Siesta Key holiday tradition continues at Sandy Claws Beach Run

By Ian Swaby
| 10:00 a.m. December 10, 2023

Jim Grimes, Forest Parker, Robert Martini, Sarah Schulz, Nicole Rissler, Greg Steinberg, Megan Timchula

Sarasota
Neighbors

Every area has its own Christmas traditions.

For Sarasota, one of those is getting sandy at Siesta Key Beach during the annual Sandy Claws Beach Run.

Held the morning of Dec. 10, the 47th annual run allowed participants of all ages to compete in both a 1-mile fun run, and a 5K race.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Claire Durand, who came to the event with her 3-year-old daughter Vanessa Wood.

Durand had attended the event when she was younger, as part of the Manasota Track Club.

“It’s fun to come back to an event that’s been going on so long and show it to her,” she said.

Jamie Jalwan and her 7-year-old son Connor Jalwan said running on the beach presents a different experience, where runners may find themselves splashing in the tide if they aren't careful, and finishing the race with sandy shoes.

“Everyone running together kicks up a lot of sand,” said Jamie Jalwan.

Claire Durand introduces Vanessa Wood, 3, to the event.

Bob Hoffman talks with Charlie Roberts and Kaleb Fritz before the run.

Lee-En Chung wears a shirt showing when she first ran in the Sandy Claws Beach Run, 1992.

Cece Wilson, 4, prepares to start the fun run.

The fun run begins, with Vidor Amskold of Sweden shown in front.

Caleb Sims, 6 and Johanna Sims arrive at the finish line in the 5K.

Declan Fiorucci, first-place overall winner in the 5K, makes his way to the finish line.

Scott Moranda holds out a medal for Nico Skuba, 8, at the finish line of the 5K.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.