You don’t have to be a cardio-junkie to be addicted to the salty breeze on your face, the tide keeping pace with your stride, and the cry of seagulls cheering you on! With waves that crash with wild beauty and a sky that overflows with sunshine, it’s not surprising that runners and exercise-newbies alike can’t resist joining nature in its energetic, vibrant glory. New Smyrna Beach is a popular runner’s destination as it offers clean, non-driving shores and a year-round calendar of running events.
Whether you trail-blaze at a 7 minute pace or walk at a brisk stroll, NSB’s foot races embrace all who seek a healthy sweat in a scenic setting. Below we’ve compiled upcoming 5ks, half marathons, annual races, and running groups that are sure to keep your heart rate up on your beach vacation. Don’t let your calorie-burning work go unrewarded! We’ve listed our top NSB vacation rentals that are sure to spoil you with the post-run relaxation you deserve.
Upcoming Races
While the rest of the country is bundled indoors, the Florida East Coast is alive with outdoor activities as the weather is famous for being gorgeously temperate. With a winter climate that rarely dips below 50 degrees, NSB knows that there’s no better time than the first part of the year to invite cardio-lovers to run its sandy shore.
Shark Bite Half Marathon & 5k | Jan 18 & 19, 2020 | Race times vary
Calling all long-distance runners! Gear up for a half-marathon jog that will give you a great local tour of New Smyrna’s historic beach town. The Shark Bite Half begins on Sunday morning, Jan 19, and offers tons of fun, race-finishing incentives such as medals, hats, t-shirts, food, and beer! If your legs protest that 13 miles should only be covered in a vehicle, you’ll find the Feeding Frenzy and Shark Bite 5ks to be more moderate, do-able runs. Go the extra mile and sign up for both as one is held on Saturday morning and the other on Sunday morning. Ready to lace up and go? Sign up here!
Band on the Run 5k | Feb 22, 2020 | Begins at 8AM
Support the local high school band and give yourself a healthy start to the day when you hit the road for the Band on the Run 5k. This race gives out-of-towners a glimpse into the local NSB community as the course winds through the lovely residential areas of New Smyrna Beach and Edgewater. For more info on this road race, read through the sign-up form here.
Light the Night 5k | Mar 6, 2020 | Begins at 6:15PM
Who doesn’t love a neon, glow-stick extravaganza?! Don your brightest sneakers and join the hundreds of cardio-lovers for an evening run through a well-marked residential area of NSB. You’ll find the hype of the colorful, glowing atmosphere to be the perfect adrenaline boost when your legs start to weary! Secure your spot in the nighttime fun by signing up here.
Southeast Volusia Chamber Challenge 5k | April 2, 2020 | Begins at 5:30PM
Unlike the name implies, this New Smyrna Beach 5k is simply hosted by the Southeast Volusia Chamber and is open to locals and tourists alike. Challenge yourself to beat previous PRs as you sprint your way through the 3-mile course. This race weaves through the historic Canal Street district and gives racers a chance to enjoy the old-Florida charm and take mental note of the restaurants they’ll feast at afterwards. For more information and sign-ups, click here.
Annual Races to Plan Your Trip Around
Binging on holiday treats becomes guilt-free when you know you’ll be burning off those extra calories at one of New Smyrna’s holiday beach races! While there are no official dates for these running events yet, keep your eye out for them when planning your NSB beach vacation as these are annually reoccurring.
Great Candy Race in October– Quarter Marathon and 5k Run
Stealing another Snickers from the kids’ Halloween baskets? Your children will never know and neither will your waistband when you’ve sign up for New Smyrna Beach’s Quarter Marathon run! This foot-race usually coincides with Halloween and takes place on a weekend in October. If 6.5 miles is a bit too long, you can sign up for the shorter 5k race which is equally as fun and is sure to keep you panting. Course info and race dates are posted closer to time via the Great Candy Race’s Facebook.
