TAMPA, Fla. — Racers are gearing up to participate in this weekend's Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic as it takes over downtown Tampa.
The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association, which started in 1978, works to raise funds for local nonprofits and running programs. Since the race's inception, $6 million has been donated to local charities, according to the race's website.
WATCH | Watch Runners Cross the Finish Line
For over 46 years, the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association has brought world-class races to Tampa Bay. In 2022, over 20,000 runners and walkers participated in a 5K, 8K, 15K and Half-Marathon over PGDC race weekend.
Since 1978, more than 725,000 people have participated in the PGDC.
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2023 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic
Schedule
PGDC Schedule by ABC Action News on Scribd
Pepperjack Appearance Schedule
Friday, Feb. 24 at the ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo:
- 9:45-10:15 a.m.
- Pepperjack will be on hand to open the expo and pose for pictures in front of the 2022 PGDC Runner Wall
- 11-11:30 a.m.
- Booth #717 visiting with Meb and Fitz
- 1-1:30 p.m.
- Ferman Automotive photo opportunity
- 2:30-3 p.m.
- Cigna Health Improvement Tour photo opportunity
- 3:30-4 p.m.
- 2023 PGDC Runner Wall photo opportunity
- 4:30-5 p.m.
- Pepperjack Booth #312 and #314
- 6-6:30 p.m.
- Publix booth photo opportunity with Meb
Saturday, Feb. 25:
- 2-2:30 p.m.
- Publix Booth photo opportunity
Pepperjack will also make appearances at other locations throughout the race, including on course for the 15K, 5K, half-marathon and 8K; 2023 PGDC start lines and finish lines and the Q105 post-race celebration.
Road Closures
Road closures for the race start early at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. Click here for the full closure schedule.
Parking
Friday:
Saturday and Sunday:
Though the City of Tampa offers many downtown and outer area parking garages, those garages underlined below are the garages recommended for the 2023 PGDC Race Weekend. The parking fee for each garage is TBD by the City of Tampa and will be pre-collected by the City of Tampa prior to entering the garage.
- Centro Ybor Garage – 1500 E. 5th Avenue
- Fort Brooke Garage – 107 N. Franklin Street
- Palm Avenue Garage – 2010 N. 13th Street
- Pam Iorio Garage – 301 Channelside Drive
- Tampa Convention Center Garage – 333 S. Franklin Street
- Twiggs Garage – 900 E. Twiggs Street
- Whiting Garage – 400 E. Whiting Street
- William F. Poe Garage – 800 N. Ashley Drive
- Crosstown II Parking Lot – S. Florida Ave. & S. Morgan St.
- Crosstown III Parking Lot – S. Morgan St. & E. Brorein St.
- Crosstown IV Parking Lot – S. Jefferson St. & E. Whiting St.
- Crosstown V Parking Lot – E. Whiting St. & E. Brorein St.
- Crosstown Courthouse East Parking Lot – N. Nebraska Ave. & E. Twiggs St.
- Crosstown Health Parking Lot – E. Kennedy Blvd. & S. Nebraska Ave.
- Crosstown South Parking Lot – N. East St. & S. Nebraska Ave.
- Jackson Street Parking Lot – E. Kennedy Blvd. & E. Jackson St.
- Pierce Street Parking Lot – 1000 N. Pierce St.
- Regional-Royal Parking Lot – N. Tampa St. & E. Fortune St.
- Zack Street Parking Lot – 900 block of E. Zack St.
