The wildly popular Sandy Claws Beach Run returns Saturday, Dec. 12, for its 39th year on Siesta Beach

SARASOTA COUNTY – The wildly popular Sandy Claws Beach Run returns Saturday, Dec. 12, for its 39th year on Siesta Beach.

This annual event draws hundreds of runners, joggers and walkers to the beautiful, hard-packed sand of Siesta Beach, with many participants wearing fun holiday costumes. A 5K race is available for the serious-minded competitors, while a one-mile fun run is available for those who want to take a casual approach to this family friendly-event.

Pre-registration ends Dec. 6, and so does the opportunity for runners to pay a reduced fee. Pre-registration for the 5K is $25 for youth and $30 for adults (18 and up), and $25 for the one-mile fun run. The race-day registration fee is $35 for the 5K event, and $30 for the fun run.

Early registration also guarantees a long-sleeve event shirt in your choice of wicking or 100 percent cotton and a goody bag. Race-day registrants receive event shirts while supplies last. Awards are presented to the first six places in each age group: trophies for first through third place and ribbons for fourth through sixth place.

Participants can also try kinesiology taping, offered pre- and post-race, and enjoy a post-race party featuring music, a holiday-themed costume contest, raffle prizes, a holiday photo op, and food and beverages.

Through Dec. 6, 6egister online at https://www.scgov.net/parks or through Active.com, or complete and return a flyer/registration form available at any county recreation center, library or government building. Early packet pick-up takes place at the New Balance Sarasota store, 1872 Stickney Point Road, on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 3-6 p.m.

The race, sponsored by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and Drs. Heidi Anderson and Paul Brannan of DOCs (Dermatology & Oculoplastic Consultants), is sanctioned by the Manasota Track Club and is chip-timed.

Siesta Beach is located at 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. Race-day registration starts at 7 a.m. The one-mile fun run begins at 8 a.m., and the 5K run is at 8:20 a.m.