Keep That New Year’s Resolution Going—Participate in a Gulf Coast Race!

The first month of the new year is coming to an end, and for many of us this marks an important milestone in the success of a popular New Year’s resolution: getting in shape. If you’ve done really well with this resolution, you might consider rewarding yourself with a trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach—and put your in-shape self to the test by registering for an upcoming running event.

Coming up just next month (February 15^th to 16^th) is the 2013 Sweetheart 5k Run/Walk at The Hangout. Or if you need a little longer to prepare, the 2013 Bunny Hop Run is scheduled for April 6^th at The Wharf.

If a Gulf Shores running event is sounding like an appealing option, perhaps now is the time to kick the workout regimen into high gear and invest in a good pair of running shoes (if you haven’t already). As the big race approaches, drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. And on the day of the race, be sure to eat a light breakfast and dress in light, comfortable clothing.

A special thanks goes to The Hangout, not only for hosting the Sweetheart 5k Run/Walk, but also for providing Platinum level sponsorship to the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission. And thanks to our other Platinum sponsors—Kaiser Realty, Inc. by Wyndham VacationRentals® and Spectrum Resorts.

Experience a Variety of Sports and Accommodations in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

One major advantage of sports in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach is the variety of options—such as the variety of facilities available for hosting sports events on the Gulf. Baseball, softball, football, and soccer fields, tennis courts, recreation centers, golf courses, and the Gulf Shores Sportsplex and Orange Beach Sportsplex are some of the venues that make sports competitions in the area so easy to accommodate.

So it’s no wonder that when you check the Events and Special Rates page on the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission website, you’ll also find a variety of scheduled sporting events. This month alone brings a beach volleyball championship, the 2012 Juco Showcase (men’s basketball), and a couple USSSA softball tournaments. Coming up later in the summer is the 2012 Goshen College Women’s Soccer event August 10th to 21st and the 2012 Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon, set for September 7th and 8th.

And if you’re planning a vacation during any of these events, there’s one more set of options you’ll want to look into: accommodations. The area is home to a variety of beach-side accommodations, whether you’re seeking a simple hotel room or a full-blown vacation at a luxury resort—such as Spectrum Resorts, a sponsor of the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Sports Commission.

Spectrum offers its own variety of condo options in the form of three resort properties: The Beach Club, Caribe the Resort, and Turquoise Place. Guests have access to several resort activities and amenities, including pools, lazy rivers, spas, outdoor movies, putting greens, and tennis courts. Vacationers also have the option of booking a Gulf vacation package with Spectrum, including golf packages and fishing packages.

Relax with Spectrum Resorts

Accommodations are an important factor in a successful vacation. It’s a great feeling to return to a comfortable, luxurious condo after a day spent in the sun, whether at the beach, touring the local sites, or attending an Alabama Gulf Coast sporting event. So it’s very appropriate that Spectrum Resorts is one of the Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission’s sponsors.

With three resorts to choose from—The Beach Club, Caribe the Resort, and Turquoise Place—Spectrum Resorts offers a number of lodging options, from one- to five-bedroom condos as well as charming, spacious beach cottages. Each property offers its own assortment of amenities and guest services, including several outdoor and indoor swimming pools, poolside cabanas and bars, fitness centers, lazy rivers, spa services, supervised child care, and novelties such as life-size chess (The Beach Club) and lawn bowling (Caribe).

All three locations also offer a variety of specials to enhance guests’ vacation experiences, including free concert tickets, resort credit, and packages that include guests’ choice of golf, fishing, shopping gift cards, and passes to places like Waterville USA and the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo.

The company also offers a no-payment-until-you-stay policy, and guests can cancel reservations up to 72 hours before their arrival with no penalty.