Running the Emerald Coast
I can’t think of a better backdrop for my morning run than the beaches on the Emerald Coast. Powder white sand, emerald green waters and a baby blue sky surrounds you with every step you take. A great way to get motivated to enjoy this inspiring scenery is to sign up for a race. Here’s a list of 5k’s throughout the Emerald Coast.
On Saturday, February 10th, the 26th Annual Valentine’s 8k “Kiss ‘Em To the Finish” road race takes place in beautiful Destin, Florida. The flat road course will take you through the beautiful bay community of Indian Bayou and return to an exciting adventure at The Track. You can sign up as a single or couple. After the race celebrate your accomplishment with a toast on a beachfront balcony in your Destin, FL vacation condo.
On Saturday, February 17th, Love Tracks 5k Fun Run/Walk will take place at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Race participants will have a beautiful view of long leaf pines, saw palmettos and a variety of other plants and animals while on a paved trail through the park. This race is pet friendly so feel free to enter your dog in the race as well as yourself. For a pet friendly place to stay close to the activities visit Destinbeachsideinn.com.
On Saturday, February 24th, the 6th Annual Rock the Road 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run takes place at the Destin Brewery. Dress as your favorite Rock ‘N’ Roll icon or create a team with a Rock ‘N’ Roll theme! Strollers are welcome. The race will start and end at the Destin Brewery with an after party featuring local craft beer, food trucks and great music. Visit Shorelinetowers.com for a condo right on the beach, by the harbor and by the brewery!
If you are staying in the Perdido Key area on Saturday, February 24th, then you don’t want to miss the 5th Annual I Pink I Can Run race for breast cancer. This 4-mile out and back run/walk begins at the Flora-Bama Lounge with the mission to inspire and enhance life to those affected by breast cancer. Join the Krewe du YaYas on a great course, fun awards, delicious food and a great cause. For a relaxing, beachfront place to stay close to the event visit Perdidokeyflorida.com.
On Sunday, March 4th, the 16th Annual Seaside School Half Marathon and 5K Race will be presented by Vera Bradley. Three days of fun surrounds this event with Emeril Lagasse’s Taste of the Race on Friday, Race Expo & Silent Auction with vendors, food and live entertainment on Saturday. Sunday is the race with an exciting afterparty complete with live music. The course is fast and mostly flat, passing through quaint beach towns, dune lakes and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Stay in a 30a vacation rental and you might just be part of the course!
Whether you are running for a cure, running for a cause, running for kids or running for fun, the Emerald Coast of Florida will have you running along some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Published on Thursday, January 25, 2018