Tampa Bay 28 Military Challenge

February 21 – 22, 2026

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

REGISTER NOW!

🎖️ Tampa Bay 28 Military Challenge

Honoring Those Who Serve — On and Off the Course

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association is proud to welcome back Tampa Bay 28 as the official and exclusive television partner of the 2026 PGDC Race Weekend and the Title Sponsor of the Tampa Bay 28 Military Challenge.

This special challenge was created exclusively for active, retired, and former members of the United States Military.

🏃‍♂️ Challenge Details

Military participants can compete in any of the following races as part of the Tampa Bay 28 Military Challenge:

  • 15K

  • 5K

  • Half Marathon

  • 8K

📌 How to Join:
To participate, simply check the “Military Challenge” box on your:

  • Online Registration

  • By-Mail Registration

🏆 Individual Awards

Awards will be presented to the top finishers in each event, in the following categories:

  • Top 3 Overall Men

  • Top 3 Overall Women

  • 1st Masters Male (age 40+)

  • 1st Masters Female (age 40+)

  • 1st Grand Masters Male (age 50+)

  • 1st Grand Masters Female (age 50+)

Saluting Our Heroes

We are honored to recognize and celebrate the strength, discipline, and service of our military community — and we invite you to take part in this meaningful competition during the 2026 Race Weekend.

Questions? Reach out to Kitty@RunGasparilla.com or call (813) 254-7866.

🪖 Tampa Bay 28 Warrior Challenge

Honoring Service. Celebrating Strength.

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association proudly welcomes back Tampa Bay 28 as the presenting sponsor of the PGDC Warrior Challenge — a spirited competition that recognizes the military branch with the highest number of participants across Race Weekend.

Who It Honors

The Warrior Challenge is dedicated to the active, retired, and former members of the United States Military — the individuals who have fought to preserve the freedoms and rights we hold dear.

🏆 How It Works

Each year, the Tampa Bay 28 Warrior Challenge Award is presented to the branch of the U.S. Military with the most registered participants across the following events:

  • 15K

  • 5K

  • Half Marathon

  • 8K

🥇 2025 Results Recap

In 2025, 1,212 military members participated in one or more PGDC Race Weekend events.

🏆 2025 Winner:

  • United States Army – 416 registered participants
    🥈 Runner-Up:

  • United States Air Force – 363 registered participants

Will your branch claim the title in 2026?

📣 Get Involved

Encourage your fellow servicemembers to register and represent your branch with pride. Every registration counts toward your branch’s total!

For questions or group/military registration support, contact:
📧 Kitty@RunGasparilla.com
📞 (813) 254-7866