16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra 2026 — Fort Walton Beach, FL

Date
December 27, 2026
Location
Fort Walton Beach, FL
Venue
1335 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE
Start Time
4:00 AM
Entry Fee
$55.00 – $270.00
Events
36.8 Mile 2 Person Relay Team, 36.8 Mile 3 Person Relay Team, 36.8 Mile 4 Person Relay Team, 36.8 Mile 5 Person Relay Team, 36.8 Mile 6 Person Relay Team, 36.8 Mile ULTRA
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration OpenOfficial Race Website

The 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra starts at 4:00 AM on December 27, so plan your arrival in Fort Walton Beach the day before to handle early logistics and get adequate rest. This ultra event covers 36.8 miles and accommodates both individual runners and relay teams, with entry fees ranging from $55 to $270 depending on your participation format. The race departs from 1335 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach. Given the pre-dawn start and the distance involved, arriving with time to check in, review the course, and handle any last-minute preparation is essential. Consider booking accommodation close to the venue to minimize travel time on race morning and maximize your recovery time before the event.

From the Race Organizer
🏃‍♂️ The 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay & Ultra — December 27, 2026 Join us on December 27, 2026, for the 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay & Ultra — a Gulf Coast tradition that challenges runners with a stunning loop around the Choctawhatchee Bay. The course features six unofficial legs through Destin, Bluewater Bay, Niceville, Valparaiso, Shalimar, and Fort Walton Beach, taking runners across seven bridges, nine hills, four bayous, and one unforgettable bay. Whether you're running the relay with friends or taking on the ultra solo, this event delivers scenery, grit, and camaraderie from start to finish.

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra 2026 — Fort Walton Beach, FL

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for December 27.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Fort Walton Beach, FL. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra 2026 — Fort Walton Beach, FL?

16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra 2026 — Fort Walton Beach, FL takes place on December 27, 2026. The race is held in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Where is 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra 2026 — Fort Walton Beach, FL held?

16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra 2026 — Fort Walton Beach, FL is held at 1335 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.

Where can I find hotels near 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra 2026 — Fort Walton Beach, FL?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Fort Walton Beach. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.