Looking for something fun to do with your family this Saturday? SeaMonkey Apparel and Runners Culture Events are hosting the inaugural Christmas in July 5K at GT Bray Park in Bradenton, and it’s shaping up to be one of those rare community events that works for everyone. Whether you’re a runner training for your next race, a casual walker who wants to stay active, or someone who just loves supporting local causes, there’s a place for you at this event. The professionally timed 5K kicks things off, but that’s just the beginning. You’ll find food trucks, local vendors, children’s activities complete with snow and bubbles, complimentary massages, and even ice baths for the post-race recovery crowd.
The real magic happens after the race: the SeaMonkey Duck Sprint. Here’s how it works—you adopt a numbered rubber duck, it races down a giant slip-and-slide course, and if your duck wins, you could take home some seriously good prizes. We’re talking vacation stays, fishing charters, boat tours, golf cart rentals, Bradenton Marauders tickets, and gift cards to local restaurants. Local businesses have donated over $4,000 in prizes, and 100% of duck adoption proceeds go directly to PACE Center for Girls. Beyond the race and duck sprint, organizers are running a donation drive collecting essential supplies for PACE, including hygiene products and other items these young women need.
Best part? The festival itself is completely free and open to the public, though 5K registration is required if you want to run. GT Bray Park will be packed with community energy, and you’ll be supporting an organization that does real work helping vulnerable girls throughout Manatee County. Saturday, July 25, is the day. Are you planning to show up and be part of something good for our community?
