2020 St Pete Beach Classic Race Weekend

Each January since 2015, I've run races at the St. Pete Beach Classic. It's one of my favorite local events because it has a race for everyone. I've raced the the Half, Classic Duo, and 10K.

​If I ever run a marathon, it will be over 2 days at SPBC. This year, I ran the 10K on Saturday, then volunteered at the finish line on Sunday. It was an excellent way to ease back into running after my distracted holiday season. 

If you run all the races, you get all the medals. From left to right: 5K, 10K, Classic Duo (5k + 10k), Half and Marathon Challenge. There's a Beach Race without a medal that's required for the Marathon Challenge. (Photo credit: St Pete Beach Classic)

2020 St Pete Beach Classic Weekend Schedule

The St. Pete Beach Classic offers a fun racecation on the Gulf of Mexico. You can come early, and stay late, since it's held on a holiday weekend. This year it was January 17-19.

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Friday, Jan. 17, Noon to 6 PM

Race Expo, Registration, and Packet Pick Up. This pre-race day session was off-site this year. It usually takes place in the Sirata Resort Ballroom.

The expo included vendors along with opps to get deals on races, gear, and fuel. It was easy in and easy out for packet pickup. The views of the Innercoastal were good, too!

No worries if you can't go early — just pick up your race packet on site before each race.

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Saturday, Jan. 18, 6 AM to 5 PM

Packet pickup and race day registration started at 6 AM at the Sirata Beach Resort.

Volunteers setting up inside the food tent early Saturday morning. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Saturday morning after the 10K. Check out that blue sky! Packet pickup, bag check, and the medic are all adjacent to the finish line. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Love this fire pit just off the decking behind the Sirata. (Photo: This Old Runner)

The race finishes in the south parking area at the Sirata. Here's the finish Line area on Saturday after my 10K. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Runners gather near the starting line for the 10K on Saturday morning. (Photo: This Old Runner)

After the race, runners relax with food and beverages on the Sirata deck. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Finisher medal for FREE kids race.

7 AM: CLASSIC 10K 
​(includes Duo and Marathon Challenge participants)

8:45 AM: SYNOVUS KIDS’ CLASSIC RACES 

9 AM: ST PETE RUNNING CO 5K
(includes Duo and Marathon Challenge participants)

10:30 AM: Awards and Post Race Party
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11 AM: Packet Pickup Closes until 4 PM

Race finishers gather on the party deck and beach behind the Sirata Beach Resort. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Inside Rum Runners. One of the best things about this event is the venue. (Photo: This Old Runner)

There was a bonfire on the beach on Saturday night after the Beach Fun Run. (Photo: St Pete Beach Classic)

There was serious competition at the 5K starting line! (Photo: St Pete Beach Classic)

​Saturday Continued:

​4-5 PM: Registration and Packet Pickup Open 

5 PM: CLASSIC BEACH FUN RUN 
​(includes Duo and Marathon Challenge participants)

6 PM: Concert and Party
at Rum Runners with Big Brother Band 
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7 PM: Bonfire on the Beach
behind Rum Runners 

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Sunday morning's sunrise sky! Sunday was less windy than Saturday. Temps were in the 60s both mornings. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Sunday morning finish line. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Donna explains our volunteer duties at the finish line. (Photo: This Old Runner)

Sunday, Jan. 19, 6 to 10:30 AM

6 to 6:30 AM: Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup
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6:45 AM MADDIE ZOLFO HALF MARATHON  

8:30 AM: Post Race Party Begins

10 AM: Half Marathon Awards Ceremony

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Goodie Bag

I love the deep berry and bright blue colors for this year's race shirts. It's a lightweight tech material that I'll wear a lot. Because I volunteered, I scored a second shirt in a beautiful green color. 

The goodie bags included 6 sample products. I'm a fan of Reef Safe, Shave Secret, and Fat Tire lip balm, so I was happy to see them in the backpack.

I'm eager to try the new products: Split Nutrition pack, Ekoa dried fruit bars, and Banana Bag drink. Love a race goodie bag that introduces me to new stuff!

If you're looking for a fun race on the beach in January, check out the St. Pete Beach Classic. Registration is open for next year's event on January 15-16-17, 2021  ​

The event is perfect for a getaway weekend whether you're from Nebraska or Tampa!