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St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon

Race Details:

What This Race Counts Toward:

Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: No

St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon Description

The St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon starts and finishes near Vinoy Park each February, tracing Florida’s Gulf Coast along the scenic Bayfront and Pinellas Trail to North Shore Park. The flat, Boston-qualifying course pairs mild winter weather with waterfront views of marinas and sailboats. A half marathon, 10K, and 5K round out a smaller, friendly race weekend known for its welcoming community atmosphere.

Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.

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St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon Additional Details:

Seventeen aid stations support the marathon (eight for the half), pouring lemon-lime Gatorade and water throughout, with GU gels available at miles 6.5, 12.8, and 20.3. Every finisher, across all four distances, takes home a gold running starfish medal designed around the race’s sunshine-and-water theme. One thoughtful touch: runners who drop gear at the early mile markers get it transported straight to the finish area for pickup. Add in a sunrise over the water at the start and the marina views along the Pinellas Trail, and this stays one of the most scenic small marathons on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Mostly Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 7 hours

# of Finishers

Half Marathon: 700+

Marathon: 300-400

Elevation Details

Elevation Gain: 50 ft (15 m)
Elevation Loss: 50 ft (15 m)

Average Temperature

Train Smarter for Race Day

A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.

Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.

Half Marathon Training Plan

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you strong and confident at 13.1.

Full Marathon Training Plan

Structured plans for every experience level, from your first 26.2 to chasing a new PR.

Things to Do in St. Petersburg, FL, USA

Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.

Shopping

Central Avenue Shops

Browse local shops selling handmade goods and art galleries showcasing local talent along Central Avenue — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir.

Scenic Drives & Viewpoints

St. Petersburg Waterfront

Take in Tampa Bay views along St. Petersburg’s downtown waterfront parks — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.

Museums & History

Florida Holocaust Museum

Reflect on history at the Florida Holocaust Museum in downtown St. Petersburg — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.

Outdoors & Trails

Crescent Lake Park

Walk the peaceful paths of Crescent Lake Park, a green space in the heart of St. Petersburg — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs after race day.

Arts & Culture

Dalí Museum

See one of the most impressive collections of Salvador Dalí’s work outside of Spain at the Dalí Museum — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.

Food & Drink

Central Avenue Restaurants

Sample food from one of the many inviting restaurants along Central Avenue — a relaxed way to refuel after race day.

Landmark

Chihuly Collection

See permanent glass installations by artist Dale Chihuly at the Chihuly Collection in downtown St. Petersburg — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race weekend.

Hotels & Lodging Near the St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon

Compare nearby hotels and book your St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.

Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.

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A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes

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