Sarasota Music Half Marathon strikes a chord with local runners

This Sunday morning, runners can ditch their headphones in favor of a real-life running soundtrack. The Sarasota Music Half Marathon is the city's first combined half marathon and music festival, and it will feature 16 local bands — marching bands, rock groups, country outfits, R&B ensembles and even a 65-piece high school marching band lining the expanse of the Ringling Bridge — all rocking out to entertain runners along the scenic course.

The race, which is being billed as a 13.1-mile moving party, kicks off this Sunday at 7 a.m. and will start and finish at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, where participants can also enjoy a post-race party and beer garden.

The course will also take runners through Selby Gardens, where spectators can watch and listen to the Booker High School Jazz Band.

Local organizers John Korff, Tony Driscoll and Molly Jackson say the race has a charitable focus, and it will raise nearly $30,000 for more than 20 community organizations, including the Women's Resource Center, Southeast Guide Dogs, Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, Big Brothers Big Sisters and more.

The inaugural race has already proved its popularity, reaching its 2,000-participant cap and selling out earlier this week, but there's plenty of ways for spectators to enjoy the festivities. 

The list of bands is as follows:

• Start / Finish Line at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall: Reverend Barry and Funktastic Soul, featuring the Hellacious Horns
• Miles .5  and 12.5 at Fruitville and U.S. 41: Aural Alchemy and the Drum Circle Guys
• Miles 1 and 5 at Golden Gate Point: RJ Howson
• Miles 1.5 and 4.5 at the top of the Ringling Bridge: Braden River High School Marching Band
• Miles 2 and 4 at Bird Key: Soul Sensation
• Miles 2. 5 and 3.5 between Bird Key and St. Armands Circle: Nick Horn
• Mile 3 at St. Armands Circle: Kettle of Fish
• Mile 5.5 at Gulfstream and 41: Kara Nally
• Mile 6 at Bayside/Art Walk on 41: Sarasota Military Academy Bag Pipes and Drum Line
• Mile 7 at South Orange: Ben Hammond
• Miles 7.5 and 9.25 at McClellan Parkway: Jen and Ray
• Mile 8.25 at North Drive and Cherokee Terrace: Dean Johanesen
• Mile 10.25 at Selby Gardens: Booker High School Jazz Band
• Mile 11.5 under the Ringling Bridge: Physical Plant

photo by Rachel Livingston