2026 Seaside School™ Race Weekend Returns Feb. 12–15 with Races, Flavor and Community Spirit
One of the Emerald Coast’s most anticipated winter traditions is gearing up for another memorable year as the 2026 Seaside School™ Half Marathon + 5K Race Weekend returns Feb. 12–15, 2026. With race registration now officially open, runners, families and supporters are invited to be part of a high-energy weekend where scenic beauty, community connection and a meaningful mission come together along 30A.
More than just a race, Seaside School™ Race Weekend is the school’s largest annual fundraiser, with every mile run directly supporting classroom technology, academic programs and teacher initiatives that impact students across Walton County. Each year, the event sells out, drawing participants from across the Southeast who come for the views and stay for the cause.
“This weekend truly captures the spirit of our community,” organizers said. “From runners and volunteers to chefs, sponsors and spectators, everyone plays a role in supporting education while celebrating everything that makes Seaside special.”
A Weekend Packed with Events
Festivities begin with early packet pickup at Seacoast Collegiate High School, 109 Greenway Trail in Santa Rosa Beach, from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 12–13, and from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14. Runners can also enjoy the Race Expo and official packet pickup from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Seaside Neighborhood School, 10 Smolian Circle.
Race day arrives Sunday, Feb. 15, with the Half Marathon starting at 7 a.m. CST, followed by the 5K at 7:30 a.m. Participants will wind through Seaside’s iconic streets and along picturesque stretches of 30A, cheered on by spectators and volunteers who help make the event a true community celebration.
Registration is open now, and spots are expected to fill quickly. To register, visit www.runseasidefl.com.
Taste of the Race: A Culinary Kickoff
Race Weekend officially kicks off Friday night with Taste of the Race, one of 30A’s most anticipated culinary events. Set for 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the iconic SEASIDE® Lyceum, the 21-and-up, rain-or-shine event brings together top Gulf Coast chefs and restaurants for an evening of friendly competition and unforgettable flavors.
Guests will enjoy tastings from more than a dozen acclaimed chefs, paired with complimentary fine wine, craft cocktails and local brews, all set to live entertainment and a festive Race Weekend atmosphere. Chefs will compete for People’s Choice, Judges’ Choice and Chef’s Choice awards, making the night as exciting as it is delicious.
Tickets for Taste of the Race are on sale now in limited quantities, with Early Bird pricing available through Dec. 31 and new couples pricing options for added savings. Tickets can be purchased at runsignup.com/TicketEvent/TOTR2026/Register.
Rubiks Groove Brings the Party
Adding to the excitement, nationally acclaimed party band Rubiks Groove will take over Taste of the Race with a high-energy throwback show featuring the biggest hits of the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Known for full-costume characters and nonstop crowd interaction, the band promises to transform the Lyceum into a flashback dance floor and keep the celebration going all night long.
Opportunities to Support and Sponsor
Businesses and community partners are also invited to get involved by sponsoring Race Weekend. Sponsorship offers meaningful visibility before thousands of runners, families and spectators while directly supporting educational excellence at Seaside School™.
“As our largest fundraiser, Race Weekend fuels innovation in the classroom and supports the teachers who make a difference every day,” organizers said. “Sponsors play a vital role in that impact.”
With races, music, food and a mission that matters, the 2026 Seaside School™ Race Weekend promises four days of unforgettable moments. Whether you’re running, cheering, tasting or sponsoring, this February tradition offers a powerful way to celebrate community while investing in the future.
