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Runners sprint to finish Sandy Claws Beach Run

Sarasota County Parks and Recreation hosts 39th annual Sandy Claws 5K and fun run on Siesta Key.


  • By Amanda Morales
  • | 4:55 p.m. December 12, 2015
  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
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Dashing through the snowy sands of Siesta Key, runners made their way down the beach for the 39th annual Sandy Claws Beach Run. 

Race results

Overall winner and first place male: Tony Wachira

First Woman: Hannah Lemke

Participants donned Santa hats, antlers and even tinsel to take on the 5k route and one-mile fun run. After crossing the finish line they were invited to decorate holiday cookies and take photos with Santa Claus, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and Sandy Claws the crab. 

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer gets in position for the start of the one-mile fun run.
Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer gets in position for the start of the one-mile fun run.
Runners at the start of the 5K course.
Runners at the start of the 5K course.
Asher Collins makes
Asher Collins makes "snowballs" with soft Siesta Key sand.
Female 5K winner Hannah Lemke
Female 5K winner Hannah Lemke
Some runners committed to their costumes like this minion who completed the run with a banana in hand.
Some runners committed to their costumes like this minion who completed the run with a banana in hand.
Overall winner Tony Wachira crosses the finish line.
Overall winner Tony Wachira crosses the finish line.
Trophies wait for participants of the 5K.
Trophies wait for participants of the 5K.
Darrell and Austin Collins before the start of the race.
Darrell and Austin Collins before the start of the race.
David and Ann Vozzolo
David and Ann Vozzolo
Pals Dora Marin, Debbie Frederick, Gudrun Morgan, Shirley Matchett and Lisa Wright.
Pals Dora Marin, Debbie Frederick, Gudrun Morgan, Shirley Matchett and Lisa Wright.
Visitors from the North Pole included Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Santa Claus, Jabari Williams as Sandy Claws with Sarasota Parks and Recreation Director Carolyn Brown.
Visitors from the North Pole included Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Santa Claus, Jabari Williams as Sandy Claws with Sarasota Parks and Recreation Director Carolyn Brown.

 

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