FEB. 25 & 26 , 2023
The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association is thrilled to welcome you to the 2023 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic (PGDC) Race Weekend. In 2023, the PGDC Race Weekend Events will bring all of the fun and excitement you’ve come to expect from the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association (GDCA)!
Please remember, the GDCA, established in 1978, is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for non-profit charitable youth organizations and running programs in the Tampa Bay area.
Through the efforts of an all-volunteer and diverse board of directors and organizing committee, the organization’s mission is carried out through the administration of the annual Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend, produced in cooperation with the City of Tampa and, Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic, presented in partnership with the City of Tampa and C.E. Mendez Foundation.
The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association takes great pride in its mission. Since the first running of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic in February 1978, $6.1 million has been donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, The Friends of Tampa Recreation, and youth non-profit and running-related programs throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Thank you to the City of Tampa, Publix Super Markets, C.E. Mendez Foundation, Gasparilla’s event sponsors, volunteers, and each of the 740,000+ participants that since 1978 have crossed the Finish Line!
BACK IN 2023...
• HOST HOTEL – EMBASSY SUITES - TAMPA CONVENTION CENTER
• THE EMBASSY SUITES PRE-RACE PASTA DINNERS (FRI. & SAT.)
• FITZ IS BACK AS THE 2023 PGDC RACE WEEKEND ANNOUNCER!
• MEB KEFLEZIGHI APPEARANCES
• PHOTOS WITH PEPPERJACK
• THE ABC ACTION NEWS HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO, PRESENTED BY TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL (DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY PICKLE BALL!)
NEW IN 2023
• 2023 PGDC 15K, 5K, HALF MARATHON & 8K SUPPORTER MEDALS – “BECAUSE OF YOU, I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE!” REPLICAS OF 2023 PGDC OFFICIAL FINISHER MEDALS
• 2023 PGDC FINISHER’S MEDAL FINISH LINE RESULTS ENGRAVING
• THE ABC ACTION NEWS MILITARY CHALLENGE PRESENTED BY WEST SHORE HOMES
• ALL ACTIVE, RETIRED & FORMER ABC ACTION NEWS MILITARY CHALLENGE, PRESENTED BY WESTSHORE HOMES, PARTICIPANTS, WILL RECEIVE SPECIALLY DESIGNED BIB NUMBERS!
• BREATHABLE PERFORMANCE FABRIC FOR ALL 2023 PGDC 15K, 5K, HALF MARATHON & 8K GENDER SPECIFIC EVENT SHIRTS
• BRIGHT ORANGE PGDC RUNNING CAPS, PRESENTED BY PUBLIX FOR ALL 2023 PGDC REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS (TO PICK-UP HATS, STOP BY THE PUBLIX EXPO BOOTH – RACE NUMBERS INCLUDE A HAT TEAR-OFF COUPON.)
• UNIQUE AND COLORFUL 2023 PGDC 15K, 5K, HALF MARATHON & 8K FINISHER’S MEDALS
• PGDC FINISHER’S TOWELS, PRESENTED BY PUBLIX FOR ALL 2023 PGDC 15K, 5K, HALF MARATHON & 8K FINISHERS
• Q105 POST-RACE CELEBRATION, PRESENTED BY MICHELOB ULTRA —TONY JANNUS PARK ACROSS FROM PUBLIX (ON LITTLE BAYSHORE BETWEEN PLATT ST. BRIDGE & BROREIN ST. BRIDGE)
• ZEPHYRHILLS NATURAL SPRING WATER ‘HALF-WAY THERE’ CELEBRATION AT THE 15K, 5K, HALF MARATHON & 8K COURSE MID-POINTS
• PGDC REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS FOR ALL REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS
• ASICS/PGDC PIRATE THEMED BRANDED APPAREL
• RAYMOND JAMES CORPORATE & OPEN TEAM CHALLENGE
• 2023 PGDC 15K, 5K, HALF MARATHON & 8K BIBBOARDS Throughout this digital 2023 PGDC Registration
SAT., FEB. 25, 2023
PGDC 15K & 5K
(CLICK MEDALS FOR INFO)
SUN., FEB. 26, 2023
PGDC HALF MARATHON & 8K (CLICK MEDALS FOR INFO)
Order now and SAVE $10 on your race photos! Secure all your digital images for only $49.95. Take advantage of this limited-time offer before prices increase to $59.95.
TM
PepperJack is the Offical Mascot of the Publix Gasparilla Distance
PepperJack is the Offical Mascot of the Publix Gasparilla Distance
Classic Race Weekend
Classic Race Weekend
(BORN ON: FEB. 19, 2022)
* Only finishers receive medals and towels
On both mornings, the entertainment begins at 9 a.m. AND the Michelob Ultra taps start flowing with MUCH more fun and music to follow. At 10 a.m., the door prize giveaways and at 11 a.m., the Overall Awards Presentation begin.
SATURDAY
Awards will be presented in the following Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic 15K & 5K categories:
• Top 5 Overall Male & Female
• Top 5 Local Male & Female
• 1st Masters Male & Female
• 1st Grand Masters Male & Female
• ABC Action News Military Challenge
• Ferman Automotive ‘Fittest Firm’ & Ferman Automotive Chevy Cruzin Crew Challenge Winning Teams will be announced.
SUNDAY
Awards will be presented in the following Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon & 8K categories:
• Top 5 Overall Male & Female
• Top 5 Local Male & Female
• 1st Masters Male & Female
• 1st Grand Masters Male & Female
• Michelob Ultra Challenge
• Michelob Ultra Pure Gold Challenge
• Stella Solstice Challenge
• Bud Light Seltzer Challenge
• ABC Action News Military Challenge
• Raymond James Corporate & Open Team Challenge winning teams will be announced on Sat. & Sun., but Team Awards will not be distributed during the Q105 Post-Race Celebration.
• Raymond James Corporate & Open Team Challenge Overall & Individual Awards will be personalized and delivered to the winning Team Captains on or before April 15, 2023.
There will be NO double dipping in the Overall, Masters, and Grand Masters categories. All results are USATF sanctioned and certified.
During the 2023 PGDC Race Weekend, thousands of runners will step up to their Start Lines and head down Bayshore Boulevard for the Finish Line. They’ve trained for countless hours, and with the help of families and friends, crossed the Finish Line. They’ve been there for motivation and, if needed, to cook meals, do laundry, provide hydration and snacks or, say a few kind words.
The 2023 PGDC 15K, 5K, Half Marathon & 8K Supporter Medals are replicas of the official Finisher’s Medals and a way to say thank you! After crossing the Finish Line, present them with a 2023 PGDC Supporter Medal and say, “BECAUSE OF YOU, I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE...THANK YOU!” This will make them part of the celebration and your incredible experience!
2023 PGDC Supporter Medals - $10 per medal
2023 PGDC Support Medal Purchase Deadline - February 5, 2023
When registering, purchase as many as you’d like Pre-Race and they’ll be available to you at the 2023 PGDC Finish Line Area.
ALREADY REGISTERED? CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!
2023 PGDC Supporter Medals will be available for purchase during the ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Tampa General Hospital ($15). Once purchased, GDCA Staff will deliver them to the designated 2023 PGDC Supporter Medal
Race Day Finish Line Pick-Up location.
PRESENTED BY
The 2023 PGDC Weekend will once again include an individual military competition in the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon and 8K. The ABC Action News Military Challenge will be open to active, retired and former militray personnel.
BE SURE TO MARK THE APPROPRIATE ABC ACTION NEWS
MILITARY CHALLENGE BOX WHEN REGISTERING ONLINE OR BY MAIL
Koehler returns, inging massive ERGY and LOVE to our races.
nnect @Fitzness on gram and Facebook he can look for you on race day!
Check out Fitz's new books, the Cancer Comeback Series at
Celebrate your perseverance and pride with the help of Finish Line Engravers by personalizing your 2023 PGDC Finisher Medal (including multiple events and Challenges) with your name and net finish time. After you complete your race(s), simply bring your medal(s) to Finish Line Engravers Booth at the Runner Revive Area on the Platt Street Bridge and they will engrave it on the spot! When making your purchase, please designate the number you wish to engrave at $20 per medal.
PURCHASE DURING REGISTRATION OR HERE!
The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association is excited to offer the 2023 PGDC Race Weekend BibBoards. BibBoards have been designed for the 2023 PGDC 15K, 5K, Half Marathon & 8K Events.
NO PINS – NO HOLES – NO MAGNETS!
Pre-Purchase yours for $10 and pick-up during the ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Tampa General Hospital, or, if available, during the expo for $12.
