30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races

Time to lace up those running shoes and get ready for a fabulous event!

We look forward to welcoming you all to Rosemary Beach on Thanksgiving Day for a fun experience for the entire family!

The 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Race Series is a 501c3 non-profit organization, whose purpose is to serve the community by producing a world-class 10K and related events that raise money to benefit local charities, while promoting health and fitness. To date, the series has raised more than $1 Million for our charity partners to help local families and children in need.

Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to join in the festivities, which include a DJ, local vendors and a post-race celebration with breakfast and a complimentary Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. Participants will receive a commemorative super soft race shirt and an iconic medal.

Our Thanksgiving Day Race Series offers two days of fun!

With a 10K, 5K and 1 mile run/walk, there is a race distance for every ability. Come out and enjoy all of the festivities! 

COACH KAREN MEADOWS BEGINNER PLAN

 

Below is a 12 week basic training program for a runner who has completed a 5k race and wants to build to the 10k distance.  It’s important to have a weekly running base of at least 10 miles.   In the first month, each training segment except the long weekend run, takes about 45 minutes including the dynamic warmup exercises, main set and cool down which includes light stretching or rolling.  A thorough warmup should be performed before every run and should include a 5-10 minute walk followed by dynamic warmup exercises including high knees, heel walks, butt kicks, sky reaches, etc..  Post run, the gradual cool down should include gentle hamstring, calf and quad stretches as well as hip openers like runners lunge.  Though it may be tempting to do more, be patient and allow you body to adapt to the training stress.

 

After 3 weeks, time and distance will gradually increase throughout the program.  Easy cross training days that are non-impact, such as yoga, cycling or swimming can be added on two other days if desired.

 

On your run days, if desired, you may perform a run-walk.  You may jog a short period of time then walk briskly before beginning your next jog segment .  For example, may wish to start out by jogging 2-4 mins then walking for 30 seconds or 1 minute.    So the ratio might look like 3:1 (3 minutes jogging followed by 1 minute  walking).

 

The jogging will gradually lengthen to build up your endurance.   You will need to monitor your breathing so you can make sure you are jogging easy.   The best rule of thumb is the “talk test”.  You should be jogging so easy and relaxed that you can talk to your friend without gasping for air or noticing that your breathing is labored.   If your breathing is labored or if you cannot hold a conversation whilst jogging, then you need to either slow down your pace or shorten your jog intervals so that you can take your walking breaks earlier.  You will need a watch or phone with timer to mark your intervals. Don’t worry about speed. That will come with more time on your feet.

 

Starting in week 4 you have the option to include some include some ”strides” one day a week in the middle of a run.  Strides are short bursts of speed from jogging to running comfortably hard for about 15 seconds.    When doing your weekly strides, walk or rest for 45 to 90 seconds between each one.   Strides will help loosen up your legs and help you improve you running economy and speed reinforce good running form.

 

At least two days a week, you should perform body weight functional strength work that keeps you injury-free.  I recommend a good yoga class or simple core exercises such as front plank, glute bridge, side plank, bird dog, and multi-directional lunges.  Make sure you consult a certified personal trainer to ensure you are performing the exercise with proper form.

 

This program is dynamic and the plan is flexible!  Training should fit into you life not the other way around!    Feel free to swap days around during the train week.

 

Coach Karen Meadows is a USA Triathlon and USA Track and Field Certified Coach.  She trains beginners, competitive age groupers and elite runners and triathletes.  She has qualified for the Boston Marathon many times and competed in The Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2017.  She contributes articles to Runners World and Shape Magazine and holds training clinics for local Triathlon and running clubs.   In 2012, Coach Karen helped create the 30A 10K, 5k and 1 mile fun run, a 3000 + charity race held annually each Thanksgiving in Rosemary Beach, FL.

 

COACH KAREN'S 5K BEGINNER PLAN

 

Many don’t realize that a 5K race is 3.1 miles and this distance is one that an individual new to running can tackle and feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment in finishing with just a little consistency and willingness to try.  The program I will share with you is the perfect preparation for your first 5K. The exciting part is that if you are willing to commit to 6 weeks of training, you can finish this program and your 5k race with a smile!

 

In just 12 weeks time (and less for some folks), you can finish the distance with a conservative buildup that gradually gets the body used to spending time on their feet. The correct progression and commitment to functional strength training are the ticket to getting there.

 

It’s important to be patient and stick to the plan. Less is always more. Each training segment takes about 30 minutes including the dynamic warmup exercises, main set and cool down. Though it may be tempting to do more or run harder than prescribed, be patient and let your body adapt to the training stress.

 

The program begins with running 3 days a week for about 30 minutes for each workout.  After 4 weeks, I add another day into the schedule. Easy cross training days that are non-impact, such as cycling or swimming can be added on two other days if desired.

 

I built in some rest days to allow your body to recover. Recovery or rest is as important as training. Rest allows your muscles to rebuild and become stronger.

 

A good warmup includes a short walk followed by dynamic warmup exercises that include high knees, heel walks, butt kicks, sky reaches, etc.. Post run, your cool down should include gentle hamstring, calf and quad stretches as well as hip openers like runner’s lunge.

