Event Description

The 42nd Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run takes place Saturday, Dec. 8 on beautiful Siesta Beach, #1 beach in the USA! Set a fast pace on the hard-packed world-renowned white quartz sands or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore. This race, co-sponsored by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Dr. Heidi K. Anderson-DOCS, is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and chip-timed. 5K participants receive a custom finisher medal. Enjoy the post-race party with music, holiday-themed costume contest, raffle prizes, holiday photo op and food and beverages. Early packet pickup party, hosted by New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Road, is Thursday, Dec. 6 from 3-6 p.m.

Get your Sandy Claws on:

• Pre-register by November 15 for best pricing and to guarantee receiving the highly collectible long-sleeve performance event shirt and runner bag. Pre-registration continues through November 29. Registration continues on race day as space permits. Registrants after November 15 receive event shirts and runner bags while supplies last. Special youth group pricing for 20+ runners. Call 941-861-PARK (7275) for details.

• All 5K finishers receive a custom medal. 1-Mile finishers receive a custom ribbon.

• Custom trophies are awarded to male and female overall, master, grandmaster, senior grandmaster, veteran and age group winners 1st-3rd place. Custom ribbons are awarded to age group winners 4th-6th place.

• Holiday-themed costume contest including a $150 cash prize for best group contest.

• Holiday photo op - remember your camera!

• Raffle prizes. 
  

Event details and schedule

Schedule:

Thursday, Dec. 6

• Early packet pick-up 3-6 p.m. at New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Road 

 Saturday, Dec. 8

• Check-in/Race day registration takes place on the beach out from the main pavilion.
  
• Race day registration: 7-8 a.m.
• Packet pick-up: 7-8:10 a.m.
• One-mile Fun Run start: 8 a.m.
• 5K start: 8:20 a.m.
• Holiday-themed costume contest winner announced: 9:15 a.m.

What's new this year?  Finish line photos! More details to come...

Who does this event benefit?  Send a kid to camp! The proceeds of the Sandy Claws Beach Run benefits Adopt-A-Camper, providing financial assistance to qualifying county residents who attend a Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources summer adventure, day or therapeutic camp. Love kids? You can make an additional tax-deductible donation during registration.

Where do we run? The start/finish line is near the water’s edge by the yellow lifeguard stand at Siesta Beach. Run south on the hard-packed sand, turn around at the half-way point and return to the start/finish line. Enjoy holiday music and fun along the way.

Where do I pick up my race bag and bib? Join us at the early packet pickup party hosted by New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Road on Thursday, December 6, from 3-6 p.m. Or check in at the pre-registration tent the morning of the race beginning at 7 a.m.

Where do I check in and what time should I arrive?  Race-day registration and packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m. on the beach out from the main pavilion. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available for participants and spectators. The 1-Mile Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:20 a.m. Remember the beach is 1/4 mile wide so allow time to reach the starting line!

How do I enter the costume contest? Wear your finest, craziest, most creative holiday garb. If you’re in costume, you’re in the contest! Our secret judges will be viewing race participants from the moment you arrive until the winners are announced at 9:15 a.m.

Can I leave my stuff somewhere? Great question! Yes, there is a "Leave Your Stuff Here" tent in the same area where you check in and where you return for the post-race party.

Where can I find the race results? The race results will be posted at the post-race party and will be emailed to you at your registered email address as soon as results are available.

Where can I pick up my award? If you can’t stay for the post-race party and award ceremony you may pick up your 1^st-3^rd place trophy or 4^th-6^th place ribbon at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Mon.-Fri. Dec. 10-14 between 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

What happens if it rains? This event is rain or shine. In the event of a serious weather event, Sarasota County reserves the right to cancel the race, without refund, for your safety.

What if I can’t make the race? Sorry, there are no refunds. We appreciate your support of the Adopt-A-Camper scholarship program. You may pick up your event shirt and runner’s bag at the early packet pickup party at New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Road on Thursday, Dec. 6 between 3-6 p.m. Unclaimed shirts and runner’s bags are forfeited if not picked up by race day.

If you have any other questions, please call 941-861-PARK (7275) or 941-861-5000.

See you at the beach!