By Samantha Accola

In an effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus and prioritize the health and safety of the community and participants, the Seaside School and Seaside School Foundation have decided to move forward with a Virtual Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K for its 19th annual event.

 

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The race planning committee and leadership team explored a multitude of scenarios that led to the precautioned conclusion that the event could not be executed on beloved Scenic Highway 30-A with the usual enthusiasm and atmosphere our runners have come to know. This was not an easy decision by any means, but there are many ways to have fun with it and support the students of this local beach community. The 2021 Seaside School Virtual Half Marathon & 5K gives you the opportunity to support the Seaside Schools from anywhere in the world!

SUPPORT SEASIDE SCHOOLS

Between two educational programs, Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School, the Seaside Schools are one of Florida’s oldest public charter school systems. The Seaside Half Marathon and 5K is the annual charity race fund-raiser for the schools. By participating virtually, you will help aid these incredible learning environments and their cherished students.

 

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Every year, the gap between the Seaside School standard of excellence and the funding provided by the state seems to grow more and more. There are either funding cuts, or the schools simply want more for their students. In any case, the shortfall is significant each year. Participation in and support of the annual fund-raisers provides middle school and high school students in Walton County, Florida, the opportunity to participate in elective classes for gardening, music, creative and culinary art, an award-winning robotics program, advanced placement classes, and career-readiness industry certification courses.

 

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Running alongside you in spirit, the community and its gratefulness will persevere during this first-ever virtual fund-raising race. Great things are still happening at the Seaside School, thanks to you!

Q&A

HOW DOES THE VIRTUAL RACE WORK?

1. 1. Rally a team of friends and register to run or walk the virtual half marathon or 5K in your own community.
   2. Run or walk the distance on a course of your choosing (or treadmill), and then simply report your time to be added to our national results leaderboard. (You don’t even have to record your time if you prefer not to!)
   3. Complete your virtual run (or walk or even stroll) between Sunday, February 14, and Sunday, February 28, 2021. This is a self-timed event, so no time-based awards will be given. However, racers have many “lucky” opportunities to win prizes through social media contests!
   4. Envision a Seaside experience with post-race brunch in your hometown.
   5. Don’t forget to race in your Seaside gear! Register before January 17, 2021, and the committee will mail your race shirt and goodies to your door before the virtual horn blows! To buy more iconic merchandise, click here. Order for a close friend or family member to keep the tradition alive and surprise them!
   6. Seaside will miss seeing you in person, so please tag #runseasidefl on social, so they can cheer you on and congratulate you on a great race!

 

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HOW DO I REGISTER?

Each person who registers at RunSeasideFL.com for one of the Seaside School Virtual Half Marathon and 5K events will receive a confirmation email (if the email address is valid). The confirmation email will contain a copy of the registrant’s personalized virtual bib and RaceJoy instructions. Entry fees are nontransferable and nonrefundable. You must be at least six years old to run the 5K and at least 14 years old to run the half marathon.

 

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HOW MUCH DOES REGISTRATION COST?

The Virtual Half Marathon is $100 to register per person, and the Virtual 5K is $75 per person.

But there is a bonus! Invite friends and family to join you in the fun and get rewarded by sharing your unique referral link via email and social media! If you refer five friends, you will receive a $10 rebate. If you refer 10 friends, then you receive $20; and if you refer 15 friends, then you will receive a $30 rebate.

 

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WHAT WILL I RECEIVE WITH REGISTRATION?

1. Virtual Training Coach Program led by lululemon® Grayton Beach Ambassador, Rex Stinnet: Through Facebook, you will gain access to a private group specific to registered runners where you will find access to run trainers who will help you meet the pace you’re looking to meet during your virtual race. Each trainer will be hosting a private Strava Group where you can train together and cheer one another on. In this group, you will also be able to swap healthy recipes, share injury prevention tips, and commune with your fellow racers.
2. Billie Gaffrey–designed race shirt (Celebrating 25 Years of the Seaside School)
3. Custom finisher medal
4. Customized playlist for your running speed
5. Vera Bradley® ReActive Sling Backpack
6. Vera Bradley® Pleated Face Mask
   

   

7. Virtual bib
8. Virtual finisher certificate
9. Goody bag (hand-packed by the Seaside Neighborhood School’s students)

 

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VIE is proud to be a media sponsor for this iconic annual fund-raising event. We can’t wait to run this virtual race to support our local students and hope to run 30-A together again in the future!

More information can be found on runseasidefl.com, and the Run Seaside team is happy to answer any other questions you may have. Reach them by emailing race@runseasidefl.com. Virtually meet up with other participants and get daily updates on Instagram @SeasideSchoolFoundation.

For more information on the Seaside Schools, visit SeasideSchools.net. Follow the local happenings and student activities on the Seaside Neighborhood School’s Instagram @SeasideSchoolOfficial!