Half Marathon preteky v blízkosti Valrico

St. Pete Run Fest je trojdňový novembrový bežecký festival v St. Petersburgu na Floride, kde je certifikovaný polmaratón, 10K, 5K beh/chôdza, prechádzka so psom a detské preteky. Celé je to postavené na celom pretekárskom víkende a nie len na jednej štartovej čiare. Okrem behania tam bude aj živá hudba, remeselné pivo, víno a lokálni výrobcovia. Polmaratón má 13.1 míle a ide cez centrum St. Pete a popri nábreží. Desiatka (10K) má 6.2 míle a prechádza cez centrum, nábrežie a St. Pete Pier, kým 5K dáva bežcom a chodcom kratšiu 3.1-míľovú trasu po tej istej časti nábrežia. Peli Kids Youth Runs sú pre deti zo základných škôl a sú prepojené s programom behania a chôdze, ktorý podporuje aktívne návyky. Celý festival organizuje Good Sweat Foundation Inc., neziskovka z Floridy, a z výťažku z registrácií sa financuje prevádzka podujatia.

The Veterans Run starts and finishes at Ben T. Davis Park in Tampa, using the paved trail on the south side of the Courtney Campbell Causeway for all distances. Runners may select a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or 15.5-mile race; the 5K and half marathon also offer virtual participation. The event focuses on honoring and supporting America’s veterans, with certified timing for all in-person distances, accommodating both those seeking a personal best and those participating for the cause. All in-person courses are out-and-back routes along the Causeway, with Tampa Bay alongside the trail for most of the run. The longer races include the route’s notable Florida feature: a climb to a locally high point offering an overlook across the bay. Only the 15.5-mile race covers the Causeway’s full length. The race resumed after a two-year hiatus due to hurricane damage and city restrictions. The setup includes aid stations with water and electrolyte drinks, plus additional nutrition for half marathon and 15.5-mile runners.

The St. Petersburg Distance Classic begins at North Shore Park in St. Petersburg, Florida, offering marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and virtual race options. Held in February on flat waterfront roads, the marathon serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Though relatively new, the event attracts thousands of participants, with recent reports indicating just under 3,500 runners across all distances. The course winds through waterfront sections and historic St. Pete neighborhoods known for their artistic character, featuring live musicians along the route. Participants travel from across the United States and internationally, creating a diverse field of local residents, traveling marathoners, club runners, and those opting for shorter races. The race was founded and is managed from home by Chris and Rya Lauber; Chris also has experience organizing jet ski races in Florida and previously established the Gulf Beaches Marathon. Post-race, participants can enjoy a gathering with hot food, cold beer, a breakfast bar, and live music.

The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is a Tampa Bay race weekend featuring multiple running and walking events. Participants can select from a half marathon, 15K, 8K, or 5K. Walkers and families have options including a 5K walk and 5K stroller races. Michelob Ultra challenges are available for those wishing to complete multiple distances during the weekend. The event supports local charities, with race entries benefiting youth organizations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Since 1978, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association has contributed $3.9 million to organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa, Girls Inc. of Pinellas, The Friends of Tampa Parks & Recreation, and youth running programs. The event also attracts competitive runners, offering prize money across races and categories exceeding $40,000.