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

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

Gate Closure

IMPORTANT: The gate to Fort De Soto Park closes precisely at 7:00 a.m. This ensures that the race course is closed to traffic for your safety and protection. We do not want cars on the course when you are running or walking. A deputy will be stationed at the entrance and will not let you in; don’t be late! The gate will reopen at 9:00 a.m.

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 10k 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 water and Gatorade 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 (no 5K in 2021). 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.
• 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.