Thanksgiving Gobble Wobble in November – 5k Run
Forget burning calories, run this race to grow your appetite for all the buttery rolls and cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving dinner! New Smyrna Beach’s annual Thanksgiving beach run is a favorite in the community as it provides a healthy start to the holiday on one of the most beautiful courses… the beach! This 3-mile run annually takes place on Thanksgiving Day and typically begins between 7:30-8AM.
New Year’s Day NSB 5k in January
What better way to kick off the New Year than with some heart-pumping cardio? Get ready to start the first of the year with an invigorating sprint and the satisfaction of having crushed your first exercise goal by 9AM of the New Year. Along with its fresh fitness motivation, this NSB 5k presents participants with dreamy views as the course runs parallel to the ebbing tides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Running Groups
If your social-loving heart doesn’t like to go the miles alone, New Smyrna Beach has great running groups that welcome both advanced and beginner to keep with their stride. Meet new friends, run through gorgeous scenery, and stay active during your vacation stay.
Ready to explore the area you’re staying in? The Volusia Coastal Running Group invites runners of every level to join them in beholding Florida’s East Coast beauty at a brisk pace. Whether your NSB vacation lasts only a week or spans throughout the entire month, the group is open to any who just want to join for a single jog or a few runs throughout the month. Follow the group leader and let your legs lead you through the ins and outs of Port Orange, Ormond Beach, Daytona, and of course… New Smyrna Beach!
Ditch the gym treadmill and get your exercise in the beautiful outdoors instead. The SEV Running Club is a YMCA group that invites both members and non-members to join on Mondays and Wednesdays as they run their way through the Edgewater and NSB area. This is a great option for those vacationing in New Smyrna for longer periods of time as the group costs $20/month for members and $45/month for non-members.
Finding Your Runner’s Retreat
What’s the best part of running? When it’s over! Kick up your sore legs and let your heart rate ease back down when you rest in a stunning beach vacation rental. From direct oceanfront condos that pamper with fabulous views or spacious homes that sleep up to 12, there’s hundreds of properties to choose from when booking your runner’s reward.
Condos Just Steps from the Beach
If there’s anything that will give you an extra push during your run, it’s the thought of returning to relax in your beach condo’s chaise loungers that overlook the Atlantic waters. Sea Coast Gardens III 106 is the quintessential vacation rental for runners as it provides ground-floor, quick access to the non-driving beach which make morning jogs a breeze. While you’ll love its location for the convenience, you’ll love it even more when you return to its patio to enjoy an infinite ocean view.
Oceania Beach Club 102 is another stunning property that both exercisers and beauty-lovers choose as their vacation retreat. This 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo gives guests every opportunity to marvel at the salty blue horizon as both the living room and master bedroom look directly onto the ocean. With your endorphins high from cardio and your eyes delighted by the stretching landscape, you’ll secretly congratulate yourself on choosing the perfect beach rental.
Vacation Homes in Amazing Locations
If you crave a constant change of scenery during your runs, you’ll love how Pelican’s Cove is situated between both the beach, the Halifax River, and beautiful trails that wind through the Florida wilderness. This home is perfect for those with an adventurous spirit and active lifestyle as it provides kayaks, skim boards, and bikes for your use. When your body needs a break from the all fitness fun, cozy up in the living room for a quick nap or raid the updated kitchen for some energy-fueling snacks.
If you can’t bear to be long separated from the surf and sand, you’ll find your water-loving heart fulfilled in Beachside Vista’s oceanfront location. This 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom beach house is every athlete’s dream recovery spot as guests can enjoy the sweeping ocean landscape from the plush comforts of the living room. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sprinting through your run just to get back to this retreat quicker!
Still searching for the beach vacation rental that suits you best? Explore our vast selection of condos and homes on our website or call us at (386) 478-7863 and one of our vacation planners would love to assist you in finding your dream vacation stay.