- March 19, 2025
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Claire Durand introduces Vanessa Wood, 3, to the event.
Photo by Ian SwabyBob Hoffman talks with Charlie Roberts and Kaleb Fritz before the run.
Photo by Ian SwabyLee-En Chung wears a shirt showing when she first ran in the Sandy Claws Beach Run, 1992.
Photo by Ian SwabyCece Wilson, 4, prepares to start the fun run.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe fun run begins.
Photo by Ian SwabyThe fun run begins, with Vidor Amskold of Sweden shown in front.
Photo by Ian SwabyCaleb Sims, 6 and Johanna Sims arrive at the finish line in the 5K.
Photo by Ian SwabyKaty and Greg Corban
Photo by Ian SwabyDeclan Fiorucci, first-place overall winner in the 5K, makes his way to the finish line.
Photo by Ian SwabyScott Moranda holds out a medal for Nico Skuba, 8, at the finish line of the 5K.
Photo by Ian SwabyAddison Collins, 4 and Amanda Collins
Photo by Ian SwabyJim Grimes, Forest Parker, Robert Martini, Sarah Schulz, Nicole Rissler, Greg Steinberg, Megan Timchula
Photo by Ian SwabyEvery 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.