Running Events & Clubs in St. Pete-Clearwater

St. Pete Run Fest brings three days of running and celebration to downtown St. Petersburg, with a half marathon, 10K, 5K and kids’ races. Routes showcase the city’s waterfront, historic neighborhoods and colorful arts districts. After the half marathon, celebrate with “Taste of Tampa Bay” food, craft beer from Green Bench and 3 Daughters Brewing, live music and massage and stretching at the Back 2 Normal Recovery Zone. The festival also takes steps to protect its coastal surroundings, using reusable cups at hydration stations and providing water without single-use plastic bottles.

Held in late January, the Clearwater Marathon & Running Festival turns race weekend into a beach getaway. Starting and finishing at Sand Key Park, the courses showcase views of the Gulf, Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding city. Choose from a 5K, half marathon, two-person half-marathon relay, marathon or 50K ultra, with kids’ fun runs adding to the festivities. After crossing the finish line, celebrate with a medal, refreshments and a beach party behind the Sheraton Sand Key, featuring a DJ and complimentary recovery services such as stretching and massages.

Held in April, St. Anthony’s Triathlon combines swimming, cycling and running with a scenic St. Petersburg waterfront setting and enthusiastic fan support. Choose from Olympic and Sprint triathlons or the shorter Meek & Mighty event, with options for kids, experienced competitors and first-time triathletes alike. After the finish, celebrate with food, drinks and live music—or join the spectators cheering participants along the course.

Held in Safety Harbor in early February, Best Damn Race is a running series created for runners by runners. Choose from a 5K, 10K or half marathon, or take on the 5K and 10K Double Challenge for three medals. First-timers, experienced runners, walkers and participants with jogging strollers are welcome, with course time limits applying. Register early for lower entry fees, then celebrate your finish with food, drinks and fellow participants at Safety Harbor Marina.

Run on the streets, party on the beach! The St. Pete Beach Classic 5K, 10K and half marathon races take place in mid-January, with scenic island routes and post-race celebrations at Sirata Beach Resort. Children ages 8 and younger can join the free Kids’ Classic Fun Dash. Awards recognize overall finishers and age-group winners, including participants ages 80 and older. For an extra challenge, combine the 10K and 5K or tackle all three distances in the Super 3 Distance Challenge.

Take in St. Pete’s waterfront on foot at the St. Petersburg Distance Classic. Starting and finishing at North Shore Park near downtown, the event offers a marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K, welcoming everyone from competitive runners to casual walkers. Along the way, palm-lined parks, sailboats and city views give participants plenty to admire between miles. The USATF-certified marathon is a Boston qualifier, while shorter distances offer their own rewarding challenges.

Just across Tampa Bay, the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic turns Tampa’s Bayshore Boulevard into a waterfront running celebration. Choose from a 5K, 8K, 15K or half marathon, with routes tracing the bay beneath swaying palms. For runners looking to go the extra mile, challenge options combine multiple races across the weekend. The festivities extend beyond the course, too: Pepperjack’s Hot Diggity Dog Walk brings leashed pups to the Tampa Riverwalk for a playful start to race weekend.

Trade horsepower for foot power at this downtown St. Pete 5K, which includes part of the Firestone Grand Prix street circuit. The route combines waterfront scenery with a rare chance to run on pavement usually reserved for race cars. Held ahead of the Grand Prix weekend, the event benefits the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg and its youth programs. Be sure to catch all the fun and excitement at the kick-off of IndyCar season at the 2027 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.