the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K in 2023!”
The three-day charity Race Weekend kicks off with the coastal cuisine event Taste of the Race on Friday night, then proceeds to a fun-for-all-ages Race Expo on Saturday, and culminates on Sunday morning with the running of the half marathon and 5K along the iconic Highway 30A starting and finishing in Seaside, Florida.
Click here to register online today!
“The town of Seaside has a longstanding history hosting the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K now for 21 years,” said Vice President and General Manager of Seaside Community Development Corporation, Pam Avera. “As an iconic New Urbanism town that celebrates vitality, walkability and a thriving downtown filled with unique merchants, it’s only fitting that we have the opportunity to showcase a premier race event which ultimately benefits one of our most beloved members of our community, the Seaside School, Inc. Watching the school successfully expand to a 5th through 12th program and rank as one of the top schools in the state alongside the success of the town of Seaside has been a pleasure, and only adds to our town founders Robert and Daryl Davis’ vision for Seaside.”
This year’s race will feature an overall theme, to be voted on by race registrants and social media followers. The chosen theme will spice up race festivities, particularly for runners wishing to dress out, liven up their run or participate in team entries. Theme choices include “Disco Dash,” “Superhero Sprint,” and “Rockstar Run.” To vote, simply visit runseasidefl.com/ or facebook.com/SeasideSchoolFoundation. The theme will be announced across all social media platforms on October 1st, 2022.
100% of the funds raised from the race weekend benefit The Seaside School Foundation, which supports the operating budget for Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The Seaside School, Inc. is tuition-free, public charter school serving students across Walton County. Last year, the 2022 race raised proceeds totaling more than $700,000.
“This fundraiser has become a part of our school culture, an opportunity for our students to put ‘The Seaside Way’ into action,” said Ms. Kim Mixson, Chief Academic Officer of The Seaside School, Inc., and principal of Seaside Neighborhood School. “Our students, parents and staff look forward to being a part of race weekend every year and we are truly grateful for the impact that it has on our School.”
Credit: Shelly Swanger Photography
Registration cost for the 5K is $95 and the half marathon is $125. Presented by Visit South Walton, registration is now open.
A $20 discount is available to military personnel and first responders with proof of active military identification cards, honorable discharge papers or police/firefighter/EMT identification cards. Please email documents before registering to race@runseasidefl.com to receive a discount code. This discount is not redeemable for cash value.
Race registrants will receive the following items with their registration: a Vera Bradley® Grand Tote in Plum Pansies, a virtual goody bag full of surprises, an iconic race shirt designed by Billie Gaffrey, a customized playlist and half marathon finishers will receive our unique finisher medal.
The 21st annual charity Race Weekend will kick off on Friday, February 17th 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.
On Saturday, February 18th, runners are invited to pick up their race packets at the Seaside Neighborhood School and enjoy the Expo taking place in the Seaside Lyceum.
The race weekend comes to a pinnacle with the half marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 6:45 AM and the 5K (3.1 miles) at 7:05 AM, on Sunday, February 19th, 2023. 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 the most significant event in the life of our school, as it provides the necessary financial support for the incredible opportunities that Seacoast students participate in,” said Caroline Beer, Seacoast Collegiate High School student and Student Government Association co-president. “We anticipate this year’s race as another chance to come together with the younger students from Seaside Neighborhood School to make an impact in our community and keep our schools thriving for decades to come.”
Credit: Lynn Crow Photography
