2024 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend FAQs

Sale and/or transfer of race entries/race numbers is strictly prohibited and will result in the disqualification and/or banning of any individuals involved from future events. All entry fees are non-refundable. An entry fee donation to GDCA would be welcome.

• The 2024 PGDC Packet Pick-Up will take place during the ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo, in the Tampa Convention Center’s East Hall. The times are as follows:
  • Friday, February 23rd: 10am – 8pm
  • Saturday, February 24th: 6am – 3pm
    • On Saturday morning, Race Number Pick-Up only, will begin at 5:30 am. T-Shirts & Goody Bags will not be distributed until the expo opens at 6 am.  15K participants should run their race and return to the expo afterward.

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• No

• Packet Pick-up will take place at the Tampa Convention Center Ballroom D Street Entrance beginning at 4:30 am and ending at 9 am.

• Yes, but there will be a $15 Transfer Fee and, if you’re moving from a shorter to a longer distance, you will be responsible for the difference in the entry fee. No Challenge Transfers at the Expo.

• No

• Deferrals for the 2024 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon and 2024 Michelob Ultra Challenge, Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge, Stella Artois Challenge, and Kona Big Wave Challenge will be accepted until 3 pm on Saturday, February 24th.
  • Half Marathon Deferral Fee: $35
  • Challenge Deferral Fee: $45
• For Deferrals, please visit the expo Questions Desk.

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• Yes, Gear Check will be available in the convention center’s Meeting Room #124. The meeting room is located on the convention center’s lower level, adjacent to the escalators.
• Though the room will be monitored at all times, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association will not be responsible for any losses.
• Gear Check Hours:
  • Saturday, February 24th: 5:30am-Noon
  • Sunday, February 25th: 4:30am-Noon
  • Any bags remaining in the Gear Check Room at closing, will be taken to the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Office.

• The 2024 PGDC Race Weekend Lost & Found will be located at the expo’s Questions Desk during expo hours and on Sunday, it will be moved to the Gear Check Room in Meeting Room #124.

• Dogs nor any other animals are allowed on-course.

• Service Dogs are allowed but Service Animal Credentials must be presented prior to Wednesday, February 20, 2024.

• The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association encourages family participation and has created the Kellogg’s 5K Stroller Roll specifically for families with little ones 4 & under. Entry Fees for children ages 4 & under are $5.  Those 5 years & older will pay the Adult Entry Fee.
• Strollers ARE NOT allowed in the 15K, 5K, Run, 5K Walk, Half Marathon or 8K.

• Yes, porta potties will be placed at all start and finish lines as well as at every mile of the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon & 8K courses.

• To meet the needs of our Challenge participants, a Challenge Medal Drop Zone is available on Saturday & Sunday mornings and is located at the base of the Platt Street Bridge at Channelside & Ashley Streets.
• Finishers Medals will be placed in labeled zip lock bags.

• In addition to Aid Stations, four sprinkle showers will be placed on the water side of Bayshore Boulevard between Gandy Boulevard and Rome Avenue.
• Additionally, Ice Cold 2024 PGDC Branded 15K, 5K, Half Marathon & 8K Finishers Towels will be available at each of the Finish Lines.

• Beginning approximately at 1.5 miles, Aid Stations will be available at every mile and will offer Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water. Gatorade Endurance will be available at miles 2 & 7 of the 15K, at every Half Marathon Aid Station and at mile 3 of the 8K
• Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water and Gatorade Endurance will be available at the Finish Line.

• Sat. & Sun., Feb. 24-25, 2024

When 2024 PGDC Registration opens, the participation caps for each distance will be as follows:
– PGDC 15K – 4,500 – Michelob Ultra Challenge – 500
– PGDC 5K Run – 8,000 – Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge – 400
– PGDC Kashi 5K Walk – 1,500 – Stella Solstice Challenge – 400
– PGDC Kellog’s 5K Stroller Roll– 500 – Bud Light Lime Seltzer Challenge – 400
– Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon – 4,500
– Publix Gasparilla 8K – 4,000 – Publix Gasparilla 8K – 500

• In November, if increasing participation caps are warranted, the association will review the numbers and increase accordingly.

We are not planning to offer a virtual option at this time.