<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>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!
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 line – 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 24-25, 2024
Now in its 46th 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, 5K, 5K Stroller Roll and 5K Walk, 8K, and more. The race events span over an entire weekend beginning with the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, February 23 and ending with the half marathon and 8K races on Sunday, February 25.
There will also be a separate family-friendly event on February 17, 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.
ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo: Friday and Saturday, February 23-24
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 2024 PGDC gear.
15K/5K/5K Stroller Roll/5K Walk: Saturday, February 24, 6:40am
The PGDC 15K will feature rolling wave starts beginning at 6:40 am 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 25, 6am
The half marathon and 8K will feature one rolling wave start. The half marathon will begin at 6am and will include two staging areas (2 hours and under and 2+ hours) and the 8K will start at 9:15am.
For more information on any of the PGDC races, visit rungasparilla.com.
Q105 Post-Race Celebrations, Presented by Michelob Ultra
- Saturday, February 24 from 9 am – 1 pm
- Sunday, February 25 from 9 am – 1 pm
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!
- Keel Farms Wine Run 5K
- Yankees Spring to Spring 5K & Fun Run
- 43rd Annual Driscoll’s Strawberry Classic
- MacDill’s Paws 4 Heroes 5K
- Roar Through Ybor 5K and Fun Run
- TPA’s 5K on The Runway
- Tampa Fire 5K
- MudGirl Obstacle Race
- Tampa Beer Run
- Bubble Run Tampa 5K
- Foam Glow Race 5K
- L.O.U.D. Runners Reindeer Race
Keel Farms Wine Run 5K
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 9am | Keel and Curley Winery, Plant City
Love and wine are in the air! Head over to Keel Farms on Saturday, February 3 for an exciting love-themed event that features the scenic views of Keel and Curley Winery.
After the race, enjoy an assortment of locally produced wines. With registration options for all wine lovers, walkers and runners, this race is a sure thing for a great time!
Yankees Sprint to Spring 5K & Fun Run
Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 8am | George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
What would be cooler than racing around a baseball field, getting a view from the players’ perspectives? The New York Yankees Sprint to Spring 5K & Fun Run will take place at George M. Steinbrenner Field and is perfect for all ages.
During this one-of-a-kind morning, participants will have a unique opportunity to gather together and celebrate the start of another baseball season. There will also be a virtual option.
43rd Annual Driscoll’s Strawberry Classic
Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7am | Temple Terrace Elementary School, Tampa
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.
MacDill’s Paws 4 Heros 5K
Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 8am | Gadsen Park, Tampa
The Southeastern Guide Dogs MacDill’s Paws for Heroes 5K promises to be a fun event. 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.
All funds raised will benefit the Paws for Patriots Program. On behalf of American heroes who have sacrificed so much, this program serves active-duty soldiers and retired servicemen and women with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Roar Through Ybor 5K and Fun Run
2024 info TBA | Centennial Park, Tampa
“Roar” through the streets of Ybor at this evening race! This evening of fun, friendly competition is a celebration of the lives saved and improved through organ, eye, and tissue donation. The event will include food and beverages, photo opportunities, and other interactive activities for the whole family.
TPA’s 5K on The Runway
Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 8am | Tampa International Airport
Going into its 10th year, the proceeds of the race benefit United Way Suncoast, a nonprofit organization that focuses efforts on community assistance, early learning and financial stability in the Tampa Bay region.
This year, the race will be held on runway 10-28. 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.
Tampa Fire 5K
Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 8am | Tampa Firefighters Museum, Tampa, FL
Run with the firefighters for a great cause! 100% of the proceeds of this 11th 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.
MudGirl Obstacle Race
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 7:45am | Little Everglades Ranch, Dade City
Enter into this uniting and empowering experience with over 17 obstacles. There is only one goal – run together stronger to remember it forever. Participants will face mud, obstacles and inflatables in an amazing atmosphere surrounded by women of all ages, all fitness levels.
Tampa Beer Run
Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8am | Al Lopez Park, Tampa
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.
Bubble Run Tampa 5K
2024 info TBA | Sun N’ Fun, Lakeland
Feel like a kid again running through this 5K course filled with colorful bubbles! This race is great for all ages and promise to be healthy, safe, and a TON of fun!
Foam Glow Race 5K
2024 info TBA | Sun N’ Fun, Lakeland
Along the 5K running path you will find Foam Glow 5K Zones, which are associated with a designated color: orange, pink, or green. As the runners/walkers reach the Zones, they will run through different colored foams that Glows in the Dark under high intensity black lights! All products are 100% natural and non-toxic.
At the end of the race there will be a Foam Glow 5K after party filled with music pumping from the stage.
L.O.U.D Runners Reindeer Race
2024 info TBA | Gadsen Park, Tampa
The 6th Annual L.O.U.D. Runners 5k and 1-mile fun run is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! Racers will receive a holiday-themed race shirt, finisher medal, and lots of holiday cheer. Stay after the race and you may also win one of the many great prizes being given away. Encouraging physical activity in children is important to the L.O.U.D. (Lifting Others Up Daily) Runners of Tampa Bay. To support that belief, all children under 16 can run the mile race for free and will receive a finishers medal.
Feature image credit: Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic