📅 When
December 27, 2026
📍 Where
1500 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
About this event
The 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra is one of the most storied endurance events in the Florida Panhandle, drawing runners from across the Gulf Coast for an epic loop around Choctawhatchee Bay - 36.8 miles through Destin, Bluewater Bay, Niceville, Valparaiso, Shalimar, and Fort Walton Beach.
Teams of two or more can tackle the course as a relay, while solo ultra runners take on all 36.8 miles in a single effort. The ultra staggered start begins between 4:00 and 6:00 AM; relay teams launch at 6:00 AM with a 12:45 PM cutoff. The finish line at the Elks Lodge on Okaloosa Island features a post-race buffet and live music, making the celebration as memorable as the race itself.
As a bonus, a free 5K Bloody Mary Beach Recovery Run is held the following morning, December 28, 2026, at The Island Resort - a beloved tradition among returning participants.
Best for: Experienced runners, endurance athletes, relay teams, and adventure seekers
What to expect: A 36.8-mile relay or ultra course circling Choctawhatchee Bay through multiple Emerald Coast communities, with staggered starts, a post-race buffet, live music at the finish, and a bonus recovery run the next day.
Planning tip: Register early on RunSignUp - ultra and relay slots fill quickly. Ultra runners should arrive well before 4 AM; relay teams by 5:30 AM. This is a demanding course - train accordingly and carry your own hydration between unmanned segments.
Cost: Registration fees vary for solo ultra vs. relay teams. Check RunSignUp for current rates and team formation options.