 

Three days a week, you will perform a run-walk. Jog for the prescribed period if time, then walk briskly to recover before beginning your next jog. The jogging and walking segments will gradually lengthen as you build up your endurance.  You will need to monitor your breathing so the run feels relaxed. The best rule of thumb is the “talk test”.  You should be jogging so easily that you can talk without gasping for air. If your breathing is labored, then you need to either slow down your pace or shorten your jogging intervals. Don’t worry about speed. That will come with more time on your feet.

 

Two to three days a week, I recommend you perform functional strength work that keeps you injury-free. Simple bodyweight exercises such as plank, double and single leg glute bridge, side plank, monster walks with a band, bird dog, walking lunges and lower abdominal work are great exercises to start with. Complete three sets, doing each exercise to fatigue not failure. Recover for 1 to 2 minutes between each set. The whole workout takes about 20 minutes.

 

In week three, one day a week, include some ”strides” which are short accelerations in pace for about 10-20 seconds.  When doing your weekly strides, walk or jog easily for 45 to 90 seconds between each one.  Strides will help you improve running economy and reinforce good form.

 

This program is dynamic and flexible. Have fun!

 

 

2025 Sponsorship Opportunities

Be part of something powerful this Thanksgiving. Align your brand with one of the region’s most anticipated family events, the 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races, while making a lasting difference for local charities. Since its founding, the race has donated over $850,000 to local nonprofits, with a goal to surpass the $1 million milestone in 2025.

What Makes the 30A 10K Special

• Family-Friendly: A race series featuring a 10K, 5K, and 1-Mile Fun Run, welcoming all ages and ability levels.
• Scenic & Competitive: Flat, USATF-certified courses wind along Scenic Highway 30A, consistently recognized among the South’s top turkey trots — and a sell-out year after year.
• Festive Atmosphere: A lively post-race party with music, vendor booths, a mimosa & Bloody Mary bar, and complimentary breakfast
• Charitable Giving: our race proceeds benefit incredible local non-profits

2025 Charity Partners

• Point Washington Medical Clinic — Providing free primary medical care to anyone in need - https://www.thepwmc.org
• Children in Crisis — Offering safe, stable homes for children - https://childrenincrisisfl.org
• Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County — Supporting arts advocacy, grants, and education -https://www.culturalartsalliance.com
• Bailey Brigade — Helping families face cancer with love, resources, and strength - https://www.baileybrigade.com

Why Sponsor the 30A 10K?

• High Visibility — Logo placement on race shirts, signage, digital platforms, and promotional materials
• Direct Community Impact — Every sponsorship dollar benefits vital local nonprofits
• Credibility & Goodwill — Align with a trusted, family-centered community tradition
• Engagement — Reach more than 3,350 runners and 6,000 spectators representing 34+ states and 3 countries
• Media Exposure — Gain brand awareness through press coverage, digital campaigns, and social media engagement

Download our Sponsorship Packet at the link below. To learn more or discuss tailored opportunities, please reach out to:
Contact -  Melanie Cain, Race Director — 30A10Krace@gmail.com

2025 CHARITY PARTNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Our 30A10K Thanksgiving Day Races donate the profits of our races to the local charities we select each year, impacting our community directly. To this date, our 30A10K has donated more than $850,000!  When you participate in our races, you contribute to this great cause.

 

30A 10K THANKSGIVING DAY RACES 
The 30a 10k Inc is a non-for-profit organization whose purpose is to serve the community by producing a world-class 10K and related events that raise money to benefit local charities, while promoting health and fitness.
 
Charities (501c3’s) are invited to apply to be one of the 30A 10K’s 2025 donation recipients. The 30A 10K will announce the selected charities in May. Applications are due by April 30th, 2025.
 
Selected charities (501c3’s) receive financial support from the 30A 10K to assist in the charity’s efforts, as well as additional benefits outlined below: 
Connect with 3,500+ race participants that have a passion for our community
Opportunity to use the 30A 10K logo on promotional materials (brochures, ads, t-shirts, etc. – Graphic approval by 30A 10K is required)
Charity’s logo and website link included on the 30A 10K social media and website
 
The 30a 10k Inc will donate an amount to each charity that is directly proportional to the amount of volunteer hours provided by that charity to the race. 

 

THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 CHARITY PARTNERS! IT WAS A GREAT YEAR!
 
 
RULES FOR SERVIING AS AN OFFICIAL 30A 10K CHARITY PARTNER include the following: 
 
VOLUNTEERS 
Each charity must fill a minimum of 40 volunteer slots during packet pickup and race day. 
The amount of funds disbursed to the Charity will be as follows:
o   Charity fills 40 or MORE volunteer slots = Charity receives 100% of their allocation 
o   Any charity filling fewer than 40 slots will be given funds on a sliding scale calculated as X/40;
o   For example a charity filling 30 slots will be given 30/40 = 75% of their allocation.
Provide the 30A 10K with the names, contact numbers and email addresses of their volunteers.
Provide 10 volunteers who will take and complete the Walton Co Crowd Management Certification class. The 30A 10K will cover the cost of the course.
 
