** We will be utilizing a staggered start format throughout the entirety of the race, meaning 25 runners will start every 15 minutes. If you're reading this, then you can expect to start at either 8:15 or 8:30a.
** PRICE INCREASES FROM $35 TO $45 on Friday, September 11th at 11:59p. Registration closes at 5:30a CST on Saturday, September 12th (i.e. early on race morning) OR upon reaching 249 runners (applicable to in-person race only), whichever happens first.
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Registration for the INAUGURAL Grayton Beach Patriot’s Run, presented by Braxton Langley, Florida Real Estate, is NOW OPEN!!! NOTE: COVID-19 protocols for the race are included at the very end - PLEASE read.
The Grayton Beach Patriot's Run is a 4.5-mile run that includes some of the most incredible scenery that you’ll find anywhere! The 2020 race will take place on Saturday, September 12th at Grayton Beer Brewpub. The race kicks off at 7:30a. THERE WILL ALSO BE A VIRTUAL RACE option that will be open the entire weekend for those of you who can't make it Grayton. More on the virtual race in a minute.
The Grayton Beach Patriot’s Run is obviously a running “race,” as evidenced by the fact that there will be awards presented for the men’s and women’s winners, as well as finisher’s awards for all those who cross the finish line. However, the bigger purpose of the event is to bring folks from the community together to remember the sacrifices made by so many of our brave first responders and military members in the aftermath of the attacks on 9/11. Just as the phrase on the back of the race shirt says (and will ALWAYS say): “We run to remember our heroes.”
What will you be getting for your money? Lots. A BEAUTIFUL course, a cool race shirt, and a finisher’s award for all finishers. Men's and women's race winners will receive a winner’s award. Obviously, all way awesome! The biggest takeaway? Again, we’ll be building community with friends, family, and neighbors by running a beautiful course in remembrance of our nation’s heroes, while supporting two fantastic causes: the Steven Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the Fisher House Foundation. You truly can’t put a price tag on that! All registered runners will also receive any delicious Grayton beer of their choice (must have bib + ID) after the race. Of course that may be substituted with soft drink, tea, or coffee. The complimentary beer is available on race day only.
The course. The out-and-back course starts at Grayton Beer Brewpub. It then departs and proceeds east on the multi-purpose path that parallels famous County Road 30A. Upon reaching the end of the eastbound path on the south side of 30A, runners will reverse course and proceed to the 4-way stop adjacent the Grayton General Store. Runners will then turn left on to DeFuniak St. and run the entire length of the street, at which time they’ll proceed on to the majestic sands of Grayton Beach. After one-mile of running on mostly packed sand (assuming you so choose the packed sand, that is :)), runners will re-enter the village of Grayton Beach adjacent the newly renovated Red Bar. After a quick pass through the iconic streets of Grayton Beach, runners will reverse course and return to Grayton Beer Brewpub. Again, total course length is 4.5 miles.
The start. Due to continued concerns regarding COVID-19, the decision has been made to utilize a staggered start. To the point, 25 runners will be starting every 15 minutes, beginning at 7:30a. The race clock will start at 7:30a and not shut off until 11:00a. Each runner will be provided an ankle chip, so your personal run time starts and stops when you cross the start line and finish line, respectively. That is your run time and will be recorded as such. Why point this out? We are asking that you show up NO EARLIER THAN 20 minutes before your assigned start time. This should provide plenty of time for you to get your packet and then stretch before your assigned start. In the event that it’s not enough time and, just for example, you aren’t ready to start the race until 5 minutes after your assigned start time, then…no worries! If 7:30a is your start time, then you really have until 7:44a to start. We just need all 25 runners from each wave to have started the race before the next wave starts. Hope that makes sense.
Registration. Registration will be online ONLY via this website. Online registration for the in-person race will close at 5:30a on race morning OR when reaching 249 registered runners, whichever happens first. To be clear, NO REGISTRATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE RACE. For the virtual run, registration will remain open (at this site) until 5p on Sunday, September 13th.
Hero Discount. If you're a member of the military, a first responder, or a medical worker, please use the Promo Code HERO1 for a $5 off discount. Thank you for what you do!
Parking. Lots of parking adjacent the start line at Grayton Beer Brewpub. Should that lot fill up, there is a huge public lot .35 miles away on 283S across from the Shops of Grayton.
Packet pick-up. Packet pick-up will take place at Grayton Beer Brewpub from 4-7p on Friday, September 11th. For those that can't make it, packet pick-up will also take place on race morning. It SHOULD be a quick process, so please show up no earlier than 20 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Timing. Chip timing will be provided by About-Time-Events.
VIRTUAL RACE Option. If you can't make it to Grayton for the race, no worries! Run wherever you are that weekend (...like, literally anywhere!). You have the latitude to complete a distance of 4.5 miles at any point that weekend, whenever convenient (and wherever safe) between 12:01a on Saturday, September 12th to whenever on Sunday, September 13th – I just need to be in receipt of your race time by 11:59p CST. In addition to the standard race "swag" that those running the Grayton race will be receiving, virtual runners will also be eligible for overall awards in addition to the standard finisher's awards. There will be cool awards for the Top 3 Overall Men and the Top 3 Overall Women.
By running the Grayton Beach Patriot’s Run, you’ll be supporting two very deserving (and highly-rated) organizations: the Steven Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://tunnel2towers.org/) and the Fisher House Foundation (https://fisherhouse.org/). Check out their websites for more information.
Please join us on what should be an incredible morning!
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COVID Protocols for the Grayton Beach Patriot’s Run, presented by Braxton Langley, Florida Real Estate
1. No congregating at the race start. As outlined above, the staggered start is being utilized to avoid the massing of people at the start. Use your best judgment, but if there is a group of more than 25 people at either the start or packet pick-up, please remain in the vicinity of your car until the number of people decreases, and then proceed. Again, if you miss your exact start time it’s absolutely NO PROBLEM.
2. Masks must be worn AT ALL TIMES while in the starting or packet pick-up area. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you need a mask one will be provided. If you refuse to wear a mask while in the starting or packet pick-up area, you will be disqualified from the race and asked to leave. A little harsh, I know, but getting this permit wasn't easy. I don't want to jeopardize the chances of getting future permits in this COVID era and, most importantly, I don't want your safety jeopardized. Only after you cross the starting line to begin the race may you remove your mask. If you simply cannot bring yourself to wear a mask, there's always the virtual race option - we'd certainly love to have you!
3. When you cross the finish line, you’ll see a table with finisher’s awards (in the form of a very cool, race-themed dog tag) and bottles of water on it – please take one of each! We kindly ask that you then depart the finish line area to avoid any congregating of people. Unfortunately, that will officially conclude the race. We know, rather anti-climactic finish to, what will undoubtedly be, an introspective, inspirational and CHALLENGING morning. On the bright side, just having this race is a step towards normalcy!
