Jolly Elf 30A Half Marathon + 5K
Established in 2022, the Jolly Elf 30A Half Marathon + 5K is 30A’s newest half-marathon and 5K! Officially, the Jolly Elf is a “virtual” race, offering both a traditional virtual race, which can be ran literally anywhere in the world; and then a “common course" virtual race, where runners must run a specific half-marathon or specific 5K course, which, hence the name of the race, will be on a designated stretch of 30A.
Beginning with the 2024 JOLLY ELF 30A HALF MARATHON + 5K, the start for both the half marathon and 5K ("common course," obviously) will be in the parking lot of 30Avenue in Inlet Beach, adjacent the pedestrian underpass. You probably guessed it...both courses will run through the new underpass and then proceed west on 30A! The half marathon course will be an out-and-back to Seagrove Beach (just past the Vacasa Office at the corner of 30A and Eastern Lake Dr). The 5K course will be an out-and-back to the west end of Alys Beach. The exact start and finish “points” will be clearly marked on the multi-purpose path with sidewalk chalk. GPX and TCX data will also be available for download (half marathon only) from the link at the bottom of this page (coming soon).
What do you get for your money? If you’re taking part in the “common course" virtual, rest assured, you’ll be running an incredibly scenic half marathon or 5K race route through multiple picturesque communities along the 30A multi-purpose path. If you’re running a half or 5K course in the “traditional" virtual category, obviously the course will only be as pretty as you make it ALL registered runners will receive an awesome Christmas-themed long-sleeve race shirt. In terms of awards, runners who successfully complete the race in which they registered will receive a cool finisher’s award. The men’s and women’s winner and runner up from both courses will receive a suitably nifty award.
Post-race party you ask? Duh, yes. The specific establishment will be announced to registered runners when the day gets closer. The shindig kicks off at 11:00a on Saturday...hence the deadline for all times to be submitted! The post-race shindig will serve multiple purposes, actually. First, the shindig is where you’ll receive your race shirt + finisher’s medal. It’s also where we’ll be holding the awards ceremony. Again, the men’s and women’s winners and runner ups from both courses will receive a suitably nifty award.
AND, as has become customary, there will be complimentary beverage or two along with some sort of complimentary, post-race vittles.
NOTE: If you’re taking part in the “traditional" virtual race and reside outside of the local area, or you’re just unable to make it to the post-race social, regardless of which race you competed in, your shirt + awards (as applicable) will be mailed to you (if mailing internationally, there may be an additional charge).
10% of the gross proceeds or 50% of the net, whichever is MORE, from registration for the Jolly Elf 30A Half Marathon + 5K, will go to Caring & Sharing of South Walton. Caring & Sharing does incredible things in our county all year long. At Christmas time it just seems particularly pressing that folks get the help that they need, so it’s our pleasure to make them the beneficiary of this race. Check them out at: https://caringandsharingsowal.org
