15K COURSE INFORMATION

The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K features a scenic out-and-back course along beautiful Bayshore Boulevard, offering participants stunning views of Tampa Bay.
The race finishes on Bayshore Boulevard at the foot of the Platt Street Bridge, providing an iconic and memorable end to your 15K experience.

🕕 15K Start Details

📍 Start Location:
Brorein St. & Franklin St. – Downtown Tampa

📅 Race Date: February 15, 2026
🚦 Start Times (Rolling Wave Start):

  • Wave #1: 6:45 a.m.

  • Wave #2: 6:55 a.m.

The 2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K will feature a rolling Wave Start to ensure a smooth and safe race experience. As each corral clears the Start Line, the next group will be immediately moved forward to begin.

🎽 Race Number Assignment:
Race numbers will be assigned based on the Projected Finish Time provided during registration:

  • Wave #1: 90 minutes & under

  • Wave #2: 91 minutes & over

⏱️ Make sure to arrive early and line up in your assigned corral based on your race number!

Start

Brorein St. & Franklin St.
• Head West on Brorein St.
• Left on Little Bayshore Blvd.
• Continue on Bayshore Blvd. heading South to Gandy Blvd.
• Right on Gandy Blvd. to turn around at Quincy Ave.
• Gandy Blvd. back to Bayshore Blvd.
• Left on Bayshore Blvd.
• Head North on Bayshore Blvd. back to the Finish Line.
Finish: Tarpon Dock, Bayshore Blvd. (between Beach Place & Hyde Park Place)

Course Records 15K

Overall Male: 42:35, Phillimon Hanneck, 1994
Overall Female: 47:43, Elizabeth McColgan, 1988

Course Clocks & Mile Markers

Digital time clocks and mile markers will be positioned along the 15K course at every mile, and in the 15K, at the halfway point.

 

Back in 2026!

Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water
Half-Way There
Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water will greet runners and walkers with a Zephyrhills
Half-Way There Celebration at the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K Half-Way Point!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD MAP

Aid Stations

AID STATIONS

There will be one Start & Finish Aid Station and nine Course Aid Stations set approximately one mile apart, beginning at the two-mile mark of the 15K course.

All Aid Stations will supply Zephyrhills® Spring Water — the Official Bottled Water of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend Events since 1978.

In addition, Gatorade Endurance Formula (Lemon-Lime flavor) will be available along the 15K course at the two-, four-, and seven-mile Aid Stations.

Stay hydrated, stay strong, and enjoy the support that keeps every runner moving toward the Finish Line!

Gatorade Endurance is On-Course! Gatorade Endurance is proud to be the Official Energy Nutrition and Hydration Partner of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic.   Grounded in years of hydration and sports nutrition research at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, the Gatorade Endurance line of products helps deliver the fluids and nutrients endurance athletes need for training or racing.

On-Course Hydration: Gatorade Endurance Formula. Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink designed to help maintain hydration during prolonged training and racing, when fluid and electrolyte losses can be significant.  It contains nearly two times the sodium (200mg) and more than three times the potassium (90mg) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher to help maintain hydration and proper fluid balance and help replace the critical electrolytes lost in sweat during these occasions. Gatorade Endurance Formula (Lemon-Lime) will be available at miles 2 & 7 (approximate) of the 15K. At each Aid Station, the tables will be set up so that participants can be offered Gatorade first, followed by Zephyrhills Spring Water.

On-Course Nutrition:  Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel – Half Marathon only Gatorade Endurance Energy Gel provides carbohydrate energy that’s easy to take down and has a smooth mouthfeel. Like the entire Gatorade Endurance line, Energy Gel is designed to meet the unique fueling needs of endurance athletes. Gatorade Endurance Formula (Lemon-Lime) will be available at miles 2 & 7 (approximate) of the 15K.  At each Aid Station, the tables will be set up so that participants can be offered Gatorade first, followed by Zephyrhills Spring Water. To learn more about the Gatorade Endurance line of products, visit gatorade.com/endurance

🏥 Finish Line Medical Support

Your health and safety are our top priority.

At the 2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Half Marathon Finish Line Area, Tampa General Hospital will provide a fully equipped Medical Facility staffed by their expert Emergency Room Medical Professionals.

🚑 Medical Services Include:

  • On-site emergency care by Tampa General Hospital staff

  • Tampa Fire Rescue Paramedics stationed along the course

  • Mobile medical teams on bicycles and golf carts for rapid response

⚠️ Important Notes:

  • Access to the Medical Facility is restricted to participants requiring medical assistance only.

  • Medical staff reserves the right to withdraw any runner or walker from the race if they appear to be in distress or at risk by continuing.

Your safety is our mission. Please listen to your body and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.

Safety

🚫 Course Safety & Participant Guidelines

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the race course is restricted to:

  • Registered runners and walkers

  • Official race personnel only

⛔ The following are NOT permitted on the course:

  • Dogs or other animals

  • Bicycles

  • In-line skates or roller skates

  • Strollers (unless otherwise specified)

  • Any wheeled or unauthorized vehicles

⚠️ Violators will be disqualified and removed from the course by Race Officials.

🎧 Headphone Policy

For the safety of all participants, and in alignment with RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Guidelines, the use of headphones is strongly discouraged during the race.