Ocean Reef Resorts is proud to be a Platinum Sponsor for the second annual 30A 10K Marathon and one mile "Fun Run" that will be held on Thanksgiving morning in Rosemary Beach along Scenic Highway 30A. This South Walton event helps raise funds for local charitable causes. The run will be hosted as a joint effort by the Village of Rosemary Beach and Hammer Down Multisport which is the region's largest Athletic Club that participates in cycling, triathlons, and running race marathons. The 30A 10K Run now serves as a qualifier for the annual Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. Last year's inaugural event was very well received with over 800 runners from twenty-seven different states across the nation participating in the 10K marathon. Over $18,000 was raised for Danny Margaliano, a locally loved firefighter paramedic who was injured in a freak diving accident that resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic. Donations and funds raised from this event paid for part of his rehabilitation and were presented to him on Christmas Eve of last year.

The 2013 sponsors and volunteers hope to more than double the amount that is being distributed to three charities by getting 2,000 running participants for the 30A 10K event. The website 30a10k.com has already received interest from 6,500 potential runners from all over the nation. Besides Florida, most of the inquiries have come from Atlanta, New Orleans, Nashville, New York, Dallas, Chicago, and Washington, DC. In addition, inquiries have also already been received from interested parties in thirty-eight countries across the globe- so it is becoming increasingly international in scope.

This year all funds raised through sponsorships, donations and runner registration fees will be equally divided between the three charitable entities which will continue to include Donations for Danny. The two other charities are Lighthouse Family Retreat and Food for Thought.  The Lighthouse Family Retreat is an organization that serves over two hundred families from all across the United States who are dealing with various forms of cancer. All of the families involved arrive at fourteen different "retreats" located in various communities along in South Walton along Scenic 30A where they are housed in private beach homes or condominiums. Here they are able to take a break

along with their immediate family members from the rigors of battling such a life threatening disease by seeking solace, rest, and convalescent care.  The sugar white sands and jewel toned waters of South Walton provide the perfect place to host such a special kind of getaway, as many of our Ocean Reef Resort guests already know. The other nonprofit organization is Food for Thought, and it feeds hungry kids through an innovative program that provides back packs filled with food that is easy to prepare. This is distributed on a weekly basis to local children in need who are in danger of going without proper nourishment. Besides the special food back packs, these kids also receive other services which include counseling and education related to getting information on economic nutrition. The Donations for Danny's portion of charitable proceeds will help him offset the costs of continued rehabilitation and the use of a much needed live in caregiver.

The 2013 30A 10K Run begins at 7:30 Thanksgiving morning which is on Thursday, November 28th.  The race will start and end in the charming colonial Dutch Indies styled Village of Rosemary Beach, which is located high up on the sand dunes above the gulf at the far eastern end of Scenic 30A. It will proceed along this particularly lovely route that meanders along the gorgeous gulf through palm lined Seacrest Beach where our Ocean Reef Real Estate office is conveniently located as well as the exclusive alabaster white walled Village of Alys Beach. The route goes past some of the most beautiful South Walton vacation rentals offered by Ocean Reef. At various points along the way, vista views are breathtaking since multiple glimpses across the dunes of the glistening gulf are readily apparent. The running course is mostly flat but does have a few dips and curves near Deer Lake State Park and at the end where runners will cross over a bridge at the pristine setting of Camp Creek, which is an exotic coastal dune lake.  After crossing the bridge, the runners will circle around and return to Rosemary Beach along the same scenic route. Aid and water stations will be positioned at various points along the way with the help of friendly volunteers providing refreshments.

The eastbound lane of Scenic 30A will be cordoned off for the race from 7:00am until 10:30am so runners should plan to drive for parking at the Rosemary Beach start off point between 6:00 and 6:45am. The 10K portion begins promptly at 7:30am and the one mile "Fun Run" begins at 7:35am. Currently, a $45 registration fee is required for the 10K race and registration is $20 for the Fun Run all of which will be used to raise money for the three local charities. Registration from September 1st onward will go up to $60 for the 10K portions and $30 for the one mile Fun Run. Information and registration may be made via their website or by calling Karen Meadows, the Event Director at 850.325.0561.

Besides the great exercise and the excuse to eat an extra piece of Pumpkin or Pecan pie later on Thanksgiving Day, runner participants will know that their efforts will raise money for worthy causes. Runners will also receive a special custom designed 30A 10K tee shirt as well as post race refreshments. A ceremony will be held after the race is completed to announce and award the winners. For those true competitors, it should be noted that last year's winner, Ron Philley completed the race in 34 minutes and nineteen seconds. A female record was set by Bettina Davies who finished the race in forty-two minutes and four seconds. As was previously stated, this event is now garnering even international attention and serves as a qualifier for the next Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, so interested parties should register soon. Our Ocean Reef offices in either Seacrest Beach or Miramar Beach will be happy to assist you with personal reservations for your own lodging in one of our fine private South Walton rental properties along the way. We offer beautiful homes and luxurious condominiums with ample amounts of room for both runners and cheerleaders alike, so make your plans soon. Besides, Thanksgiving in South Walton is one of the most beautiful times to schedule your own special vacation to paradise with family and friends. It is always our great pleasure to serve you and yours.

Keep reading: 30A Runs & Races