2025 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend FAQs

Sale and/or transfer of race entries/race numbers is strictly prohibited and will result in the disqualification and/or banning of any individuals involved from future events. All entry fees are non-refundable. An entry fee donation to GDCA would be welcome.

• The 2025 PGDC Packet Pick-Up will occur during the ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo, presented by TampaWell in the Tampa Convention Center’s East Hall. The times are as follows:
  • Friday, February 21st: 10 am – 8 pm
  • Saturday, February 22nd: 6 am – 3 pm
    • On Saturday morning, Race Number Pick-Up will begin at 5:30 a.m. T-shirts and goody Bags will not be distributed until the expo opens at 6 a.m. 15K participants should run their race and return to the expo afterward.

• No

• Packet Pick-up will occur at the Tampa Convention Center Ballroom D Franklin Street Entrance, starting at 4:30 am and ending at 9 am.

• Yes, but there will be a $25 Transfer Fee, and if you’re moving from a shorter to a longer distance, you will be responsible for the difference in the entry fee. No Challenge Transfers at the Expo.

• No

• Deferrals for the 2025 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon and 2025 Michelob Ultra Challenge, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge, Michelob Ultra Infusion Challenge, and Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer Challenge will be accepted until 3 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025
  • Half Marathon Deferral Fee: $50
  • Challenge Deferral Fee: $60

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• Yes, Gear Check will be available in the convention center’s Meeting Room #125. The meeting room is on the convention center’s lower level, adjacent to the escalators.
• Though the room will always be monitored, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association is not responsible for losses.
• Gear Check Hours:
  • Saturday, February 22nd: 5:30 am-Noon
  • Sunday, February 23rd: 4:30 am-Noon
  • Any bags remaining in the Gear Check Room at closing will be taken to the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Office.

• The 2025 PGDC Race Weekend Lost & Found will be located at the expo’s Questions Desk during expo hours, and on Sunday, it will be moved to the Gear Check Room in Meeting Room #125.

• Dogs nor any other animals are allowed on-course.

• Service Dogs are allowed.

• The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association encourages family participation and has created the Special K 5K Stroller Roll specifically for families with little ones 4 & under. Entry Fees for children ages 4 & under are $5.  Those 5 years & older will pay the Adult Entry Fee.
• Strollers ARE NOT allowed in the 15K, 5K Run, 5K Walk, Half Marathon or 8K.

• Yes, porta potties will be placed at all start and finish lines as well as at every mile of the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon & 8K courses.

• To meet the needs of our Challenge participants, a Challenge Medal Drop Zone is available on Saturday & Sunday mornings and is located at the base of the Platt Street Bridge at Channelside & Ashley Streets.
• Finishers Medals will be placed in labeled zip lock bags.

• In addition to Aid Stations, four sprinkle showers will be placed on the water side of Bayshore Boulevard between Gandy Boulevard and Rome Avenue.
• Additionally, ice-cold 2025 PGDC Branded 15K, 5K, Half Marathon, and 8K Finishers Towels will be available at each of the Finish Lines.

• Beginning approximately at 1.5 miles, Aid Stations will be available at every mile and will offer Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water. Gatorade Endurance will be available at miles 2 & 7 of the 15K, at every Half Marathon Aid Station and at mile 3 of the 8K.
• Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water and Gatorade Endurance will be available at the Finish Line.

• Feb. 20-22, 2026

When 2025 PGDC Registration opens, the participation caps for each distance will be as follows:

– PGDC 15K – 4,500
– PGDC 5K Run – 8,000
– PGDC Kashi 5K Walk – 1,500
– PGDC Special K 5K Stroller Roll– 500
– Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon – 4,500
– Publix Gasparilla 8K – 3,500 – Publix Gasparilla 8K Walk – 500
– Michelob Ultra Challenge – 500
– Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge – 250
– Michelob Ultra Infusion Challenge – 250
– Michelob Ultra Organic Seltzer Challenge – 400

• In November, if increasing participation caps are warranted, the association will review the numbers and increase accordingly.

We are not planning to offer a virtual option at this time.