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 2021 Patriot’s Run & Paddle, there will be three distinct events 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 takes place exclusively on Western Lake. It commences at the dock adjacent the WaterColor Boathouse, and loosely follows the shore of WaterColor to the 30A bridge. After paddlers cross under the bridge, they continue to the western portion of Western Lake. At the turnaround point, paddlers reverse course and complete the SUP race at the WaterColor pedestrian bridge. Scenery truly doesn’t get much prettier than this! The 2.5K SUP race is also a stand-alone event.

So once again, three event 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!

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