YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon / 5K
YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon runs a shaded out-and-back on Florida's Manasota Key with post-race festivities.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Englewood, FL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Englewood, Florida
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its early years, the YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon draws around 150 runners from roughly 10 states to the pristine shores of Manasota Key. The race is a true community affair, organized by the Englewood YMCA and sponsored by the Sandbar Tiki & Grill.
The out-and-back course travels north along Beach Road for 6.6 miles before a U-turn, with much of the route shaded by a dense tree canopy—a welcome reprieve from the Florida sun. The flat, paved road is open to traffic, but the small field keeps congestion manageable.
Post-race, runners are rewarded with finisher medals, a free draft beer, a hot meal, and live music at the Sandbar Tiki & Grill. With a generous 3:30 time limit (16-minute/mile pace), it's a welcoming option for beginners seeking a coastal half marathon with a hometown feel.
Race-provided description
YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon & 5K
WHAT: Half Marathon & 5K (Chip Timed) WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2026 NEW TIME: 7:00 am Half Marathon start / 7:15 am 5K start Sponsored by The Sandbar Tiki & Grill The Englewood YMCA will be hosting its annual Half Marathon & 5K, which will be run on Manasota Key, one of the most beautiful places in Florida. Runners will enjoy a race route without many turns and with much of the course under tree canopy (a big plus in the Florida sun). Start & finish at the South Beach Parking Lot (across from the Sandbar). Runners will make their way north on Beach Road about 6.6 miles, make a U-turn and run back south (the way they came) making their way to the finish in the north beach parking lot. Advanced registration only. There will be NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION available. Kids 14 & under: $15.00 for the 5K race (prices does not change). Every racer will receive: Finisher Medals Race Shirts for all (while supplies last) Free Draft Beer (at The Sand Bar Tiki & Grille)Free Hot Meal (at The Sand Bar Tiki & Grille) Starting @ 8:30am Live Music (while waiting for awards)Plus, age group awards
Carpooling is recommended. The Half Marathon has a three hours' thirty min time limit which would require you to run or run/walk an average pace of just over a 16-minute/mile pace. ROAD IS OPEN TO TRAFFIC Parking: In the beach parking area Per USATF rules, gun time is used to determine prize money winners and time bonus recipients. Tag time (chip time) will be used to determine all age-group
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Race Themed shirt - while inventory last
Start Location
1975 Beach Rd, Englewood, FL, 34223
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Forest
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Quality Score
1 year running
~150 finishers a year
growing or steady
0% returning runners
2 timing sources
runners from 10 states
winner 1:18:57
typical high 83°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
66°
Afternoon (High)
83°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.0"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon / 5K?
The YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon / 5K is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon / 5K take place?
It takes place in Englewood, Florida.
What distances does the YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon / 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon / 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The YMCA Sandbar Half Marathon / 5K is a rolling hills, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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