Registration opens for virtual marathon benefiting Seaside schools

SANTA ROSA BEACH — While COVID-19 has isolated people in many ways, it also has opened up connections worldwide in numerous unexpected ways.

For instance, the annual Seaside School Half-Marathon has become a Virtual Half Marathon + 5K this year, and is now open for registration to participants around the world.

In an effort to minimize the spread of the coronavirus and prioritize the health and safety of the community and participants, the Seaside School Inc. and Seaside School Foundation decided to move forward with the 19th annual event, but to take it online.

The virtual half-marathon (13.1 miles) and 5K (3.1 miles) will start on Feb. 14, 2021, and end at midnight on Feb. 28, 2021. Participants can run or walk at any pace during the race dates, then simply report the time to be added to the national results leaderboard.

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"With continued uncertainty, this virtual option will allow us to provide the safest possible experience for participants," said Teresa Horton, executive director of the Seaside School Foundation, in a recent press release. “This was an incredibly difficult and emotional process for our school and community as a whole to make. With that said, we need the community’s support this year more than ever. We look forward to virtually cheering on our runners in 2021!"

Registration cost for the 5K is $75 and the half marathon is $100. Registration options can be found at http://runseasidefl.com.

Participants who register before Jan. 17, 2021, may receive complimentary swag bags before race week. Bags will include a Virtual Training Coach Program; a Vera Bradley ReActive Sling Backpack and Pleated Face Mask; Billie Gaffrey designed race shirt celebrating 25 years of the Seaside School; custom finisher medal; playlist; virtual bib; finisher certificate and goody bag.

"We're looking forward to engaging with the runners virtually while still offering some perks of race day our participants have come to know and love,” Horton said.

All funds raised from the virtual race will benefit the Seaside Schools Foundation, which supports the operating budget for the Seaside Neighborhood School and Seacoast Collegiate High School. The Seaside School is tuition-free, public charter school serving students in across Walton County.

Last year, the race raised more than ever with proceeds totaling more than $600,000, organizers said.

“Our students and parents are extremely grateful for each and every race participant this year,” said Kim Mixson, principal of Seaside Neighborhood School. “This fundraiser has become a part of our school culture, a stellar example of the Seaside Way in action. By applying creative thinking and problem-solving, we can keep this tradition alive and meet the needs of our growing school and community.”

Every year, the gap between the Seaside School standard of excellence and the funding provided by the state seems to grow, organizers said in the press release, adding, "There are either funding cuts or the schools simply want more for the students. In any case, the shortfall is significant each year."

Participation and support of the annual fundraisers provides middle school and high school students in Walton County the opportunity to participate in elective classes for gardening, music, creative and culinary art, an award-winning robotics program, advanced placement classes as well as career-readiness industry certification courses.

Founded in 1996, the Seaside School Inc. was one of the first and is now one of the oldest surviving public charter schools in the state. Seaside School now has more than 375 students across two campuses serving grades 5-12.