Race Info

Directions

Fort De Soto Park is located at the southern end of Pinellas County and easily accessible from any direction.

From Interstate 275, watch for signs for the Bayway, which connects St. Petersburg and St. Pete Beach. Head west towards the beaches, turning south to Fort De Soto Park.

From the beaches, head south to St. Pete Beach, turning left at the Don CeSar Beach Resort onto the Bayway, turning south to Fort De Soto Park.

Once you reach Fort De Soto Park, turn right and follow the bend in the road to North Beach all the way at the road’s end.

Parking

Parking is free. There is ample parking at North Beach in Ft. De Soto Park.

Course Limits

We require that runners and walkers be properly prepared and trained to finish the Halfathon within 4 hours (18 minute/mile pace). Please note that 4 hours after the start, course support ((i.e. aid/water stations, volunteers, course marshals, clocks, etc.) is not guaranteed. The 5k runners and walkers should be finished within the 4 hour time limit for the halfathon.

Course Highlights

Both races are staged entirely in Fort De Soto Park, recognized as one of the best beaches in the nation.
The course features a loop for the first 3.1 miles of the race, bringing athletes back through the start line.
The rest of the course is an extremely flat, out-and-back tour of Fort De Soto Park, mostly on paved recreational trails.
With a start time about 30 minutes before sunrise to avoid warm weather, the first portion of the race will take place in the dawn.
Sunrise should be directly ahead of our athletes before the turn-around at East Beach.
Check out our course map for the precise route.

No Strollers, Bicycles, or Dogs

All our races are sanctioned and insured through USATF for runners, joggers, and walkers ONLY. Strollers, skaters, skateboards and bicycles are NOT allowed on the course during our races.

USATF Certification

Both courses have been precisely measured and documentation provided according to USATF requirements, certifying our courses as accurately measured.

Timing

All official results will be based on “Gun Time” as per USATF rules. Chip times will be posted for our athletes’ review, but NOT used for scoring.

Support

We offer Gatorade and water at 7 aid stations along the halfathon course, with the first located near mile 2, which will serve as the only aid station for the 5K. Athletes who feel they will need additional hydration than what we provide are welcome to make their own arrangements, such as carrying additional fluids or having friends meet them along the course.
Fresh Florida oranges will be available at six aid stations, starting near mile 4.
Medical support is available from ambulances stationed along the course, and at the finish line. If you need medical assistance, the ambulances will be mobile and ready to respond.

Weather Info

Average Low: 61 °
Average High: 76 °
Average Monthly Rainfall: 3.29″
Sunrise: 7:34 a.m.

Post Race Pasta Party!

Celebrate your success at our super-fun post race party. Replenish with our delicious pasta and meatballs (vegetarian option available), beer, breakfast foods and fruits. Enjoy live music and vendors selling their wares. Stay around for the awards ceremony in case you win in your age group. You just may receive another medal or trophy!

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“Florida Road Races have been the most memorable and amazing races I have run locally! Year after year I have participated in all of them and not once have I left feeling unaccomplished nor disappointed in the way these races are put together. I highly recommend them to any one as they welcome ALL Athletes, from Elite to Beginners. Rya and Chris are the Best Race Directors in the area – Come join them, you will not “run” away disappointed…I guarantee you that!!!”
– Pila Cadena