20 Reasons to Register for our 20th Annual Race

There are countless reasons to register for the 2022 Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K. To celebrate the event’s 20th Anniversary, here are our top 20 reasons to get registered today!

1. The Food – From pre-race events to post-race treats, this twenty-year-old, three-day celebration showcases some of the area’s best bites. For those who venture out around town, the options are limitless to carb up, wind down or enjoy a celebratory feast. Find your new go-to spot: https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/dine/
2. 30A – This area has become known to many by the name of the road that runs through it, Scenic Highway 30A. Every step of the race course takes place on 30A, offering an upscale, laid-back vibe that has to be experienced to be understood.
3. The Town of Seaside – The home of the race, and the middle school that it benefits, is a place unlike any other. No one could blame you if you never left town during race weekend. Shopping, restaurants, the beach and coastal architecture are just a few of the treats that await you in this this one-of-a-kind town that is celebrating and anniversary of its own (the town turned 40 this year).
4. Support Our School – Your registration fee goes directly towards supporting Seaside School, Inc. Crossing the finish line feels extra special when you realize the impact that you are having.
5. Camaraderie – The Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K is better with friends, so build a team and start making your plans.
6. Finisher Medal – Adorned with the annual race artwork, your finish line prize will serve as a keepsake to remind you of your race experience for years to come.
7. Race T-Shirt – Speaking of the race’s unique artistic style, you’ll go home with a new shirt that will enable to wear your race gear with pride.
8. Sense of Accomplishment – Whether you choose to run 5 kilometers or 13.1, just getting to the start line is an accomplishment. Feel good about it!
9. Memory Making – You won’t just leave with some new swag and a full belly, the sites, sounds and smells of race weekend will stay with you forever.
10. The Gulf of Mexico – After the pounding your feet will take during the race, the soft white sand and calm turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico will be a welcome sight. Whether you prefer to find a restful place on the beach, or take a plunge in the salty surf, no trip to South Walton is complete without experiencing the Gulf!
11. Stay in a World Class Accommodation – If you are traveling from out of town for the 20^th running of the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K, you’ll have a plethora of lodging options regardless of your party size. Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, a vacation home with room for 20, or a cozy gulf-front cottage, you’ll find just the place to rest your head in South Walton. Click here to begin your search.
12. The Course – No other race can offer views of the Gulf of Mexico, bridges over multiple coastal dune lakes, quintessential southern beach towns and Scenic Highway 30A.
13. Find your Perfect Beach – South Walton is home to 16 distinct beach neighborhoods. Each one has its own unique characteristics and charm. From vintage beach towns, to luxury planned communities, you won’t want to stop exploring until you’ve seen all 16.
14. The Art – You’ve heard about the race t-shirt and finisher medal, but that’s not where the artistic touch ends on race weekend. Seaside Neighborhood School’s art teacher, Billie Gaffrey, contributes her unmistakable touch to everything from merchandise to signage encouraging runners throughout the race.
15. The Finish Line! – After you cross the finish line back in Seaside you’ll be greeted by a town-wide celebration of music, food and camaraderie. If your cheer squad is waiting for your photo finish, they’ll find plenty to see and do while you are closing in on your finish time.
16. Vera Bradley Bag – Every finisher receives a complimentary Vera Bradley ReActive Sling Backpack. You read that right, a free sling backpack from longtime race supporter, Vera Bradley, for every finisher.
17. Virtual Goodie Bag – This is the environmentally-friendly way to load up on goodies from race sponsors. Gone are the days of an overloaded bag that ends up in the trash. Racers will receive a treasure trove of digitally redeemable goodies and special offers from dozens of race sponsor locations.
18. Make a Difference – Your race registration not only supports Seaside School, Inc., but an entire community. As any previous participant can tell you, this is a community-wide event that takes an army to accomplish.  Get ready to be a part of something truly great!
19. Imagine Your Phone’s Photo Roll! – This race can make you Instagram famous in no time. From shots of epic sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico to expertly prepared coastal cuisine, you’ll want to have your phone handy to capture every memorable moment of it.
20. Start (or Continue) an Annual Tradition – The race takes place every year, so whether this is your first or twentieth Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K, what a great excuse to return to Seaside year after year.