Destin 50 Beach Ultra Marathon Scheduled for February 19th

By Kristin Destin, ResortQuest Northwest Florida

For all of you runners out there, I have just learned about one of the most exciting races in Northwest Florida – a 50 mile race that takes place on our beautiful white sand beaches. That’s right, a race in the SAND. The Destin 50 Beach Ultra was scheduled on February 19th, 2011 over President’s Day weekend. Because the race takes places in the soft sand, this is the perfect opportunity for barefoot runners!

In addition to the 50 mile individual race, there is a 50 mile relay for teams of 2-4 people. The race will start at TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort, run east along the water to Seagrove Beach, turn around and head back through TOPS’L, run west to Destin Pass, and a final turn back to the finish line at TOPS’L. Start time for individuals is 5 am, relay teams start at 7 am, and the cut off time is 7 pm. Following the race, the Funky Blues Shack in Baytowne Wharf will host a celebratory after party featuring live entertainment, drink specials and hors d’oeuvres.

The Destin 50 Beach Ultra is donating ALL of the proceeds from this event to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The Foundation is a charity that pays for the full college expense of children of Special Operations members in all branches of military service who have lost their lives in combat. The charity also provides immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in the global war on terror. Once notified of a Special Operations soldier, airman, sailor or Marine hospitalized with a severe injury, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation immediately provides funds for family and loved ones to travel to his or her bedside. To date, the Foundation has provided over $1,000,000 to wounded Special Operations personnel. With such large military presence in the surrounding area, including Special Operations forces, I am very proud that the race is featuring such a heartwarming charity that hits so close to home.

TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort is offering special rates starting as low as $85 per night – call 800-380-4808 and mention Group Code #A1083. If you want to stay somewhere other than TOPS’L, no worries, because we have great rates at all of our Northwest Florida locations. Come run for a great cause, while enjoying a long weekend on the most beautiful beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast.