Patriot’s Run & Paddle

First things first, MAY WE NEVER FORGET. This is most definitely a Patriot’s Day event – a morning of contemplation and commemoration. But also one of celebration…celebration of the indomitable American spirit and the knowledge that we live in the greatest country on this earth.

The Patriot’s Run & Paddle is another event unique to the SoWal area! Started in 2020, it was actually the first area event permitted during the COVID era. Many improvements have been made since that first race. Beginning with the 2022 Patriot’s Run & Paddle, there will be three distinct events---with four distinct awards categories---offered on race morning.

PATRIOT’S CHALLENGE. The Patriot’s Challenge is a SUP-Run-SUP, consisting of a (total) 2.5K SUP race + a 9.11K trail run. The SUP portion commences at WaterColor pedestrian bridge adjacent the Boathouse Paddle Club and proceeds across Western Lake to Grayton Beach State Park. Paddlers will exit the water, stage their board and paddle, and then commence the 9.11K trail run. Upon completing the run, participants will grab their board and paddle and continue with the SUP portion of the event, ultimately finishing at the WaterColor pedestrian bridge. Aside from the small detour to the 9.11K course trailhead within Grayton Beach State Park trailhead, the SUP portion essentially follows the same course as the stand-alone 2.5K SUP race. We’re excited about offering this event.

5K TRAIL RUN. The 5K trail run is run entirely on the well-groomed (and mostly shaded!) trail system within the community of WaterColor. The course starts and finishes adjacent Cerulean Park. A truly beautiful course. The 5K trail run is a stand-alone event.

2.5K SUP RACE. The 2.5K SUP Race consists of two laps on the eastern side of Western Lake. The course commences at the WaterColor pedestrian bridge and proceeds westbound, loosely following the shore of WaterColor to a buoy placed just before the 30A bridge. Paddlers will make their way around the buoy and then proceed opposite direction to a second buoy on the northern shore of Western Lake. Paddlers will repeat for a second lap, ultimately finishing under the WaterColor pedestrian bridge. Scenery truly doesn’t get much prettier than this! Like the 5K, the 2.5K SUP race is also a stand-alone event.

COMBINED RACE. Want to do both the 5K run AND the 2.5K SUP race? The start times for each should absolutely allow you to participate in both events, if you wish. That said, beginning with the 2022 race, we're offering a fourth race category to choose from: a COMBINED race, consisting of the 5K Run + 2.5K SUP Race. The even better news is there is a discount when registering for the COMBINED event...as opposed to registering for each event individually.

So lots of options...rest assured, whichever you go with, it’s all but guaranteed to be memorable!

Men’s and women’s winners and runner ups for the Patriot’s Challenge, 5K Trail Run, and 2.5K SUP Race will receive awards. All registered participants who cross the finish line of their respective race will also receive a finisher's award. And, of course, all registered participants will be receiving very cool official Patriot Run and Paddle swag!

Discounts. As always, first responders and active duty or retired military always get 10% off. Just use the HERO promo code at checkout. Also, if you want to run but the registration fee will truly set you back financially, please know that a few registrations have been set aside for such situations. Just use the WANTTORUN promo code at checkout. No worries and no questions asked. However, shame on you if you use either of those promo codes and don't warrant them. Seriously.

The Splash & Dash is a collaborative effort with our good friends at RUN SUP. Be sure to check them out at: https://www.runsup.com/

10% of the gross proceeds from registration for the Patriot’s Run & Paddle will always go to the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. This is a fantastic organization that is doing incredible things for our local military families during times of need. For more information on the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, check out their website at https://fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org