2026 Best Damn Race - Safety Harbour

The 2026 Best Damn Race - Safety Harbor will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Safety Harbor, Florida, with the start located in front of the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa and the finish at Safety Harbor Marina Park, 110 Veterans Memorial Lane. The event is expected to experience mild to warm weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F and mostly sunny skies, creating ideal conditions for running. Participants can expect a well-organized road running event with multiple distance options, including a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, all primarily on paved roads and park pathways. The course offers scenic waterfront views, shaded sections, and a flat, fast profile, making it suitable for runners of all abilities.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Half Marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 7:35 AM EST
• →10K (6.2 miles) starting at 7:05 AM EST
• →5K (3.1 miles) starting at 9:15 AM EST

What is the course terrain for each distance?

• →Half Marathon: Road with brief sections on paved park paths and the Ream Wilson Trail (fully paved multi-use trail)
• →10K: Fully paved road course
• →5K: Fully paved road and park pathways

What is the course description for the Half Marathon?

The Half Marathon route heads north on N. Bayshore Drive along Old Tampa Bay waterfront, enters Philippe Park for a shaded out-and-back section with gentle inclines/declines, then returns south through Safety Harbor neighborhoods. The second half features an out-and-back segment on the flat, paved Ream Wilson Trail. Overall, a fast course with minimal elevation change—ideal for personal records.

What is the course description for the 10K?

The 10K begins on Bayshore Boulevard with waterfront views of Old Tampa Bay, continues north to Philippe Parkway for a turnaround, then heads south along Bayshore Boulevard briefly crossing into Clearwater before returning to Safety Harbor for the finish. The course features gentle rolling terrain with excellent bay views and a fast, runnable profile.

What is the course description for the 5K?

The 5K starts on Bayshore Boulevard heading north along the waterfront, enters Philippe Park for a scenic loop on shaded paved paths, then returns south on Bayshore Boulevard to the finish at Marina Park. It is a flat, spectator-friendly course with beautiful bay vistas.

What is the Double Challenge Option?

The Double Challenge Option allows participants to complete both the 10K (starting at 7:05 AM) and the 5K (starting at 9:15 AM) to earn three medals: an individual 10K medal, an individual 5K medal, and a special double-challenge medal.

What race experience features are included?

The event is chip-timed with integration of the RaceJoy app for live GPS tracking and remote cheers from supporters. The event is open to all abilities, including walkers, runners, and baby joggers. Age minimums are 8+ for 5K/10K and 12+ for Half Marathon/Double Challenge. Post-race festivities are held at Marina Park with waterfront views.

What is the schedule for the event?

• →Half Marathon: 7:35 AM EST
• →10K: 7:05 AM EST
• →5K: 9:15 AM EST

What amenities are available at the event?

There are 10 aid stations offering water and Gatorade, with 4 stations (miles 4.6, 5.1, 8.8, 9.3) also providing energy gels. Two port-a-potties are available at each aid station.

Are there any age restrictions for participation?

• →8 years and older for 5K and 10K
• →12 years and older for Half Marathon and Double Challenge

Is registration available on race day?

Registration closes on February 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Race-day registration is not mentioned as available.

What is the expected weather on the event day?

The event is expected to have mild to warm weather conditions, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F and mostly sunny skies.