PURCHASE DURING REGISTRATION OR HERE!
win the New York City Marathon, took care of the problem by handing Tuliamuk a new pair of running sneakers. The footwear allowed Tuliamuk, who has 32 siblings, to become a distance running specialist. She became so good that she was offered a scholarship to Iowa
State. College offered a way out from the difficulties Tuliamuk faced in her village in western Kenya, a place with no roads and few vehicles. After attending Iowa State for two years (2010-11), Tuliamuk transferred to Wichita State. She was a nine-time All-American in
See WOMEN, 23 See MEN, 23 On the scene An all-female fleet of runners up for the ultimate challenge. A man whose job is to blend into the background. An inspirational double amputee. A group of gogetters/cheerleaders. These are some of the people you will meet on race weekend. Page13 Easy-breezy Armwood High teen Jake Turner makes running — and winning — the 8K for a second straight year look like loads of fun. How many champions do you know who can stop for a selfie in the middle of a race? Page 23 Complete results Are you one of the 32,130 runners who participated in the15K, 5K, half-marathon or 8K this weekend? (Or maybe all four?) Find out where you rank among your peers with full results from every race inside. More inside FINISH LINE Monday, February 25, 2019 tampabay.com tampabay.com PR101208
Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water will be on-course to greet every 15K, 5K, Half Marathon & 8K registered participant at their respective Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water “Half-Way There” on-course locations.
At each of the following Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water “Half-Way There” On-Course Locations, Zephyrhills will enhance the runners’ and walker’s experience with colorful Zephyrhills Structure Signage and encouragement!
PGDC 15K – BAYSHORE BLVD & HAWTHORNE – LANDSIDE
PGDC 5K – BAYSHORE BLVD. & OREGON – LANDSIDE
HALF MARATHON – BAYSHORE BLVD. & CAROLINA – WATERSIDE
8K – BAYSHORE BLVD. & MASON/STOVALL – WATERSIDE
Though not competing as a team, the company with the largest number of employee participants will be recognized in The Tampa Bay Times and during the Q105 15K & 5K Post-Race Awards Celebration, will receive the Ferman Automotive ‘Fittest Firm’ Award.
Ferman Chevy Cruzin’Krewe Teams can consist of friends, family members, co-workers, service club members, running club members, church members, charity supporters…heck, anyone that wants to join in, have fun and register online to run or walk in one of the Race Weekend Events…the 15K, 5K, Half Marathon, and or 8K.
TEAM ENTRY FEES:
Companies, Running Clubs, family and friends can take their Race Weekend experience and performance to the next level by forming a team and participating in the Raymond James Corporate & Open Team Challenge.
The Raymond James Corporate & Open Team Challenges will each consist of four divisions: OPEN MEN, OPEN WOMEN, MIXED AND MASTERS MIXED. Corporate Teams must be comprised of three to five full-time employees of the sponsoring company. Open Teams must be comprised of three to five individuals.
For more information please visit: RUNGASPARILLA.COM or call (813) 254-7866
15K TEAMS.............................$400
5K TEAMS...............................$300
HALF MARATHON TEAMS............ $600
8K TEAMS...............................$350
15K, 5K, 8K &
HALF MARATHON TEAMS
In addition to the traditional race amenities, participants will receive the following:
• Team Challenge Running Singlet that includes Team Challenge Artwork and Company Logo or Team Name
• Gasparilla Pirate-Themed Socks
• Access to private and catered Race Day Raymond James Team Challenge VIP Tent
Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood.
Children’s lives can be impacted in a fun and enjoyable way by teaching the development of life skills resulting in their living a healthier, safe, and balanced life.
In 2023, 300 elementary and middle school-aged kids (4th thru 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 goal for the kids from the beginning…their carrot…if they attend all of the training sessions, attend school on a daily basis (no absences), have a good attitude, are polite, respectful, and helpful, and work as a team, on Sunday morning, February 26th, they, along with their coaches, chaperones, and volunteers, will be transported to Bayshore Boulevard to run the final two miles of the 2023 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 a little energy to get them to their Finish Line.
After making a HUGE impact on the 2023 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Runners & Walkers, the Pepperjack’s Kids will experience Bayshore Boulevard and the feeling of crossing the 2023 Publix Gasparilla Half Marathon Finish Line!
An early congratulations to the Pepperjack’s Kids Running Program kids, you’re almost there!!!
Thanks to Cigna, 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, 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.
