Gulf Place on Santa Rosa Beach will host the first 30A Half Marathon and 5K, presented by the 30A Company, YOLO Board and 360 Blue, from October 21 to 23. All proceeds will benefit the Sonder Project, a locally based nonprofit that focuses on high-impact, sustainable solutions for ending extreme poverty and hunger worldwide.

The weekend will kick off on October 21 with a pre-race party from 6 to 9 p.m. at the BoatHouse in WaterColor Inn and Resort. Festivities will include live entertainment by Hotel Oscar, food and local brews. On October 22, racers and guests are invited to the packet pickup and expo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Gulf Place. The main event begins on October 23 at 7 a.m. with the half marathon, followed by the 5K start at 7:25 a.m. Finishers will receive a custom medal; all participants will receive a race T-shirt and goody bag. 

The out-and-back route starts at Gulf Place and heads east through Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach and WaterColor. The BoatHouse on Western Lake will serve as the official turnaround point. The post-race party will begin at 8:30 a.m., 5K awards at 9 a.m. and half marathon awards at 10:15 a.m. 

Race registration and information can be found at 30AHalf.com. Area businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact the Sonder Project’s executive director, Sarah E. Hockett, at [email protected] or 850-420-5845.