Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K

Sunday, February 18, 2024 • Seaside, FL • Course Map

If you’ve ever seen the Jim Carrey film The Truman Show, then you have an idea of the kind of beautiful coastal architecture you’ll find along the route at the annual Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K, which takes runners on a long, straightaway-style out-and-back course along Highway 30A through several beach towns that stretch along Florida’s Gulf coast.

More than 4,000 runners show up each year for the half-marathon and the 5K event combined, for a race that’s mostly flat and fast, with ample views of the scenic Gulf waters and beaches, including Watercolor, Graytown Beach, Santa Rosa Beach and more.

Both the 13.1-mile half marathon and the 5K start in front of the post office in downtown Seaside along Highway 30A, and from there follow a route that takes runners westward along the highway for six and a half miles, and then six and a half back in reverse back to the starting line.

The half marathon turnaround point lies near the intersection of Laura Hamilton Boulevard and Highway 30A, just past Irwin Creek. After that, runners retrace their steps all the way back to the post office, where the race finish line lies. The course is both runner- and walker-friendly — walkers are encouraged to sign up.

Runners in the half marathon start their race at 7:00 AM, followed by those running in the 5K at 7:25 AM. Organizers will keep the course restricted to runners for three hours, after which they begin re-opening the route to normal auto traffic.

They will continue to keep the course open until 10:30 AM, which means that runners will need to keep a pace of 14 minutes per mile or better in order to finish in time to have their official race time recorded.

rsz_seasideschoolrun

Photo courtesy Seaside School Half Marathon

Race Weather & Climate

Located near the Florida Gulf Coast town of Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside typically sees cool to moderately warm temperatures in late winter/early spring, as February temperatures average between 46°F and 71°F. Rainfall is an ever-present possibility, as precipitation averages just under 6 inches during the month.

On the day of the race (Feb. 18), the average low is 45°F and the average high is 64°F.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Seaside School Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

7:00 AM

Fees

  • $100 for the half marathon
  • $75 for the 5K

Registration

To reserve your spot in the late winter 2024 running of the Seaside School Half Marathon or 5K race, register online at RunSignUp.com here.

Official Race Website

runseasidefl.com

Comments

Ever run in the Seaside School Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.

See more races in: Florida, February

8 comments… add one
  • Bobby Brooks January 21, 2020, 3:09 pm

    I am registered already for the race, but will be coming over for the first time ever from St. Marks Florida the morning of the race. Where and what time can I pick up my race packet in time to run the 5K? Please email me back. Bb

    Reply
  • Amanda May 30, 2016, 12:39 pm

    Do you have the 2017 dates?

    Reply
  • Laura March 3, 2015, 8:07 am

    I was a bit disappointed. I did not get a selection of the color bag. All the 5K people got the choice colors. Not fair. We paid more for the half marathon.

    Reply
    • Cyndi Contrucci March 3, 2015, 7:58 pm

      I did half and got a choice, but I don’t care which bag, happy to switch with you if you want.

      Reply
  • Linda Hardy March 1, 2015, 2:47 pm

    Have tried numerous emails re the amenities from the race. Due to 8 days in bed with flu, was unable to do the race today. Can the tshirt and Vera Bradley bag be mailed to me? I will gladly pay postage.
    Linda Hardy
    4707 19th -Avenue
    Columbus, GA 31904
    706-580-0900

    Reply
  • Cherie Brake February 9, 2015, 3:30 pm

    I am concerned about parking/getting to starting line. Am I correct that I just need to get to Publix and from there you will shuttle runners to the start line? What are other options? I am NOT staying on 30A.

    Reply
  • Terrell Johnson January 2, 2015, 10:35 am

    While some runners have loved this race in the past — Facebook commenter Lauren Wise called it the “best race ever” in 2013 — others haven’t. On the old site, here’s what one reviewer posted: “it is a great destination, and a great “gal pal and family event”. However, it is not a good race., compared to other Half Marathons that focus on the experience of the runner. It is not very runner focused, terrible “customer service” and it is more “let’s fundraise for Seaside School” focused. Every email you get from them is “attend this event but donate some money for it” and “support our sponsors” as opposed to…. “here is where you get your results and photos” and “here is what you should expect on the course.” Flat course, but pretty boring…a 6.5 mile out and back down Hwy 30A. Won’t do it again.”

    Reply
    • Cherie Brake February 9, 2015, 3:32 pm

      How was parking? Did you have trouble getting to the start?

      Reply

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