This race is a gorgeous weekend-long "Wicked" Triple Challenge for those up to it. Run in October in a coastal Florida town through a winding road along the water, this race is anything but "wicked." At the time of writing this, I have only completed the half marathon, the challenge is to run all three races, the 5k, 10k and then half-marathon giving this gorgeous ghoulish race the "wicked" title.

Fort Walton's Wicked Triple Fun Run is put on by it's beloved running store downtown, Run With It; which if you have never been there, it's a really wonderful and helpful store with some of the lovliest people in our town.

Out of all the races I have run, two which were in rural Montana, this is by far the smallest (least amount of participants). Overall, I rather enjoyed that because it gave this race a rather intimate feel and navigating across the start line wasn't overwhelming and everyone is very friendly and driven to compete.

The Wicked Half is anything but "wicked." The course is serene and you'll literally run breathing in fresh salty air the entire time. Starting at the landing in downtown Fort Walton Beach directly on the water, this is a fast out and back course run almost entirely along the edge of the bay. For the duration of the course, you'll run through one of Fort Walton Beach's most darling neighborhoods adorned with boat docks, yacht clubs, parks, and beautiful old trees and lovely mansions. Visually, the course is calm, serene and absolutely lovely and you can watch the sun sparkle off the water throughout much of it.

At the half-way point there is actually an aid station serving beer, this was the first race I ever saw this. A race volunteer encouraged me to take some and sip it for the carbs. I'm not a drinker but I admit it did help me!

Throughout the course, the elevation is consistent at sea level so this course is rather fast. Traffic is limited to one lane during most of the course so you have to be mindful of motor vehicles. I would also recommend using Nike Running Club or a Garmin to track as it's not chip-timed, but this doesn't take away from this small, intimate race what-so-ever.

The race concludes where it began at the landing in downtown Fort Walton Beach. Families are there waiting and cheering for all of the runners. Honestly, there wasn't a lot of post-race support but there are dozens of places to eat and grab a coffee or good, wholesome food right there on Miracle Strip behind the landing so this isn't a negative for me at all.

Overall this race is peaceful and really lovely. It is small, fast and intimate and you'll breathe in warm salt water air the entire time. The community of runners is small and friendly and you'll feel welcome and they'll even cheer you on.

I sincerely recommend this run to runners near and far, especially anyone looking for a new PR!