Frequently Asked Questions
No. For the safety of all participants, spectators, volunteers, and pets, dogs and other animals are not permitted on the race course during Race Weekend. We appreciate your understanding as we work to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
If friends or family are coming to cheer you on, we encourage them to leave their furry friends at home while attending Race Weekend festivities.
Yes. The Half Marathon has a 3-hour, 30-minute time limit, which is equivalent to a 16-minute-per-mile pace.
To ensure participant safety and allow roads to reopen as scheduled, runners who fall behind the required pace may be asked by race officials to continue on the sidewalk adjacent to the course. Partial lane closures will be in effect throughout the race, so all participants must remain inside the designated cones and follow the instructions of public safety officials, law enforcement, volunteers, and course marshals at all times.
For everyone's safety and to maintain the integrity of the event, early starts are not permitted. Participants who begin the race before the official start will be removed from the official results.
Please note that the clocks displayed at mile markers show the official elapsed race time from the start of the event—not your individual chip time. Your official finishing time will be based on your personal timing chip.
Yes, headphones and earbuds are permitted during the race. However, we strongly encourage participants to keep the volume low or use only one earbud so you can remain aware of your surroundings.
For your safety and the safety of others, please be able to hear instructions from race officials, course marshals, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and fellow participants throughout the course. Staying alert helps ensure a safe and enjoyable Race Weekend experience for everyone.
No. Race-day registration is not available for the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K.
In fact, Race Weekend has a long history of selling out well before race day, so we strongly encourage you to register as early as possible to secure your spot. Once an event reaches capacity, registration will close and no additional entries will be accepted.
Don't wait—register early and join us for an unforgettable Race Weekend!
Both the start and finish lines are located on Scenic Highway 30A in the heart of Seaside, directly in front of Bud & Alley's.
This central location places participants and spectators just steps away from Race Weekend festivities, post-race celebrations, shopping, dining, and the beautiful Gulf views that make the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K such a memorable experience.
We recommend arriving early to allow plenty of time for parking, navigating to the start area, and soaking in the Race Weekend atmosphere before the starting horn sounds.
Yes! Every registered participant will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Race Weekend T-shirt and a commemorative finisher medal.
Each year's shirt and medal feature a unique design created exclusively for the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K, making them special keepsakes to remember your Race Weekend experience.
Be sure to register early—Race Weekend sells out every year, and you won't want to miss your chance to earn this year's exclusive swag!
Here's what to expect on Race Day! We encourage all participants to arrive early to allow plenty of time for parking, making your way to the start area, and enjoying the Race Weekend atmosphere before your race begins.
6:45 AM CST VIP Experience Lounge | Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar
7:00 AM CST Half Marathon Start
7:30 AM CST 5K Start
9:00 AM CST 5K Awards Ceremony
9:30 – 10:00 AM CST SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™ Performance Band
10:00 AM CST Half Marathon Awards Ceremony
10:30 AM CST County Highway 30A Reopens
11:00 AM - 12 PM CST Post Race After Party + DJ
Times are subject to change if necessary, so be sure to check your pre-race emails and the Race Weekend website for the latest event information leading up to Race Day.
6:30–10:30 AM CST: Silent Auction Tent open for bidding
10:30 AM CST: Bidding closes
10:45 AM–12:00 PM CST: Winner pick-up
Be sure to submit your final bids before 10:30 AM, as bidding closes promptly. Winning bidders must pick up their items during the designated pick-up window.
Early Packet Pickup
Thursday, February 11, 2027 | 4:00–7:00 PM CST
Seacoast Collegiate High School
129 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Race Expo + Packet Pickup
Saturday, February 13, 2027 | 12:00–4:00 PM CST
SEASIDE NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL™
10 Smolian Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
No. Race Day packet pickup is not available.
All participants must pick up their race packet during one of the designated packet pickup opportunities prior to Race Day. This helps ensure a smooth race morning and allows everyone to get to the starting line on time.
Yes! If you're unable to attend packet pickup, someone else may pick up your race packet on your behalf.
To do so, they must present a copy of your valid photo ID at packet pickup. This requirement helps us verify registrations and ensure packets are distributed to the correct participants.
Be sure to send your representative a copy of your photo ID before packet pickup so they can collect your packet without any delays.
Parking in SEASIDE® is extremely limited during Race Weekend. We strongly encourage all participants and spectators to take advantage of our complimentary shuttle service or purchase a Race Day Parking Pass if you prefer to park inside SEASIDE® on Sunday.
Shuttles will operate from Emerald Coast Middle School (ECMS):
Emerald Coast Middle School
4019 US-98 #6024
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Yes! Race Day Parking Passes are available for $45 and can be purchased during registration.
Parking passes must be picked up during packet pickup and are not available for pickup on Race Day. Because parking inside SEASIDE® is extremely limited, parking passes sell out every year, so we encourage you to purchase yours early if you plan to drive into SEASIDE® on Race Day.
County Highway 30A closes at 5:30 AM CST on Race Day.
For the safety of all runners and participants, vehicles parked inside SEASIDE® will not be permitted to leave until County Highway 30A reopens at approximately 10:30 AM CST.
Yes! Participants may transfer from the Half Marathon to the 5K as long as the 5K is still open for registration. Please note that transfer fees may apply.
Because the 5K is extremely popular, we anticipate it will sell out well before Race Weekend. Once the 5K reaches capacity, transfers into the event will no longer be available.
Yes! We accept all major credit cards at Race Weekend for eligible on-site purchases.
Both races take place on Sunday, February 14, 2027, with the following start times:
- Half Marathon: 7:00 AM CST
- 5K: 7:30 AM CST
Yes! A complimentary gear check will be available for participants on Race Day.
If you'd like to leave personal items while you're on the course, simply drop off your belongings at the designated gear check area before your race begins. We recommend placing only essential items in your bag and avoiding valuables such as wallets, jewelry, electronics, or other irreplaceable items.
The following items are not permitted on the race course:
- Dogs or other pets
- Strollers
- Baby carriers
- Bicycles
- Skates or rollerblades
- Skateboards
Mid-February weather along Florida's Gulf Coast can be unpredictable. Historically, you can expect:
- Average high: Around 70°F
- Average low: Around 50°F
- Typical range: Anywhere from 35°F to 80°F over the past decade
Rain is always a possibility, so we recommend checking the forecast before you travel and packing layers for cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. The SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K is a rain or shine event, so be prepared for changing conditions.
Yes! Water stations will be conveniently located throughout the course to help keep you hydrated from start to finish.
Each aid station will be stocked with both water and Powerade, giving participants the opportunity to hydrate and replenish electrolytes along the way.
Registration fees are non-refundable. There are no refunds if you are unable to participate in the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K for any reason.
We encourage all participants to review their schedules carefully before registering. If you purchased Race Insurance during registration, please refer to your policy for information about covered circumstances and the claims process.
No. The SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K is a rain or shine charity event, and registration fees are non-refundable.
Race Weekend will take place as scheduled in most weather conditions. In the event of severe weather or other circumstances that could impact participant safety, race officials will make decisions based on the guidance of public safety and emergency management officials. Regardless of weather conditions, there are no refunds.
Yes! Race Insurance is available for purchase during registration.
If you purchase Race Insurance, please refer to your policy for complete details regarding covered circumstances, exclusions, and the claims process. Coverage is determined solely by the terms of the policy.
Race Insurance does not provide coverage if the race is canceled due to weather or other weather-related conditions. As the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ Half Marathon + 5K is a rain or shine charity event, registration fees remain non-refundable in the event of weather-related cancellations or disruptions.
Race Weekend photos will be posted on the official Race Weekend website and shared across our social media channels as soon as they're available.
Our photographers capture thousands of incredible moments throughout Race Weekend, and it takes time to sort, edit, and upload them. We appreciate your patience while we receive and process the photos.
Make the most of your Race Weekend by staying in the heart of SEASIDE® with our Official Accommodations Sponsor, Homeowner's Collection Vacation Rentals.
When you book directly through Homeowner's Collection, 10% of your reservation is donated back to the SEASIDE SCHOOL FOUNDATION™, helping support local students while you enjoy an unforgettable Race Weekend.
If you have any questions about volunteer opportunities, volunteer registration, group volunteering, or Race Weekend assignments, please contact us at Volunteer@RunSeasideFL.com.
For information about available sponsorship opportunities, benefits, and custom partnership packages, please contact Callie Cox at coxc@seasideschools.net.
Yes! Restrooms and portable toilets will be available throughout Race Weekend for your convenience.
Permanent restrooms are located near the start and finish area, and portable toilets are positioned at designated locations along the race course so participants can access facilities if needed during the race.