Runners rejoice! With the new year comes a new list of local races—including the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic in February. What's great about Tampa's upcoming race lineup is that there is something for everyone!
Perhaps your goal is to set a personal record or maybe one of your new year's resolutions is to run a 5K? There is certainly an array of races that will get you moving while also having fun. Run through courses such as wineries, obstacle courses, and even a baseball field!
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>So, start warming up and check out this awesome list of Tampa Bay races that you can sign up for this year.
Pre-Race Tips
- Half-marathon = 13.1 miles; 15K = 9.3 miles; 10K = 6.2 miles; 8K = 4.97 miles; 5K = 3.1 miles
- If you're a first time runner, check out a “couch to 5K” app to help you train properly.
- Register early! Most races have early bird discounts. Some races also have a limited number of spots.
- Go at your own pace! Do what feels comfortable for you and your body. Everyone runs at different speeds. Just crossing the finish—whether you're first or last—is a huge accomplishment!
- Not all sneakers are created equal —make sure you have the right type of shoes. Most athletic shoe stores can properly fit your feet for the correct sneakers.
- Hit the pavement! Try to run outside, if possible. Running indoors can certainly help you train, but there is a difference in running on a treadmill vs. running on sidewalks and streets.
Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic February 21-22, 2026
Now in its 49th year, the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic (PGDC) in Downtown Tampa is one of the largest and most popular races in Tampa.
Race options include a half-marathon, 15K, 8K, 5K, 5k Stroller Walk, Dog Walk, and more. The race events span over an entire weekend, beginning with the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, February 20, and ending with the half-marathon and 8K races on Sunday, February 22.
There will also be a separate family-friendly event on February 14, the Publix Too Good for Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic. The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for youth charitable organizations and running programs in the Tampa area.
If you are looking for a fun event to do with your pup, check out the Pepperjack’s Hot Diggity Dog Walk on February 20 at 5:30 p.m. This event is 1/2 a mile and includes a personalized bib for human & pup, bandanas, glow sticks, a medal for the human, and a finisher dog tag for your pup.
ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo: Friday and Saturday, February 20-21
The Expo at the Tampa Convention Center is free and open to the public and is also where runners will pick up their race packets. In addition, it will also feature vendors offering the latest in running shoes, apparel, and medical breakthroughs and info to help you take charge of your health.
Visitors can also purchase 2025 PGDC gear.
15K/5K/5K Stroller Roll/5K Walk: Saturday, February 21, 6:40 a.m.
The PGDC 15K will feature rolling wave starts beginning at 6:40 a.m. with the 15K Wheelchair race followed by the first and second waves of the 15K.
The 5K will begin at 9:15am and will feature five wave starts (each participant's race number will be color-coded to the assigned wave start). There will also be a designated start for the Kellogg's 5K Stroller Roll and Kashi 5K Walk.
Half Marathon/8K: Sunday, February 22, 6 a.m.
The 8K will feature a rolling wave start. The half-marathon will begin at 6 a.m. and will include two staging areas (2 hours and under and 2+ hours), and the 8K will start at 9:15 a.m.
For more information on any of the PGDC races, visit rungasparilla.com.
Q105 Post-Race Celebrations, Presented by Michelob Ultra
- Saturday, February 22, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Sunday, February 23, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Participants are invited to a post-race celebration at Tony Jannus Park across from Publix on Bayshore Blvd. Awards for each race category will be handed out.
More Exciting Tampa Bay Races to Check Out This Year!
- Tampa Bay's Super Bowl Sunday 5k
- Annual Driscoll's Strawberry Classic
- Tampa Fire 5k
- TPA's 5K on The Runway
- MudGirl Obstacle Race
- Tampa Beer Run
- Freedom 4 Miler
- Bubble Run Tampa 5K
Tampa Bay's Super Bowl Sunday 5K
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 9 a.m.
- Location: Al Lopez Park, 4810 N Homes Ave., Tampa
- Cost: $40 (price increases after January)
Put on your favorite NFL jersey and join the Krewe for an exhilarating Super Bowl Sunday morning 5K run while supporting local charities! Whether you're a seasoned runner or prefer a leisurely stroll, our new family-friendly course is designed for everyone to enjoy!
45th Annual Driscoll's Strawberry Classic
- Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 7 a.m.
- Location: Temple Terrace Elementary School, Tampa
- Cost: $10-55 (price increased after January 30)
Hosted by Tampa Bay Runners, this family-friendly race benefits Meals on Wheels and Children's Dream Fund. The 15K, 10K, and 5K races are broken into two groups each —adults 18+ and students 17 and under. There will also be a one-mile fun run for all ages and a virtual run option.
Tampa Fire 5K
- Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 8 a.m.
- Location: Tampa Firefighters Museum, Tampa
- Cost: $20-30 (price increases after February 19)
Run with the firefighters for a great cause! 100% of the proceeds of this annual Pediatric Burn Survivor 5K/1 mile Fun/Walk benefit Camp Hopetake, a week-long, free-of-charge summer camp hosted in Tampa for previously burned children of all ages.
This non-threatening atmosphere allows them to enjoy activities including going to Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, Disneyworld, Adventure Island, Tampa Bay Rays game, swimming, bowling, fishing, games, crafts, movies and more.
TPA's 5K on The Runway
- Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 8 a.m.
- Location: Tampa International Airport
- Cost: 2026 TBA
Going into its 12th year, the proceeds of the race benefit United Way Suncoast, a nonprofit organization that focuses its efforts on community assistance, early learning, and financial stability in the Tampa Bay region.
Participants will have the rare opportunity to complete a 3.1-mile race on a real airport runway alongside Fixed Base Operators and dormant aircraft.
For more details on registration, visit here.
MudGirl Obstacle Race
- Dates: April 10 and 12, 2026, at 7:45 a.m.
- Location: Little Everglades Ranch, Dade City
- Cost: $47 (price increases on December 12)
Enter into this uniting and empowering experience with over 17 obstacles. There is only one goal—run together to remember it forever. Participants will face mud, obstacles, and inflatables in an amazing atmosphere surrounded by women of all ages, all fitness levels!
Freedom 4 Miler TAMPA
- Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
- Location: Al Lopez Park, Tampa
- Cost: $15-100 (price increases after May 29)
A meaningful and memorable 4-mile run where all proceeds go directly towards benefitting Believe With Me's families of fallen soldiers! Be a part of a beautiful, impactful celebration of our independence and freedoms, and honor the families that have paid for all of it with the sacrifice of their loved ones.
Your generosity will help purchase Christmas gifts for more than 2,500 children of fallen soldiers!
Tampa Beer Run
- Date: 2026 TBA
- Location: Al Lopez Park, Tampa
- Cost: TBA
A not-so-traditional run in Al Lopez Park, with an amazing after-party. This race isn't about who's the fastest – it's about having fun and having a few beers along the course. Every .75 miles (approximately), you'll be treated to a specialty beer sampling. Once you've made it through the 5K course, enjoy the after-party with your choice of a 16oz beer.
Continue the party with music, drink, dancing, and awards. This race is for participants 21+ only.
MacDill's Paws 4 Heros 5K
- Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Location: 6901 S MacDill Ave., Tampa
- Cost: $30-35 (price increases after January 31)
The Southeastern Guide Dogs MacDill's Paws for Heroes 5K promises to be a fun event with all funds raised benefitting the Paws for Patriots Program.
The cost to provide a guide dog for a veteran with a visual impairment or a service dog for a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder is tens of thousands of dollars, yet veterans receive these extraordinary dogs at no cost.
Feature image credit: Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic