A New Step for Tradition

The Seaside School Virtual Half Marathon + 5K is now open for registration to participants around the world. In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and prioritize the health and safety of the community and participants, the Seaside School, Inc. and Seaside School Foundation have decided to move forward with a virtual half marathon and 5K for the nineteenth annual event.

The virtual half marathon (13.1 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) will start on Sunday, February 14, 2021, and end at midnight on Sunday, February 28, 2021. Participants can run or walk at any pace during the race dates, then report the time to be added to the national results leaderboard.

“With continued uncertainty, this virtual option will allow us to provide the safest possible experience for participants,” says Teresa Horton, executive director of the Seaside School Foundation. “This was an incredibly difficult and emotional process for our school and community as a whole to make. With that said, we need the community’s support this year more than ever. We look forward to virtually cheering on our runners in 2021!”

Registration cost for the 5K is $75 and the half marathon is $100. For participants to receive complimentary swag bags before race week, runners need to complete registration before January 17, 2021.

“We’re looking forward to engaging with the runners virtually while still offering some perks of race day our participants have come to know and love!” says Mrs. Horton.

One hundred percent of the funds raised from the virtual race go to the Seaside Schools Foundation, supporting the operating budget for the Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The Seaside School is a tuition-free, public charter school serving students across Walton County. Last year the race raised more than ever, with proceeds totaling more than $600,000.

“Our students and parents are extremely grateful for each and every race participant this year,” says Kim Mixson, principal of Seaside Neighborhood School. “This fund-raiser has become a part of our school culture, a stellar example of the Seaside Way in action. By applying creative thinking and problem-solving, we can keep this tradition alive and meet the needs of our growing school and community.”

Find registration options at RunSeasideFL.com.