Endless Summer 10K & 5K

Don's Friends and Friends of Anastasia State Park host the annual Endless Summer 10K and 5K on Saturday, November 23, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at Anastasia State Park.

The 10K (6.2 miles) cross-country course takes runners through the park's diverse terrain, including the beach, hammock, and salt marsh. The race begins with a beach loop, then traverses pavement, dirt roads, and soil areas through the east nature trail and hammock loop. Runners should train in advance for running on soft sand, uneven terrain, mixed pavement types, and hills. All participants should be prepared for sun exposure, heat, and humidity.

The 5K (3.1 miles) beach run/walk is almost completely over sand. It begins near the Island Beach Shop and Grill, just like the 10K race. The course goes 1.3 miles north along the oceanfront, turns back south on the beach, crosses a long boardwalk, and continues along the road to the finish line where the 10K ends.

Virtual 5K and 10K races have been added to the event. Virtual participants can pick up their packets or have the packets shipped to them. There is also a non-running option for those who wish to support the event and receive their swag bag but are unable to participate. 

Carpooling is recommended on race day since parking spaces will be limited at the park. To register visit here. 

Admission: Free for spectators. Park entry fees apply.

Registration: Registration fees range from $22.00 to $55.00, plus a signup fee. The fees depend on the race option and the time of registration. Participants are advised to register early for this event as it consistently sells out.

When: From  8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024.

Where: Anastasia State Park, located at 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, Florida 32080.

About the Sponsors:

Don's Friends Foundation commemorates Don Ausman, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 22. The non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting a legacy of service and leadership. The foundation encourages college students to engage in "alternative breaks," where they can spend their vacations participating in service projects around the world. 

Friends of Anastasia State Park is a nonprofit Citizen Support Organization dedicated to supporting Anastasia State Park. The organization enhances the park's recreational and educational opportunities and protects its natural and cultural resources. This includes purchasing native plants for eroded areas, funding educational materials, sponsoring park events, and leveraging volunteers to meet the park's needs.