Joni Hill, Cate Douglas and Gaby Hayashi make their way across the beach.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Sarasota
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After being a triathlete a decade ago, Carol Metzger was looking for a way to get back into running.
She said the 49th Annual Sandy Claws Beach Run, held Dec. 13 on Siesta Key, was the best race she'd even been in and a good way to start.
In fact, she came away with more than the race itself accomplished; she also earned a "Best Festive Hat" certificate for her Christmas tree-shaped accessory.
She wasn't the only participant in festive attire at the race, which is hosted by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and has become a fixture of Sarasota's running community.
Runners and county staff also dressed in holiday costumes as participants headed across the beach sands in a 5K run chip-timed by Manasota Track Club and the preceding 1-mile fun run.
"I just can't say enough," Metzger said, also noting she signed up for the event because it benefits kids through the “Summer in the Parks” Adopt-A-Camper scholarship fund. "Everybody that's helping here made it really fun. I'll do it again."
Luka Tikuisis, 7, Dave Tikuisis, Tatyana Tikuisis, Ari Presman, 8, Mia Presman, 10, and Inessa Pressman get ready to race.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Kelli Stripling, Maddie Bauer, Allison Murphy and Doug Clark dressed up with the theme of "The Little Mermaid".
Photo by Ian Swaby
The event space was filled with holiday decorations.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Marina Morelatto and Carol Morris head across the beach.
Photo by Ian Swaby
April Shereda and Donald Favre head for the finish line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
First overall male Declan Fiorucci celebrates his victory as he approaches the finish line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
First overall female Vicky Romocki makes her way towards the finish line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Avi Dorrill, 8, approaches the finish line of the fun run.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jahbez Benga and Martha Benga complete the race.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Heidi Anderson and Aaron Gordon approach the finish line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Tasman Henry and Julie Henry come in for the finish line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Joni Hill, Cate Douglas and Gaby Hayashi make their way across the beach.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Heidi Anderson and Roy Sprinkle were among the many runners dressed in festive attire.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Runners head out on the fun run, with Walter Downing, 7, front-center.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lisa Sherman and Lily Sherman watch the runners come in for the finish.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Scott James dressed up like Buddy the Elf for the run.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Nick LeBoutillier runs with his daughter Jasmine LeBoutilier, 4.
Photo by Ian Swaby
A Sarasota County employee offers a hand slap to Jackie Peek and Nikole Peek as they near the finish line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Lance Stukaloff and Emily MacQuarrie are applauded as they approach the finish line.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Carol Metzger holds her "Best Festive Hat" certificate.
Photo by Ian Swaby
The Sandy Claws Beach Run is now in its 49th year.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Greg Corban (third from left), Katy Corban (center) and Katelyn Corban (third from right) pose with a variety of creatures from Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.
Photo by Ian Swaby
Jackson McCoy, 8, Stella McCoy, 9, and Paul Opitz head out on the race.
