PCB Chamber announces new race

PANAMA CITY BEACH — A new road race will come to town next year, officials announced Saturday.

Organized by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce and Road Race Consultants, the inaugural Panama City Beach Marathon is set for Dec. 5, 2015. Officials made the announcement Saturday morning after the annual Run for the Redfish Half-Marathon and 5K.

“We are excited at the rate Run for the Redfish has evolved,” Beach Chamber President and CEO Lance Allison said in a news release. “This growth aligns us with the Panama City Beach (Convention and Visitors Bureau) in their efforts to attract more visitors during the shoulder season. Marathon runners are serious about their sport and typically have the financial means to have a significant impact on our members’ businesses.”

The Panama City Beach Marathon will merge with Run for the Redfish and include that event’s 13.1-mile half-marathon and 5K races. Registration will open in early 2015.

“The Panama City Beach Marathon will showcase our beautiful coast and bring communities together,” co-race director Amy Mann said in the news release. “The marathon will attract runners from across the nation and allow them to challenge themselves and compete in a very desirable coastal destination.”

Allison said the idea to host a full marathon has been “toyed around” with for some time.

“It’s been so successful the last few years, the time’s just right to do it,” he said.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Those interested can contact Catherine Collins at Catherine@pcbeach.org or call 850-235-1159.