Teaching children the development of life skills can impact their lives in a fun and enjoyable way, resulting in their living a healthier, safer, and more balanced life.

In 2025, 300 elementary and middle school-aged kids (4th Grade – 8th Grade) from inner-city and economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the Tampa Bay community are taking part in the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program. For six weeks, the kids will participate in Tampa Parks & Recreation Department Staffed fitness drills and life skills training. Through these drills, the kids are introduced to running as a lifestyle activity and the idea that being fit can be fun.

The kids’ goal from the beginning…their carrot is if they attend all of the training sessions, attend school daily (no absences), have a good attitude, be polite, respectful, and helpful, and work as a team on Sunday morning, February 22nd. They, along with their coaches, chaperones, and volunteers, will be transported to Bayshore Boulevard to run the final two miles of the 2025 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon.

Before heading down Bayshore Boulevard, they’ll touch the lives of thousands of Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon runners and walkers as they, too, are in the final two miles of their half marathon. The kids will cheer them on…give high fives as the participants pass by…smile at them, and provide the extra push to get them to their Finish Line.

After making a HUGE Impact on the 2024 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Runners & Walkers, the Pepperjack’s Kids will experience Bayshore Boulevard and the feeling of crossing the 2024 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Finish Line!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PEPPERJACK’S KIDS RUNNING PROGRAM KIDS!

Thanks to the MEB Foundation, ASICS, Kellogg’s, and Publix Super Markets, each Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program participant will receive an ASICS Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program T-Shirt, a pair of ASICS Running Footwear and Gasparilla ‘Pirate’ Themed Running Socks.

The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association administers the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program in cooperation with the Tampa Parks and Recreation Dept.