Tampa Bay 28 Military Challenge

February 21 – 22, 2026

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

REGISTER NOW!

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association is thrilled to welcome back Tampa Bay 28 as the official and exclusive television partner of 2026 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend Events and title sponsor of the Tampa Bay 28 Military Challenge, a challenge explicitly created for active, retired, and former members of the United States Military.  The Tampa Bay 28 Military Challenge will include an individual military competition in the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon & 8K.  If you wish to be a participant in the Tampa Bay 28 Military Challenge, please be sure to mark the appropriate spot either on the printed entry form or during the Online or By Mail Registration process.

Individual awards will be presented in the following categories:

  • Top 3 Men Overall
  • Top 3 Women Overall
  • 1st Masters Male
  • 1st Masters Female
  • 1st Grand Masters Male
  • 1st Grand Masters Female

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association welcomes back Tampa Bay 28 to the PGDC Warrior Challenge.  The Tampa Bay 28 Warrior Challenge recognizes active, retired, and former members of the United States Military…those who chose to fight for the freedom and rights that we, citizens of the United States, enjoy.  On an annual basis, the Tampa Bay 28 Warrior Challenge Award is awarded to the military branch that registers the most participants combined in the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon, and 8K.

 

In 2025, 1,212 active, retired, and former military personnel participated in one or more PGDC Race Weekend Running Events.  With 416 registered participants, the United States Army received the 2025 Tampa Bay 28 Warrior Challenge Award; the United States Air Force was close behind with 363 registered participants.