From the 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.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
64°
Typical Low
46°
Chance of Rain
34%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Destin Ft Walton Ap, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Fort Walton Beach, FL
City Elevation
0 ft
Nearest Airport
VPS
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport · 7 mi
Major Hub
PNS
Pensacola International Airport · 34 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
187
Days to train
- Race
- 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra
- Date
- December 27, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Fort Walton Beach, FL
Crestview XC Fourth of July 5k
5K · From $20 · 1250 N. Ferdon Blvd.
27 miles away
2026 Niceville Sunset Stampede 5k run/walk
1 Mile · 5K · From $40 · 100 E College Blvd
12 miles away
9/11 Heroes Run - Destin, Florida
5K · From $36 · Legendary Marina
7 miles away
1st Annual Pink Pirates Cycle of Hope
P.O. Box 6471
18 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About These Sports
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Ultramarathon
Anything beyond the marathon — 50K, 50-mile, 100K, 100-mile, and timed events. Aid stations, cutoffs, and finishing as the goal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra?
- 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra is a running race held in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on December 27, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra?
- Sunday, December 27, 2026 in Fort Walton Beach, Florida at 1335 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the 16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
16th Annual Round the Bay Relay and Ultra
Dec 27, 2026