Daytona Beach to Become 'Race-Cation' Central This Year

Daytona Beach, a destination known for its family-friendly fun – from paddle boarding through quiet inlets to parasailing through the skies to biking and running along miles of pristine trails – is quickly becoming one of Florida’s top ‘race-cation’ destinations. These six top winter season races include two Boston Marathon qualifiers, one-of-a-kind routes and unique experiences offering families a way to combine their love for running and travel with a Florida beach vacation:

Challenge DAYTONA Triathlon Festival– Dec. 13-15, 2019

Named the “Best New Race of 2018” by Triathlete Magazine, top triathletes will swim, bike and run at the “World Center of Racing” during the CHALLENGE DAYTONA Triathlon Festival.  All the action takes place at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. The Middle Distance Triathlon main event features a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and 13.1-mile run. VIP opportunities include exclusive “Hot Laps” for athletes to ride shot gun in a pace car and experience high-speed laps on the Speedway’s 31-degree high banks.  Triathlon fans and spectators alike will enjoy this three day festival that includes a Junior Challenge kids’ race, relay categories, duathlon and Aquabike events, and 5K/10K run/walk events that provide fun for all ages and skill levels.

Moonlight Beach Run Half Marathon, 15K, 10K, 5K–Jan. 4, 2020

Runners can kick off their healthiest year yet at Moonlight Beach Run! All courses are out and back on the hard-packed, expansive beaches of Daytona Beach. Finishers receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, a funky, glow-in-the-dark finisher medal and, everyone enjoys a post-race celebration at historic Daytona Beach Bandshell.

Daytona Beach Half Marathon and 5K– Feb. 8-9, 2020

Back for its 11th year, the Daytona Beach Half Marathon draws runners from across the nation who come to race, celebrate and spend time soaking in the Florida sun. Named one of seven “Scenic Half Marathons in America” by Active.com, runners will start on the famed tri-oval track of Daytona International Speedway, run to the “World’s Most Famous Beach” and return to ONE DAYTONA for a photo finish. Located directly across from Daytona International Speedway, this hot spot is the perfect space for runners to celebrate with drinks, food and awards! The Saturday afternoon out and back Beachin’ It 5K is followed by a beach party rounding out a one-of-a-kind weekend.

Tomoka Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k– Mar. 21, 2020

A Boston Marathon Qualifier, the Tomoka Marathon is a beautiful and unique multi-distance running event that begins and ends at the historic Casements. Its one-of-a-kind route takes runners through an area affectionately known as “The Tomoka Loop,” a flat Florida Scenic Highway with diverse natural “Old Florida” scenery. Tomoka Marathon was selected by runners as one of the "Top 20 Marathons in the US" according to BibRave100 and was featured in Runner's World as one of "70 American Road Races Every Runner Should Finish."

Easter Beach Run– April 4, 2020

This festive, Easter-themed beach run is the oldest consecutive footrace in the State of Florida. For over 50 years, participants have enjoyed a scenic run on the hard-packed sands of the World’s Most Famous Beach while traveling out and back for a 4-mile race, 2-mile fun run or health walk. Kids are also welcome to participate in the 1/4-mile race, 100 and 50-yard dash. Follow on Facebook for updates.

Whether a runner lives for the adrenaline of a bucket-list race or simply loves the fun and friendship that takes place at events like these, Daytona Beach has the answer. So pack your running shoes and start your engines! More information is available at DaytonaBeach.com.

About the Daytona Beach Area - Experience endless adventures in Daytona Beach. Located on 23 miles of white sand Atlantic beaches, centered between Saint Augustine and Kennedy Space Center, an hour east of Orlando. Choose thrilling activities or embrace the tranquility of days spent on 23 miles of world-famous white-sand beaches. Recognized worldwide for a few annual events including Bike Week, Biketoberfest^®, the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and the DAYTONA 500, Daytona Beach’s famed heritage also claims the headquarters of LPGA and NASCAR -- and is home to Daytona International Speedway, the ‘World Center of Racing.’ With more than 12,000 beds, the destination boasts accommodations for all lifestyles and budgets from 4-star resorts to hotels, B&Bs and everything in between.  Ranked #1 in Travel Channel’s “Top 10 Attractions in Florida, and named a TripAdvisor Best Weekend Getaway in Northeast Florida, TripAdvisor also named Daytona Beach to its “10 Most Affordable Beach Vacations on Florida’s East Coast” and “25 Most Popular Summer Vacation Rental Spots in the US.” Visitors can enjoy experiences beyond the beach by choosing from a surprising list of outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, arts and cultural venues and an eclectic culinary scene.  With expansive beaches ideal for strolling, swimming and surfing, it is no surprise Daytona Beach was chosen as a Best Florida Attraction and Best Spring Family Beach Break Destination in the Top 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contests sponsored by USA TODAY.  To receive a complimentary Visitors Guide, find a place to stay, or book your next adventure, visit DaytonaBeach.com.  #LoveDaytonaBeach