Round the Bay Relay and Ultra
About the race
This year the 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra is held on a Sunday, December 27, on the Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida.
The race begins at The Island Resort (host hotel) on Okaloosa Island (Ft. Walton Beach), and the loop passes through the scenic towns of Destin, Niceville, Valparaiso, Shalimar and FWB before finishing at the Elks Lodge, 200 yards from the host hotel, for the post-race venue.
Major upgrades have been made to ensure ULTRA runners an excellent course and support. The relay averages 40 teams (over 300 runners) and offers fan support.
Aid stations, support and post-race
Tentative swag and support includes:
- Three fully stocked aid stations at Hurricanes Grill/Bar (Mile 16), Tropical Smoothie in Niceville (mile 22) and Shalimar (Mile 30)
- Water, pretzels, candy, bag drop, and basic medical supplies, etc.
- Special long/short sleeve race shirt (first 50 to register)
- Special finisher growler
- Excellent post-race buffet, beverages and live music
Start times and finish cut-off
Official starting times are 4:00, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 AM (check with the RD if an earlier start is needed).
All runners should finish by 12:45 PM, and the finish line closes at 12:55 PM. Official times will be sent to Ultra Signup (Bill Carr).
Packet pickup and hotel
Special discounted hotel rates are available at the host hotel, The Island Resort, located at the start line, which also hosts packet pickup on Saturday, Dec. 26 from 4:00-7:00.
Bloody Mary Beach Recovery Run
A free 5K Bloody Mary Beach Recovery Run (or choose your distance) will be held Monday, Dec. 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM, starting at The Island Resort.
Optimize U Destin will have a booth to help runners recover and rehydrate with Hydration Therapy for a cost, and this information will be sent to all ultra runners.
The course
Location
City insight: Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, often called FWB, is a city in southern Okaloosa County, Florida, and a principal city of the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin metropolitan area. It is a year-round fishing and beach resort community. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot, humid summers, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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