2026 St. Petersburg Distance Classic
The 2026 St. Petersburg Distance Classic will take place on Sunday, February 8, 2026, starting and finishing at North Shore Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. The event will be held on a course that primarily uses paved roads with sections on the paved Pinellas Trail. St. Petersburg typically experiences mild February weather, with temperatures ranging from 56°F to 71°F, creating ideal conditions for road and mixed-terrain running. Participants can expect a scenic and varied route that highlights the city’s waterfront, historic neighborhoods, downtown energy, and public art. The marathon course is the first 26.2-mile race entirely within St. Petersburg city limits, offering a dynamic mix of environments. Pacers and live music will add to the race-day experience for participants.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (26.2 miles) – USATF-certified Boston Qualifier (certification FL19019TY)
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- →10K (6.2 miles)
- →5K (3.1 miles)
- →Virtual options available for all distances
What are the start times for each race?
- →Marathon: 6:00 AM EST
- →Half Marathon: 6:30 AM EST
- →10K: 7:00 AM EST
- →5K: 7:25 AM EST
What is the course layout for the event?
All four race distances begin together for the first two miles, heading north from North Shore Park into the Snell Isle neighborhood along Tampa Bay’s waterfront. After that, the courses diverge:
- →5K runners turn around shortly after the two-mile mark and return directly to the finish line at North Shore Park.
- →10K runners continue north around the Coffee Pot Bayou waterfront loop before turning back toward the finish.
- →Half Marathon and Marathon participants proceed south after the bayou loop, running along the waterfront, through downtown St. Petersburg, and onto Central Avenue.
- →At approximately Mile 10, the Half Marathon and Marathon courses split at the Pinellas Trail:
• Half Marathon runners turn east back toward the waterfront for the final miles.
• Marathon runners head west on the Pinellas Trail to complete their full 26.2 miles before returning to the finish line at North Shore Park.
What is the significance of the marathon course?
The marathon course is the first 26.2-mile race staged entirely within St. Petersburg city limits. It showcases a dynamic mix of waterfront vistas, historic residential areas, urban downtown energy, public art, and shaded trail sections. The route is designed to provide a diverse and scenic running experience.
Are there any pacing services available for the marathon and half marathon?
Yes, pacers provided by Beast Pacing will support Marathon and Half Marathon runners targeting specific finish times, including Boston Qualifying goals.
Is there live entertainment along the course?
Yes, live local musicians will perform at points along the course, enhancing the festive race-day atmosphere.
What is the registration deadline for this event?
The registration deadline is February 5, 2026, at 8:30 PM EST. No race-morning registration is available.
What is the event’s start and finish location?
The start and finish location is North Shore Park, 901 N Shore Dr. NE, in St. Petersburg, Florida. The venue is a waterfront location just north of the Vinoy Resort.