A 5K Sunset Beach Run along the Gulf

This Friday night run on the beach was the perfect ending to the week. The race is part of a 3-race series put on by Race Hawk to benefit VIP Warriors, a group that helps wounded veterans participate in sports.

​Runners began arriving at the John's Pass Beach Park around 5:15 pm. Packet pick up and registration was in the shelter next to the parking lot. 

I had my bib and race shirt in a couple of minutes, so I walked on the beach while waiting for a friend to arrive.

The beach was full of frolicking kids and families. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The approach to Madeira Beach from the parking lot. The sand at the start of the Madeira Beach Sunset 5K was deep and soft. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The Madeira Beach Sunset 5K starting line before it was set up. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

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What You Need to Know

Cost: Early registration is the best deal. You can register for 1, 2 or 3 races.

Early Registration:
$25/each; $65/series
Regular Registration:
$30/each
Race Day: $35
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Packet Pickup: Packet pickup was only available on Friday from 5:15-7:00 pm at the race site.
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SWAG: Race Swag is only guaranteed for pre-registered runners. 
June - tank top
July - beach towel
August - trucker hat

RunAppeal.com was on site with a raffle for running shoes. (I think I heard an announcement that the male/female winners would receive a gift certificate.)
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Race Day Parking: Parking was FREE in the John's Pass Park lot only. Get there early, and you'll find a spot. (There is additional paid parking nearby.) The free parking is a great perk in this busy beach town, especially near sunset.

Free parking was available in the John's Pass Beach Park lot around the shelter and restrooms. (Photo credit: City of Madeira Beach.)

​Race Course

The race began and ended on the south end of the beach next to the parking lot. The sand was soft and deep there, but was wet and hard after a short distance. The course was simple out and back along the water.

The most challenging part of the course was avoiding the other people on the beach. I ran around a little girl sitting at the water's edge who was wearing a waist-high mermaid tail. (Yes, yes she was.) There were random professional photographers at work with their clients. One looked like an engagement photo, and the other looked like a corporate shot.

The views were wonderful. It's was soothing to hear the ocean and watch the waves roll in.
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Pacers: No. 

Aid Stations: Yes. Water at mile 1.5 turnaround, and the finish line. Cold bottles of Gatorade, and water were available at the shelter in the parking lot after the race.

Timing Chip: Yes. The chip was on the race bib. There was a digital display at the finish. Results were available online when I looked late Friday night.

Port-o-lets: No. Permanent restrooms were available at John's Pass Park next to the shelter and parking lot. There is also an outdoor beach shower which was tempting.
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Photos

There were a couple of people taking photos at the finish line with their phones, but I haven't seen any posted.

The finish line! That soft sand made it hard to kick in a fast finish, but everyone got through it. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

​Happy Surprise

Free parking was a great perk, since beach towns are infamous for towing. (Photo credit: City of Madeira Beach)

Runners gather near the starting line before the race. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The race was an out and back course along the beach. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

Runners and spectators watch the finish line. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

The sand at the start/finish line was deep and soft. Most of the race could be run on the wet packed sand near the water. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

​Post Race Food

Water and Gatorade were available at the shelter after the race. This gave runners a chance to rehydrate and cool down a bit before heading to Hooters in John's Pass Village for the post-race party. I couldn't stay for the festivities, so I can't tell you exactly what was served.

Each registered runner received tickets for two drinks and food. 21 and older received a wrist band for beer. Food and drinks were at Hooters across the road in John's Pass Village.

Awards

Overall series awards for first place in each age group male / female will be presented at the last race of the series on August 4th.

Medals

No medals, but there's very nice SWAG at each race. Tank tops, beach towels, trucker hats.

Runners lingered after they finished to wait for fellow runners and watch the sunset. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

​Weather Report

There was a light breeze off the water. At times, the air felt heavy with humidity.
-> Blue skies and puffy white clouds
-> 69% humidity
-> Temp was 84 at start

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​Race Rating: A

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My Race Recap

Bright beautiful sunset race bibs, and a race shirt in a cotton/poly blend that I know I'll wear often. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

This beautiful sunset followed the race. It was fun to stand on the shore and take it all in after the run. (Photo credit: ThisOldRunner.com)

I did some reading about beach running before the race, and I'm glad I did.

One of the tips was to watch out for holes. Holes? Yes, holes.

• The holes kids dig every day in the wet sand by the water.
• The holes that remain when a mom or dad buried in the sand makes their escape.
• Those incredibly deep digging-to-China holes.

​I saw and dodged them all, along with chairs, people, towels and waves.

You have to watch your step when you run on the beach. (Photo credit: maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/)

I thoroughly enjoyed the Madeira Beach Sunset 5K. It was a small race, for a good cause, that challenged everyone in it. My pace was slow, but the entertainment value was high. The people-watching was fun.

I like to mix up the size and style of my races; each type provides a unique experience. It's definitely harder to run on the sand than a road, but it's good training. 

I recommend a beach run for the scenery and the workout. I'm looking forward to July's race.

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#SeenOnARun #SceneOnARun — While running along the beach I thought I saw a big brown coconut on the sand. A coconut? I saw it again, whatever it was, at the park shelter after the race. One of the other runners picked it up and took it across the finish line! #MadeiraBeach5K

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