The premier community event, the St. Pete Beach Classic, hits St. Pete Beach this weekend, January 14-17, 2022, with a host of exciting happenings, including several new ones for 2022.
The St. Pete Beach Classic continues to welcome registrations from novice and competitive runners and walkers with races for every endurance level including: 5K, 10K, Beach Fun Run, Half Marathon, Duo Competition, Individual Marathon Challenge and Kids’ Dashes.
The scenic racecourses run through the streets of beautiful St. Pete Beach, the Sunset Capital of Florida, and Trip Advisor’s #1 US Beach! The courses are certified, flat, and fast coursing by waterways and through neighborhoods. All races begin and end at the Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center, 5300 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach.
In addition to racing, highlights for the weekend include: a Health & Fitness Expo on Friday January 14th at the St. Pete Beach Rec Center; a craft show featuring local artisans; a beach volleyball experience complete with instruction, demonstrations, open play courts, and games played by members of the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association; and delicious food available for purchase all weekend. Attendees can also enjoy the Florida Kaleidoscope Art Show at the Sirata. The juried fine art exhibition is hosted by Bella Unica Art Gallery, a European style, contemporary and modern art gallery, known for its local artists specializing in Impressionism, Abstract and Contemporary-Realism. The featured works in the show are inspired by St. Pete Beach’s natural beauty with a nod to the importance of protecting the ecosystem and environment. Saturday events culminate in a free night-time beach bonfire with live music from The Big Brother Band. Proceeds from the event will benefit designated charities. A beach clean-up will be held from 9-11 AM on Monday, January 17th with free parking and supplies.
Road closures will be in effect Saturday and Sunday from 6-10 AM including the closure of the southbound outside lane of Blind Pass Road from 93rd Avenue to 75th and opposing traffic on the northbound lanes of Gulf Boulevard from 75th to 43rd Avenue. On Sunday only from 6-10 AM the south bound lane of PAG Way from 35th to 22nd Avenue will be closed with alternating one-way traffic on 21st Avenue to Vina Del Mar.
Volunteers are needed at the race venue and throughout neighborhoods along the racecourse as well as for morning and evening activities. Volunteers receive a free long-sleeve t-shirt, have access to the post-race parties, are invited to the “Community Appreciation Party” on Monday, January 17th after the beach clean up with Green Peacemakers, and are eligible to receive volunteer hours credit with documentation. Individuals interested in volunteering for the event should contact race organizers directly.
St. Pete Beach Mayor Al Johnson said, “St. Pete Beach welcomes racers and their families to this extraordinary race weekend. The organizers have created a family-friendly weekend aimed at attracting racers and race fans but also art lovers, health enthusiasts, and beach volleyball fans, for a truly inclusive weekend event in beautiful St. Pete Beach.”
Registration is still open and will remain open through the day-of. (A day-of, drop-in fee may apply to registrants on January 15th and 16th .)
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About the City of St. Pete Beach
The City of St. Pete Beach is a barrier island community located just off the Pinellas County mainland of Saint Petersburg, just south of Treasure Island, and 20 miles from Clearwater Beach. With miles of pristine, white sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, an abundance of recreational opportunities, restaurants, and shopping, St. Pete Beach is one of the most enjoyable places to live and vacation in the world and was designated at the #1 US Beach by Trip Advisor. The City of St. Pete Beach has a permanent population of about 10,000 residents.
About the St. Pete Beach Classic
Established in 2004, the Classic began as a one-day event featuring 5K and 10K races plus Kids’ dashes. By 2015, beginning with the second decade of the St. Pete Beach Classic, it evolved into a weekend filled with races and activities for runners, walkers, and area residents alike. The St. Pete Beach Classic is now preparing for its 16th running and largest weekend of fun in its history.
Looking for a large long sleeve t-shirt from the classic ?
Any available for purchase ?
Don’t live in Florida anymore and miss getting my shirt every year !