Jolly Elf 30A Half Marathon + 5K

Beginning with the 2024 JOLLY ELF 30A HALF MARATHON + 5K, the start for both the half marathon and 5K ("common course," obviously) will be in the parking lot of 30Avenue in Inlet Beach, adjacent the pedestrian underpass. You probably guessed it...both courses will run through the new underpass and then proceed west on 30A! The half marathon course will be an out-and-back to Seagrove Beach (just past the Vacasa Office at the corner of 30A and Eastern Lake Dr). The 5K course will be an out-and-back to the west end of Alys Beach. The exact start and finish “points” will be clearly marked on the multi-purpose path with sidewalk chalk. See bottom of page for maps and links to Garmin Connect data for each course.

A new addition to the JOLLY ELF 30A HALFMARATHON + 5K beginning in 2024, the Clash of the Run Clubs!!!

Here are the guidelines...

1. Each team consists of 4-5 runners. Teams are gender-neutral.

2. While the Jolly Elf 30A is technically a "virtual" race with an in-person element, this team competition is 100% in-person with all teams starting from the same place (adjacent the fountain at 30Avenue), and running an identical course (the established Jolly Elf 30A half marathon course).
All teams need to complete their team runs on Saturday, December 14th between the hours of 5:00a and 10:59a (with ALL times submitted by 11:00a). Teams do not have to start together.

3. Winning team will be determined by averaging the times of fastest FOUR runners from each team - obviously the team with the fastest average time wins. For teams with 5 runners, the slowest time be dropped. For teams with only 4 runners, all times will be averaged.

4. Each member of the winning team receives the cool hand-painted barrel top (posted on social media). I'll have something less cool made for the runner up team :)

5. Registration will be $35 per runner/$175 per team (+ any applicable registration fees from IYR). That price won't increase. That also includes long-sleeve tech shirt, finisher's award + post-race social at Idyll Hound Proper (located about 100 feet from the start/finish.

6. Lastly, pretty much the same guidelines from the individual events also apply to the "Clash of the Run Clubs," i.e. you must run with a Garmin, Fitbit, RunKeeper, something; once you start your time you cannot stop it until you finish; runners are self-supported, etc.

What do you get for your money? If you’re taking part in the “common course" virtual, rest assured, you’ll be running an incredibly scenic half marathon or 5K race route through multiple picturesque communities along the 30A multi-purpose path. And again, you'll be one of the few who can say they've run a race using the 98 underpass! :) If you’re running a half or 5K course in the “traditional" virtual category, obviously the course will only be as pretty as you make it ALL registered runners will receive an awesome Christmas-themed long-sleeve race shirt. In terms of awards, runners who successfully complete the race in which they registered will receive a cool finisher’s award. The men’s and women’s winner and runner up from both courses will receive a suitably nifty award.

Post-race party you ask? Idyll Hound Proper has generously volunteered to host the post-race shindig. Festivities kick off at 11:00a on Saturday...hence the deadline for all times to be submitted! The post-race shindig will serve multiple purposes, actually. First, the shindig is where you’ll receive your race shirt + finisher’s medal. It’s also where we’ll be holding the awards ceremony. Again, the men’s and women’s winners and runner ups from both courses will receive a suitably nifty award. Registered runners will receive a complimentary beverage + 10% off of any of their delicious post-race vittles.

NOTE: If you’re taking part in the “traditional" virtual race and reside outside of the local area, or you’re just unable to make it to the post-race social, regardless of which race you competed in, your shirt + awards (as applicable) will be mailed to you (if mailing internationally, there may be an additional charge).