SARASOTA COUNTY — Starting Tuesday, June 2, children and families can lace up for a free one-mile run on the sand at two Sarasota County beaches every week this summer.

The annual Kids’ Summer Beach Runs return to Siesta Beach on Tuesdays and North Brohard Beach in Venice on Wednesdays through July 29, presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources.

Event Details

• Registration opens at 5:30 p.m. and runs begin at 6:30 p.m. at both locations.
• All participants receive a finisher ribbon.
• Kids who complete four runs at either location will earn a free T-shirt, a Gecko’s Grill & Pub kid’s meal coupon, and a New Balance kids’ shoe coupon.

2026 Event Schedule

• Tuesdays, June 2 – July 28: Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. Register near the playground.
• Wednesdays, June 3 – July 29: North Brohard Beach, 1400 S. Harbor Drive, Venice. Register near the Venice Fishing Pier.
• Note, there are no runs scheduled for June 30 or July 1.

“This is a wonderful way for kids to stay active and build healthy habits in a fun, community setting,” said Destiny Gonzalez, Events and Programming Supervisor. “Last year we had an amazing turnout of more than 650 individuals, and we’re excited to bring this popular event back again this year.”

The Kids’ Summer Beach Runs are presented by Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources, New Balance Sarasota, and New Balance University. Additional sponsors include Chick-fil-A, Florida Department of Health–Sarasota, Friends of Sarasota County Parks, Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Manasota Track Club, Sharky’s on the Pier, and Siesta Beach Eats.

Visit SarasotaCountyParks.com or call 311 to learn more or for updates due to inclement weather on event days.