Winter Races & Running Events in St. Pete-Clearwater
Warm winter weather in sunny St. Pete-Clearwater, Florida, brings New Year’s resolutions to life with fun runs, 5K, 10K, and even Boston-qualifying marathons.
While much of the country logs treadmill miles and dodges icy sidewalks, winter in St. Pete-Clearwater truly hits its stride, welcoming runners with coastal breezes and sunlit routes along the water. From iconic bayfront races and fast, flat courses to one-of-a-kind racing events that double as festivals, the winter season delivers endless motivation to lace up your running shoes. Check out these racing events!
Clearwater Marathon & Running Festival: January 24 & 25, 2026
Where Gulf breezes meet the starting gun, the Clearwater Marathon Running Festival turns a race weekend into a seaside escape. This two-day celebration of running, held Jan. 24 & 25, 2026, begins and ends at Sand Key Park, with courses framed by sweeping views of Clearwater Beach, the Intracoastal Waterway and shimmering Gulf waters.
Saturday kicks off with a 5K followed by a laid-back post-race beach party and kids’ fun runs, while Sunday brings the main events—ultra (50k), marathon (USATF-certified, Boston-qualifying), half marathon and relay... each finishing just steps from the surf. Between miles, runners are treated to plentiful aid stations, postcard-worthy scenery and Florida’s famously flat, fast terrain.
After crossing the finish line, celebrate with a cold beer, finisher medals and even complimentary post-race massages.
The Clearwater Beach Sheraton Resort on Sand Key anchors the action as host hotel and race hub.
St. Petersburg Distance Classic: February 8, 2026
Bask in St. Pete-Clearwater's prime running weather along the sparkling waterfront of Tampa Bay. This race starts and finishes at North Shore Park in downtown St. Pete, near the historic Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or casual walker, you can take your pick from a marathon (USATF-certified, Boston-qualifying), half-marathon, 10K or 5K.
The course weaves past beautiful palm-lined parks, sailboats bobbing in the bay, and sweeping skyline views, delivering scenery that distracts from even the toughest miles. Out-of-towners can stay within walking distance of the course at the Hilton St. Petersburg Downtown Bayfront, offering special runner rates and easy access to the start line. See more downtown St. Pete hotel options.
Gasparilla Distance Classic: February 21 & 22, 2026
Just across Tampa Bay, the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic stands as Tampa’s signature road-running event, turning Bayshore Boulevard into a racer’s paradise. Cruise along the flat, fast out-and-back course tracing the waterfront beneath swaying palms and wide-open bay views.
Race options range from a 5K and 8K to the Gasparilla Half Marathon and the 15K, with multiple Michelob Ultra Challenges inviting runners to stack distances across the weekend.
The festivities begin Friday with Pepperjack’s Hot Diggity Dog Walk along the Tampa Riverwalk, where leashed pups and their humans earn medals, bandanas and bragging rights.
5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix Track: February 26, 2026
Run where IndyCars roar during this one-of-a-kind 5K on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, set on the legendary 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix street track. With both start and finishing line along the waterfront beside North Straub Park, the course winds through downtown St. Pete before entering the Firestone Grand Prix track at Turn 9, offering runners a rare, behind-the-scenes thrill usually reserved for race day.
This event benefits the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg, supporting programs that provide safe, enriching spaces for local youth. The race coincides with IndyCar’s free Party in the Park, transforming the finish line into a lively community celebration with race cars on display, driver autographs and post-run festivities.
Be sure to catch all the fun and excitement at the kick-off of IndyCar season at the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
