Darkness had not yet lifted when volunteers pulled up to Rosemary 30A at 5 a.m., organizing supplies, race markers, and other materials for the 7th Annual 30A 10K. The day promised to be chilly and hazy, cold for the volunteers, but perfect for the runners.
The organizers founded the race when they realized no other event in the area occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday, in contrast to many other communities around the country. During their first year they only expected a few hundred runners, but 800 registered and ran. In 2018? Over 3,000 people participated in the Fun Run, 5k, and 10k.
Volunteers across Rosemary Beach set up a check-in/t-shirt table, took up stations along the race course, and prepared to hand out food and water. The race raises money for local charities every year, with proceeds from the 2018 event benefitting the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance, the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, the Seaside Rep Theatre, and Sandcastle Kids. Each organization fills volunteer slots over three days to help the races go smoothly. “It was great fun supporting the healthy lifestyle 30A 10K event, passing out tee shirts as a volunteer through the Choctawhatchee Bay Alliance organization,” says Cay Burton, one of CBA’s volunteers and Chair of the Okaloosa Democratic Environmental Committee, “CBA protects waterways in this area, which we all depend on for healthy living.” At 7:30 a.m., the 10K race began, over a thousand runners bunched together up at the starting line. The fastest jumped out ahead first, followed by those just happy to be out and running, regardless of their final time. Some wore turkeys on their heads or colorful costumes; many sported the signature race-day t-shirt. “A Thanksgiving event is so much fun because it’s a great way to celebrate our local community,” says Alison McDowell, CBA Director, “The funding we receive from the 30A 10K goes back into our education programs, inspiring the next generation to be water stewards.”
7:45 a.m. came with the start of the 5K, followed by Fun Run two hours later. Hundreds of spectators lined the race course to cheer on their friends and family, clapping with extra gusto when Hughes Benjamin broke the 10K course record with a time of 32:13 (the average time was 59:32).
In 2017, the event raised nearly $250,000 for local charities, and though this year’s totals have yet to be tallied, the positive impact of the 30A 10K for area nonprofits is impossible to overstate. On a day dedicated to giving thanks, the races provide opportunities to meet new people, get a little exercise, and give back to programs and services that in turn make Northwest Florida a better place to live.
Author: SWal Life
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