Kids Summer Beach Runs kick off for the year

Sara Floyd attended the Kids Summer Beach Runs as a kid while growing up in Sarasota. 

Now, she was back on the sand, ready to race with her kids Jacob, 9, and Brody and Benjamin, 6.

The annual runs have become somewhat of a community tradition, and many families returned to Siesta Key Beach as the runs kicked off on June 2. 

The runs will be held every Tuesday until July 29, also taking place at North Brohard Beach in Venice. 

The event is presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, New Balance Sarasota and New Balance University, as well as organized by the Manasota Track Club.

“This is a wonderful way for kids to stay active and build healthy habits in a fun, community setting,” said Destiny Gonzalez, the county's events and programming supervisor, in a media release. 

Photo by Ian Swaby

She said that last year, the runs had a turnout of more than 650 individuals. 

"This is great, this is awesome," said attendee Jake Stoltzfus. "Get the exercise in, get the kids out."

"My kid looks forward to it every year," said attendee Cassie Thoresen. "I think it's great to do it, it's a great way to get the kids out and moving instead of in front of a screen."