RACE PROMOTION + MARKETING
The charity must promote the 30A 10K event on their online platforms via social media or email blast at least twice per month from May – November
Write two stories/blog posts that both the Charity and the Race can promote online.
The Charity must provide one story with descriptive photos explaining how partnering with the race will help their cause. This narrative is due by August 1.
 
 
USE OF FUNDS
The Charity must use the funds given by the 30A 10K for the effort as described in the application
A post-event report must be submitted within 60 business days after the event that includes pictures and a description of how the funds were used.
 
 
Charities are chosen based on the following priorities:
 
·      Proximity to the race
·      Neediness of the charity and lack of other sources of funding
·      Ability for the charity to help support the race through volunteers and marketing efforts
 
30A 10K Contact Information
 
Race Director – Melanie Cain
Email:  30A10Krace@gmail.com

Volunteer Director – Chris Fields
Email:  caf9@yahoo.com 

 

To Apply to our Charity Partner Program fill out the PDF Below.
Charity Application

 

General Race Questions 30A10K@gmail.com

 

The 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races offer a flat and fast course!

 

 

Where and When is packet pick up and on-site registration?
Packet pickup will be held at The Big Chill (formerly The Hub) on Wednesday November 26 from 11am-6pm.  The Big Chill is located at 7000 E County Hwy 30A, Watersound, FL 32461

 

Can the whole family participate in the events?
Yes, we plan to have races for all runners, walkers and age groups. You can choose from the 10k, 5k or 1 mile fun run distances.

 

When can I register?
Registration will open June 4th, 2025.  There is NO Race Day Registration, and we encourage runners to register early, as we expect the races will sell out. Additionally, early registration will guarantee your t-shirt size.

 

Can I register on Race Day?
There is NO race day registration.

 

Will there be any timing?
Yes, we will be live, in-person and timed for 2025!

 

Where should I park?
There will be limited parking available.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Highway 30A Road Closure for Race Thanksgiving Day
Highway 30A will be CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC on Thursday, November 27th, 2025 from 7:00AM to 10:30AM.  

The road closure will begin at our Start/Finish line in Barrett Square / Rosemary Beach and extend to the 10K turn around just east of The Big Chill.

 

Are there any refunds for the Events?
No, we will not be offering refunds for the events.

 

What time do the races start?
The races will take place on Thursday, November 27th, 2025.  

The 10K race will start promptly at 7:30am, with the 1 mile fun run starting immediately after at 7:35am.  

The 5K race will start promptly at 9:30am.

 

Can I run with headphones?
Although we discourage headphones for the safety of our runners, they are not prohibited.

 

What do I get for my entry?
All registered 10K, 5K and 1 mile runners receive our super soft race shirt and a custom finisher medal!  All runners receive a wonderful post race assortment of breakfast goodies and adult beverages for those 21 and older.

 

Can my family come out and play while I run the race?
Yes! We think it’s a great idea for you to recruit some cheerleaders for your run!

 

Do you give out age group awards?
Yes! Awards include male and female prizes for overall, masters and grandmasters winners. We also go three deep in the following age groups for the 10k and 5k: 

Under 10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+

Is the course USATF certified?
Yes! The 10k and 5k are officially certified USATF courses. (FL23045JK and FL23046JK)

Prohibitions:
To keep our runners safe, we do not allow dogs in any of our races. Strollers are not allowed in the 10k or 5k. However, strollers are permitted in the 1 mile fun run. We ask that anyone with a stroller starts behind all runners and walkers to keep everyone safe.

 

We need Volunteers!

The 30A 10K would not be possible without our incredible volunteers! We depend on 200 amazing people to come together and make this event a success for our 3000+ runners and spectators. From Packet Pickup on Wednesday to the end of the Post Race Party on Thursday, there are specific shifts and duties for anyone willing to lend a helping hand. Volunteering for the 30A 10K is a great way to give back with family and friends during the Thanksgiving Day holidays!

Sign up today to volunteer!

 

 

30A 10K Contact Information

Volunteer Director – Chris Fields
Email:  caf9@yahoo.com

 

Wednesday, November 26th, 2025– 

Packet Pickup at The Big Chill from 11am – 6 pm

There is NO race day packet pickup

 

Thursday, November 27th, 2025 – 

7:30am – 10K run kicks off the event!
7:35am – 1 mile fun run
9:30am – 5K run

The races are followed by our awards ceremony and post race party in Barret Square at Rosemary Beach

 

PLEASE NOTE: Highway 30A Road Closure for Race Thanksgiving Day

Highway 30A will be CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC on Thursday, November 27th, 2025 from 7:00AM to 10:30AM.  

The road closure will begin at East Water Street (Start/Finish line) in Rosemary Beach and extend to the 10K turn around at Bridge Lane just east of The Big Chill.

 

1 Mile Fun Run: Race T-Shirt

5K: Race T-Shirt

10K: Race T-Shirt