Running for a Cause

Celebrating the 21st year of racing, The Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K is now open for registration! A favorite event among all, the 2023 Race Weekend will be held February 17th through 19th and cements its spot as one of the longest consecutive running events and top-grossing fundraisers in Northwest Florida.

Registration options can be found at http://runseasidefl.com.

The charitable cause, which draws participants from all over the country, has helped fund The Seaside School, Inc., one of the first and now the oldest operating public charter schools in the state of Florida.

“It’s an exciting time for The Seaside School, as we are the #1 ranked combination charter school in Florida and, in partnership with NWFSC, working to expand the Seacoast Collegiate High School campus and program offerings,” said Teresa Horton, executive director of the Seaside School Foundation. “We are so excited to welcome runners near and far to the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K in 2023!”

The three-day charity Race Weekend kicks off with the coastal cuisine event Taste of the Race on Friday night, then proceeds to a fun-for-all-ages Race Expo on Saturday, and culminates on Sunday morning with the running of the half marathon and 5K along the iconic Highway 30A starting and finishing in SEASIDE®.

"The town of SEASIDE® has a longstanding history hosting the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K now for 21 years," said Vice President and General Manager of Seaside Community Development Corporation, Pam Avera. "As an iconic New Urbanism town that celebrates vitality, walkability, and a thriving downtown filled with unique merchants, it's only fitting that we have the opportunity to showcase a premier race event which ultimately benefits one of our most beloved members of our community, the Seaside School, Inc. Watching the school successfully expand to a 5th through 12th program and rank as one of the top schools in the state alongside the success of the town of Seaside has been a pleasure, and only adds to our town founders Robert and Daryl Davis’ vision for Seaside."

This year’s race will feature an overall theme, to be voted on by race registrants and social media followers. The chosen theme will spice up race festivities, particularly for runners wishing to dress out, liven up their run or participate in team entries. Theme choices include “Disco Dash,” “Superhero Sprint,” and “Rockstar Run.” To vote, simply visit runseasidefl.com/ or facebook.com/SeasideSchoolFoundation. The theme will be announced across all social media platforms on October 1st, 2022.

100% of the funds raised from the race weekend benefit The Seaside School Foundation, which supports the operating budget for Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The Seaside School, Inc. is tuition-free, public charter school serving students across Walton County. Last year, the 2022 race raised proceeds totaling more than $700,000.

“This fundraiser has become a part of our school culture, an opportunity for our students to put ‘The Seaside Way’ into action,” said Ms. Kim Mixson, Chief Academic Officer of The Seaside School, Inc., and principal of Seaside Neighborhood School. “Our students, parents and staff look forward to being a part of race weekend every year and we are truly grateful for the impact that it has on our School.”

“The race is the most significant event in the life of our school, as it provides the necessary financial support for the incredible opportunities that Seacoast students participate in,” said Caroline Beer, Seacoast Collegiate High School student and Student Government Association co-president. “We anticipate this year’s race as another chance to come together with the younger students from Seaside Neighborhood School to make an impact in our community and keep our schools thriving for decades to come.”