Kids Summer Beach Runs continue to draw crowds

Joel Reynolds of Pennsylvania enjoys spending time in Siesta Key with his family.

However, there's an event they've kept returning to — the Kids Summer Beach Runs — since they discovered it earlier this month. 

They attended a run at Siesta Key Beach, before attending the one at North Brohard Park in Venice the following day. 

On June 24, they were back at Siesta Key Beach for another round, and he said they were planning to head back to Venice the next day to "finish this four-banger."

The runs, which are presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources and New Balance of Sarasota, and hosted by Manasota Track Club, began on June 3, and they have continued to draw a large turnout, said Rob Loeffler, a board member of Manasota Track Club.

He said upward of 75 kids were present for the June 3 run. Held since the 1970s, the runs have enjoyed enduring popularity. 

"We have one of the most beautiful beaches in the country," Loeffler said. "It's one that we can easily mark, and there's plenty of space for the regular beachgoers to come, and enough space for our runners to run, and it's just a great way to be a part of the community and celebrate our beaches together."

Jennifer Gallagher, the track club's president, said kids seem to get a kick out of the event, including the awards and popsicles that follow the event.

"The little ones just get so excited, and they love getting their little ribbons, and they love getting their popsicles, and parents who used to do the beach runs, now they bring their kids."