Tampa’s Gasparilla Michelob Ultra

Pure Gold Challenge

FEBRUARY 21 – 22

✨ 2026 Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge

2 Races. 1 Goal. Pure Gold Glory.

Take your weekend to the next level with the Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge — the perfect way to push your limits and earn exclusive challenge rewards!

🗓️ Challenge Schedule:

• Saturday, February 21, 2026 – 🏃 15K

• Sunday, February 22, 2026 – 🏃 Half Marathon

🎁 Challenge Participant Premiums

All registered Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge participants will receive:

🏅 Standard Race Premiums for Both Events:

• 15K Performance Race Shirt

• Half Marathon Race Shirt

• 15K Finisher’s Medal + Virtual Finisher’s Certificate

• Half Marathon Finisher’s Medal + Virtual Finisher’s Certificate

• 2026 PGDC Virtual Race Goody Bag

• PGDC Branded Rooms To Go Reusable Shopping Bag

• Final Voyage Publix Runner Hat – (This is the last year for this item — new item coming in 2027!)

➕ Exclusive Pure Gold Challenge Swag:

• 🧥 Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge Long Sleeve Hoodie

• 🥇 Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge Finisher’s Medal

• 🧼 2026 15K & Half Marathon Finisher’s Towel

• 📜 Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge Finisher’s Certificate

🚶‍♀️ Pure Gold Challenge Walkers Welcome!

Walkers are encouraged to participate!
However, a 16-minute-per-mile pace must be maintained in both events due to road closure permits:

• 15K

• Half Marathon

🔗 Ready to Go for Gold?

📝 Register Now for the 2026 Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge

Whether you’re racing for time or just for the towel—go for Pure Gold this Gasparilla Race Weekend!

Challenge Seeded Start Access

Challenge (15K & Half Marathon) Seeded Start Access

Access: Limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seeded Start access for Challenge participants is based on 15K Seeded Start Requirements. To qualify, written results verification is required and can be uploaded during the online registration process.

Please Note: The Finish Times listed below apply only to participants requesting a Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge Seeded Number.

Finish Time Requirements for Seeded Women’s Entry
Half Marathon – 1:45:00 or less
15K – 1:15:00 or less
10K – 50-minutes or less

Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge Entry Fees

The prices below do not include a service fee charged by our registration partner.

🍺 2026 Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge – Registration Details

🚫 Refund & Transfer Policy

No refunds or transfers are allowed for the Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge.

💻 Online Registration

• Late Online Registration Fees begin on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

• If space is available, online registration will close on Sunday, February 15, 2026 — or once the event reaches capacity.

• There will be NO Race Weekend Registration for the 2026 Challenges.

📧 Registration Confirmation Emails

Participants who register online and provide a valid email will receive:

• A Race Roster confirmation will be sent immediately upon registration.

• A Race Week Registration Confirmation from PGDC on or before Monday, February 16, 2026, which includes:

  • Race Number

  • Name

  • Address

  • Race Entered

  • Age

⚠️ Important: If you’ve unsubscribed from the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic E-Blast Database, you will not receive this confirmation. To rejoin, click here.

📬 Mail-In Offline Registration

Mail-In Deadline: Must be postmarked by January 9, 2026
Late forms will not be accepted and will be processed (if space allows) on Race Weekend with Late Registration Fees.

How to Register by Mail:

Download and complete the 2026 PGDC By-Mail Form-Fillable Registration Form.

Click on each field, complete the form, and print.

Sign the form and include:

1. • Full Entry Fee Payment

   • $5 Processing Fee (required)

   • Mail to:

Gasparilla Distance Classic Association
P.O. Box 1881
Tampa, FL 33601-1881

⚠️ Entry forms without the $5 processing fee will be returned.

📦 2026 PGDC Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge – Race Packet, T-Shirt & Race Number Pick-Up

Race Packet Pick-Up for the 2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge will take place during the:

🏢 Tampa Bay 28 Health & Fitness Expo

Presented by TampaWell
📍 Tampa Convention Center – East Hall

🗓️ Expo Dates & Times:

• Friday, February 20, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

• 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:

1. You MUST complete and sign a Race Number Pick-Up Authorization Form.
2. The person picking up your Race Packet must present this form at the Expo.

📄 Race Number Pick-up Authorization Form

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

• Before race day: Add the 2026 PGDC Finish Line Engraving to your online registration.

• Already registered? Use the link below to order your engraving now!

👉 Order Your 2026 PGDC Finish Line Engraving

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, and 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 Infusions Challenge            $29.99
Michelob Ultra Zero Challenge                     $29.99

To purchase the 2026 PGDC FinisherPix, register online. If you have registered, please use the link below to order your 2026 PGDC FinisherPix.

PGDC FinisherPix

🎖️ 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

• Design: Replicas of the official 2026 PGDC 15K, 5K, Half Marathon, and 8K Finisher’s Medals

• Finish: Acrylic (to distinguish from race finisher medals)

• Includes: The same vibrant, event-themed ribbon

📦 How to Get Yours

• Haven’t registered yet? Register now and add a Supporter Medal to your order.

• Already registered? Click here to order your Supporter Medal separately.

💆‍♂️ Pre- & Post-Race Massage Services

Get ready to recover like a pro! The Gasparilla Massage Team will be onsite offering Post-Race Massage Services following the:

• Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K (Saturday)

• Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon & 8K (Sunday)

🗓️ Massage Availability

Dates:

• Saturday & Sunday, after your race

Services & Rates:

• 15-Minute Massage: $21

• 20-Minute Massage: $28

💡 Save by booking early! These rates apply only to prepaid massages made through online registration.
Race Day pricing will be slightly higher.

🧾 How to Purchase

• Not registered yet? Register now and add your message during sign-up.

• Already registered? Click here to purchase your Post-Race Massage separately.

Make the most of your race weekend—relax, recover, and reward yourself!