2026 Seaside School™ Race Weekend
The 2026 Seaside School™ Race Weekend will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Seaside, Florida, located in Walton County on the Gulf Coast. The event will feature two road races—half marathon and 5K—both held on paved surfaces along Scenic Highway 30A, a scenic route known for its coastal beauty. On race day, the average temperature is expected to range between 55 and 65°F, providing favorable conditions for runners. Participants will enjoy a well-maintained course with minimal elevation changes, offering a mix of flat and gently rolling terrain. The half marathon begins in downtown Seaside and extends westward through coastal communities, while the 5K shares the same starting point and follows a shorter out-and-back route. Both races provide access to local amenities, aid stations, and a celebratory finish line in the heart of Seaside.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Half Marathon
- →5K
What is the event type?
- →Road race (paved surfaces exclusively)
What is the course description?
- →The half marathon follows an out-and-back route on paved surfaces along Scenic Highway 30A, starting in downtown Seaside and extending through coastal communities such as Watercolor, Grayton Beach, and Santa Rosa Beach.
- →The 5K shares the same start location and runs a shorter out-and-back segment on Highway 30A.
- →The course is predominantly flat with moderate rolling sections, recognized as the #4 flattest half marathon in the United States.
What is the race date and time?
- →Half Marathon: 7:00 AM CST
- →5K: 7:30 AM CST
What are the age requirements?
- →Half Marathon: Minimum age 14
- →5K: Minimum age 6
What is the charity focus of the event?
- →100% of proceeds benefit the SEASIDE SCHOOL FOUNDATION™, supporting unique educational opportunities for 5th–12th grade public charter students in Walton County.
What other events are included in the race weekend?
- →"Taste of the Race" culinary kickoff on Friday evening
- →Race Expo on Saturday
What is included in the race experience?
- →Seamless traffic management on Highway 30A
- →Generous aid stations with local volunteers
- →Vibrant finish-line atmosphere in Seaside’s town center
- →Post-race festivities including live local music, complimentary craft beer (with ID), and a celebratory meal
What is the expected weather for race day?
- →Average race-day temperatures range between 55 and 65°F
- →February typically offers a mild coastal climate suitable for road racing
What is the race course surface?
- →Paved surfaces exclusively
What is the race venue?
- →Seaside, Florida, located in Walton County on the Gulf Coast
- →The course runs along Scenic Highway 30A, a scenic route through coastal communities
What is the race's unique feature?
- →The half marathon is recognized as the #4 flattest half marathon in the United States
- →The course offers continuous Gulf Coast scenery, including emerald-green waters, coastal dune lakes, and charming neighborhoods
What is the race's significance for runners?
- →The flat profile and February timing make it a popular early-season goal race for Boston Marathon qualifiers and first-time half marathoners
- →The course is ideal for achieving personal bests due to its gentle grades and well-maintained asphalt roads