Tops’l Beach & Racquet Resort hosts patriotic fundraising event for fifth consecutive year

Wyndham Vacation Rentals has announced that its ResortQuest brand is participating as the Official Accommodation Sponsor and Co-Title Sponsor of the Destin Beach Ultra Runs for the fifth consecutive year. This two-day event helps raise awareness and funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), which provides support and assistance to the families of wounded and fallen special operations military personnel. Taking place from Feb. 14 to Feb. 15, the annual event will again be held at Tops’l Beach & Racquet Resort in Miramar Beach, a ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals property.

The Destin Beach Ultra Runs include a 24 Hour Sand Run in which participants attempt to break the individual World Record for “Greatest Distance Run on Sand in 24 Hours.” Also included is a 100-mile, 50-mile and 50-kilometer ultra marathon, a distance nearly four times that of a traditional marathon, which pays homage to those who “go the extra mile” — the fallen soldiers for whom this race is run. All profits from race registration fees are donated to the SOWF, and many runners individually raise money for the Foundation.

At last year’s event, two of the top female runners in the United States, Traci Falbo and Connie Gardner, set course records on both the 50-mile and 50K courses at Tops’l Beach and Racquet Resort. The runners of all the races raised over $34,000 for the SOWF, bringing the total raised over four years to more than $134,000. 

With over a month left until the 2015 race, the runners have already raised $12,000. The launch of a new website, beachultra.com, and the addition of the 100-mile distance have contributed to making the 2015 race the largest Destin Beach Ultra Runs to date. Combined with the Son of a Beach 5K on Feb. 14, this will be one of the largest running weekends in the area.

“It’s exciting to celebrate the accomplishments of each runner and the recognition they bring to the important cause behind this event,” said Ed Evans, senior operations manager at Tops’l Beach & Racquet Resort. “As the event’s runners continue to set World Records, we can help bring further attention to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. It’s an honor to have this unique opportunity to help families in our community.”