Defuniak Springs Sprint Triathlon

In 1996, Ann Knight and her friend Janet Boylan put on the very first Santa Rosa Island Triathlon. On race day, as they watched a few hundred new triathletes struggle to complete the race, they decided that a training program for new triathletes might be a good idea.

And so the Mere Mortals program was born in 1997. Ann teamed up with her husband Charlie to plan for the second annual SRI Tri, and Janet took on the task of organizing a free training group for those who might want help getting ready for their first Triathlon. In those first few years, 20-30 people would meet on Pensacola Beach and work their way up from short drills of swimming, biking, and running, eventually building up to a combined practice Tri that covered the full distance of the SRI Tri on the very same course they’d use on race day.

In the years since then, Mere Mortals has grown from an informal gathering to an organized event with attendance often exceeding 200 members. It is now managed by Tri Gulf Coast, the local triathlon club, and staffed by numerous volunteers who handle sign in, water safety, bike course monitoring, run water stops, refreshments, and weekly expert guest speakers!

If you’re thinking of trying out your first triathlon and you live anywhere near Pensacola beach, there is no better way to prepare than Mere Mortals!

🌅 2026 Niceville Sunset Stampede 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, July 25, 2026

⏰ 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Starts: 6:30 PM

⏰ 5K Run/Walk Starts: 7:30 PM

📍 Northwest Florida State College – Baseball Parking Lot

Get your neon gear ready and join us for a glowing night of fun supporting the Niceville High School Boys & Girls Cross Country Teams!

Participants will receive neon goodies:

✨ Glow necklaces

✨ Glow bracelets

✨ Neon sweatbands

Awards will be presented for:

🏆 Overall Male & Female

🏆 Age Group Winners

🐶 Dog & stroller friendly!

⚠️ Some areas are dark — glow lights on dogs & strollers are strongly encouraged.

👕 Registration Perks & Deadlines

✔ Shirt size guaranteed if registered by July 10

✔ First 250 registrants guaranteed a race T-shirt

🦅 Early registration closes:

Friday, July 10 at 12 AM

🕡 Regular registration closes:

Friday, July 24 at 12 AM

📝 Race-day registration (on-site only):

5:30 – 7:30 PM

🎟 Packet Pickup

📍 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice

1198 E John Sims Pkwy, Niceville

🕓 July 25 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM

📍 Race Day Pickup – NWFSC Baseball Parking Lot

🕠 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Don't worry! If running is not your thing or you are unavailable to participate in person, you can still support the Niceville High School Cross Country Program by making a donation without registering for the race. Simply click the DONATE tab from the menu or email NicevilleXC@gmail for sponsorship opportunities.

There will be NO REFUNDS for any reason, including, but not limited to cancelation or postponement of this Event.

Seiz Up: A Run for Epilepsy Awareness invites runners of all levels to take on the scenic shores of Pensacola Beach in support of a great cause. Choose your challenge with a full marathon, half marathon, or an energetic 5K fun run—all designed to raise awareness for epilepsy while enjoying the stunning coastal views.

After crossing the finish line, celebrate with an exciting awards ceremony and a beachside after-party! Age division awards will be given for male and female competitors in each category, along with overall winners for each race. Plus, make sure to stop by the Gulfside Pavilion, where vendors will be set up with all kinds of goodies for some shopping fun.

Best of all, every stride helps make a difference, with all proceeds going toward epilepsy awareness and support efforts. Lace up, hit the sand, and be part of something bigger—this is more than a race, it’s a movement!

30th Annual Zarzaur Law Santa Rosa Island Triathlon (SRI TRI) is located on beautiful Pensacola Beach, Florida. This is a great destination race for the entire family. This USAT sanctioned sprint distance triathlon features a flat and fast course. The 550 meter swim (600 yds) is along the pristine shores of the Gulf of America. The bike is a 21 kilometers out and back that traverses along the shores of Pensacola Beach and the 5 kilometer run takes you through an idyllic beach neighborhood. The afterparty will feature complimentary food and beverages for athletes. Then spend the rest of your afternoon enjoying the beautiful Pensacola Beach and the various sights the greater-Pensacola area has to offer!