8K Walk
2026 Registration Is Open!
Sunday, February 22, 2026 • 9:20 a.m.
🚶 Cheez-It 8K Walk
📍 Start Location:
Bayshore Boulevard & Verne Street
The Cheez-It 8K Walk is designed for those who want to be part of the 2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend in a fun, relaxed, and non-competitive atmosphere.
Perfect for walkers of all ages and experience levels, this event encourages participation without the pressure of racing.
⏱️ Important Notes:
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This is not a race.
While each participant will be timed, the event is intended as a non-competitive walk.
Please join with the spirit of enjoyment and community—not competition.
🚶♀️ Start Line Access
Participants must access the start area from the rear, using the Platt Street Bridge, located next to the Franklin Street Entrance of the Tampa Convention Center.
Plan ahead to arrive on time and follow signage and volunteer instructions for a smooth start experience.
Entry Fees
The prices below do not include a service fee charged by our registration partner.
$45
March 17 – April 18, 2025
$50
April 19 – July 6, 2025
$55
July 7 – September 30, 2025
$60
October 1 – November 30, 2025
$70
December 1, 2025 – January 9, 2026
$75
January 10 – February 15, 2026
Online Only
$80
Race Weekend
(If Available)
Runner Premiums
🏃♂️ Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 8K – 2026 Participant Perks
All 2026 8K participants will receive the following:
🎽 Race Gear & Swag:
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Official 2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 8K Gender-Specific Performance Wicking Race Shirt
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2026 PGDC Branded Rooms To Go Reusable Shopping Bag
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Final Voyage Publix Running Hat
(This is the last year for this item — new item coming in 2027!)
💻 Digital Goodies:
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2026 PGDC Virtual Race Bag
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Personalized 2026 PGDC 15K Virtual Finisher’s Certificate
(A valid email address is required during registration.)
🏅 Finisher Rewards (For those who cross the finish line):
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2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 8K Finisher’s Medal
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2026 PGDC 8K Finisher’s Towel
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Post-Race Food & Beverages
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Complimentary 12-ounce Michelob Ultra (21+ only)
⚠️ Important Note on Late Registration:
Participants who register online after January 10, 2026, or during Race Weekend Late Registration (if available):
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WILL receive a gender-specific performance wicking Race Shirt
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BUT are not guaranteed a correctly-sized shirt 2026 PGDC Gender-Specific Sizing Chart
To ensure you receive your preferred shirt type and size, be sure to register before January 10, 2026!
📦 2026 PGDC 8K – Race Packet, T-Shirt & Race Number Pick-Up
Race Packet Pick-Up for the 2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 8K will take place during the:
🏢 Tampa Bay 28 Health & Fitness Expo
Presented by TampaWell
📍 Tampa Convention Center – East Hall
🗓️ Expo Dates & Times:
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Friday, February 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
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Saturday, February 21, 2026 | Beginning at 6:00 a.m.
❗ Important Pick-Up Policy:
If you are unable to attend the Expo to pick up your Race Number in person:
- You MUST complete and sign a Race Number Pick-Up Authorization Form.
- The person picking up your Race Packet must present this form at the Expo.
Standard – (Name and Chip Time) $25 per medal
Custom – (Name, Chip Time, and up to 20 Custom Characters) $30 per medal
Finish Line Engravers
Celebrate your accomplishment in style!
Commemorate your perseverance and pride by personalizing your 2026 PGDC Finisher Medal (including multiple events and Challenges) with your name and official net finish time.
After you cross the finish line, visit the Finish Line Engravers Booth located in the Runner Revive Area on the Platt Street Bridge. Their team will engrave your medal on the spot, turning your hard-earned achievement into a lasting keepsake.
When purchasing, please specify the bib number(s) you’d like engraved.
How to Order
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Before race day: Add the 2026 PGDC Finish Line Engraving to your online registration.
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Already registered? Use the link below to order your engraving now!
👉 Order Your 2026 PGDC Finish Line Engraving
🎖️ 2026 PGDC Supporter Medals
Throughout the 2026 PGDC Race Weekend, thousands of runners and walkers will take on the challenge—stepping up to their Start Lines and heading down Bayshore Boulevard toward their Finish Lines. Every mile completed is the result of countless hours of training, dedication, and support.
But behind every runner is a team—family, friends, and loved ones who supported their journey. Whether it was helping with meals, laundry, hydration, snacks, or offering words of encouragement, they were there every step of the way.
Now it’s your turn to say thank you.
💙 A Medal for Your Biggest Fans
The 2026 PGDC Supporter Medals are your way to honor the people who helped get you to the finish line. After you receive your finisher’s medal, walk up to your supporter, present them with their own medal, and say:
“Because of you, I crossed the finish line… thank you!”
Let them feel the joy and pride of being part of your PGDC experience.
🏅 About the Supporter Medals
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Design: Replicas of the official 2026 PGDC 15K, 5K, Half Marathon, and 8K Finisher’s Medals
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Finish: Acrylic (to distinguish from race finisher medals)
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Includes: The same vibrant, event-themed ribbon
📦 How to Get Yours
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Haven’t registered yet? Register now and add a Supporter Medal to your order.
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Already registered? Click here to order your Supporter Medal separately.
FinisherPix, the Official Photographer of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic, allows you to order your photos now and save!”
For a small fee, you can receive the FinisherPix Photo Pack in Digital Format. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos we identify of you in all digital formats (Basic digital image, Digital images with Finish Time, Digital images in certificate format). A link to download all images will automatically be emailed when the photos are available online.
Presale Pricing
15K $19.99
5K $14.99
Half Marathon $29.99
8K $14.99
Michelob Ultra Challenge $69.99
Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge $44.99
Michelob Ultra Infusion Challenge $29.99
Michelob Ultra Zero Challenge $29.99
To purchase the 2026 PGDC FinishersPix, register online. If you have registered, please use the link below to order your 2025 PGDC FinishersPix.