St. Petersburg Distance Classic

The St. Petersburg Distance Classic is a Marathon, Half Marathon (Halfathon), 10K, and 5K event held on the downtown waterfront of St. Petersburg, Florida, with virtual options for every distance. Organized by Chris and Rya Lauber through their family-run Florida Road Races, the race has grown from its 2021 debut into one of the region's most popular winter events: the 2026 edition drew nearly 3,500 finishers, a 30% jump from the year before, with runners representing 45 states and 15 countries. All courses start at North Shore Park on Tampa Bay and share the first two miles through the historic Snell Isle neighborhood before the Marathon continues onto the Pinellas Trail as an out-and-back. The course is exceptionally flat, with roughly 251 feet of total elevation gain over the full 26.2 miles, and the Marathon is USATF-certified as a Boston Qualifier. Runners set off at 6:30 a.m. — ahead of Florida's midday heat — with on-course music, pacers for the longer distances, finisher medals, and age-group awards at the finish. The next edition takes place Sunday, February 7, 2027, with registration open through late 2026 before price increases and a January 8 deadline for the 5K.