50th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run

Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 8:00 AM EST

Location: Siesta Beach Park, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota, FL 34242
Type: Run

Race feel

Run on the world-renowned Siesta Beach, enjoy holiday festivities, and support a great cause at this long-standing Sarasota tradition.

Fun
Scenic
Competitive
Quirky
Festive

The 50th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run invites you to experience a unique blend of competitive spirit and holiday cheer on Sarasota's world-renowned Siesta Beach. Whether you're aiming for a personal best on the hard-packed sand 5K or enjoying a relaxed 1-mile fun run along the shore, this event offers something for everyone. Celebrate the season with a costume contest, music, and food, all while supporting the "Summer in the Parks" Adopt-A-Camper scholarship fund. It's a cherished tradition in the Sarasota running community.

From the organizer

Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources hosts the Sandy Claws Beach Run. Now in its 50th year, the run is a fixture in the running community of Sarasota. Set a fast pace on the hard-packed, world-renowned Siesta Beach sand in the 5K run, sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and part of the MTC Race Series. Or, enjoy a leisurely morning stroll along the shore in the 1-mile fun run.

For more information, including discount codes for youth groups of ten or more, call 311.

Early packet pickup at New Balance Sarasota, 1872 Stickney Point Road, Thursday, Dec. 10, 3-6 p.m . or you may pick up your packet on race day before 8:10 am.

• 5K Race is chip-timed, sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and part of the MTC Race Series • Finisher medals for all participants, 5K, 1 Mile & Virtual • Custom awards for the 5K to first through sixth place finishers in all age categories. • Music, food and raffle prizes! • Holiday-themed costume contest!

• Register by Nov. 20 before the price increase to receive long-sleeve performance event shirt and runner goodies (no-shows forfeit these items). • Nov. 21 or after and day-of registrants receive event shirt and runner goodies while supplies last . • Special 5K family "4-pack" price only applies to four people. Use multi-person pricing when registering for discount to apply.