THE INAUGURAL ST. PETE MARATHON
A city-wide movement has ignited. The St. Pete Marathon™ is establishing a new standard for performance and building the destination race that St. Petersburg has wanted for a very long time. A fast, flat, and scenic course through the heart of The Sunshine City. The starting line is in 2027. Will you be ready?
ABOUT THE ST. PETE MARATHON
The St. Pete Marathon™ is hosted by the Florida nonprofit United Sports Association, showcasing the best of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay running community. We unite athletes of all levels through a shared love of the sport, building a more connected community for everyone across Florida and beyond.
A FAST, FLAT & WATERFRONT COURSE
The St. Pete Marathon™ course is more than a marquee destination marathon. It is an elite fast and flat waterfront course designed for performance. Whether you are traveling across the country for a Boston qualifier or claiming your home turf, you will experience the most scenic marathon in Florida. This is the high-performance race weekend you cannot afford to miss.
EXPERT MARATHON TRAINING PLANS
The coach-led St. Pete Run Club is your official training ground, offering professional marathon coaching and customized programming. Whether you are a first-timer or an elite competitor, we provide the guidance needed to optimize your workouts and run your best on race day. Stop chasing generic, cookie-cutter workouts that lead to injury.
ST. PETE MARATHON FAQS
Is the St. Pete Marathon™ a Boston Qualifier?
The St. Pete Marathon™ is a meticulously designed, USATF-measured course engineered specifically for peak performance. Our flat, fast waterfront route is built to the rigorous standards required for a Boston Marathon qualifying event, providing runners with an optimal environment to secure their BQ time with complete confidence.
What makes the St. Pete Marathon™ course ideal for a Boston Qualifier?
Beyond its measured accuracy, our course is purpose-built to minimize elevation gain, eliminating the challenging climbs that disrupt rhythm and pace. By utilizing a continuous, flat coastal stretch through the heart of St. Petersburg, we offer runners a fast, consistent path that allows you to lock into your target splits from the start to the finish line.
Why is the December date optimal for marathon performance?
St. Petersburg in December offers mild, temperate weather conditions that are statistically superior for marathon performance. This climate significantly reduces the physical toll of heat stress, allowing runners to push for personal bests without the environmental challenges of extreme heat and humidity.
What is the average temperature in St. Petersburg, FL in December?
The average temperature in St. Petersburg, FL in December is ideal for racing, with typical highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). Runners can generally expect crisp, clear mornings with low humidity, making it one of the most comfortable months for a marathon in Florida.
How do I sign up for the St. Pete Marathon™
To sign up for the official St. Pete Marathon™, you can register directly online through the Official St. Pete Marathon™ Registration Page. Because this event is purpose-built as a premier, fast, and flat coastal stretch engineered for peak performance, securing your spot early ensures you lock in the best tier pricing before fields cap.
When is the inaugural St. Pete Marathon™?
The inaugural St. Pete Marathon™ is scheduled for Sunday, December 19, 2027, with early registration officially open on the St. Pete Marathon™ Race Roster Page. Secure your spot now to capitalize on early-bird pricing for this highly anticipated weekend.
Where does the race start and finish?
The inaugural St. Pete Marathon™ is scheduled for Sunday, December 19, 2027, with early registration officially open on the St. Pete Marathon™ Race Roster Page. As with all newly launched street races, organizers are currently finalizing the standard municipal permits and awaiting routine city approval to lock in the official course maps. Secure your spot now to capitalize on early-bird pricing for this highly anticipated weekend.
Is there a time limit or course cutoff for the St. Pete Marathon™?
Most major marathons enforce a time limit to ensure runner safety and effective staffing. While limits vary, a 6-hour cutoff is common for standard marathons, requiring a pace of 13:44 per mile. We encourage runners to check our specific course closing times as race day approaches to ensure they are prepared for the required pace.
Where can I find training programs tailored for the St Pete Marathon™?
You can find customized training programs tailored for the race through the St. Pete Run Club, which serves as the official coach-led training collective for the event.
Why does certification matter?
USATF certification verifies the exact distance and elevation of a race course, which is required for a marathon time to qualify for entry into the Boston Marathon. Only certified courses produce official Boston Qualifying (BQ) times.
Will there be water and aid stations along the waterfront route?
Yes, adequate aid stations providing water and suitable refreshments will be available along the course. In accordance with safety standards, these stations are typically spaced every two to three miles to ensure all participants remain properly hydrated and supported.
Where are the best places for spectators to watch the race?
The best spectator spots are agreed upon in advance, such as near the start and finish lines, or at specific mile markers where you have arranged to meet your runner. Choosing less crowded areas or points where you know your runner may hit “the hurt box” (such as later miles) can provide them with a significant mental boost. We recommend using local transit or bikes to navigate the course, as traffic can be heavy near the route.
What are the best running shoes recommended for race day?
We are not affiliated with any specific sneaker brand and believe there is no single “best” shoe for everyone. We highly recommend consulting with your coach or running store specialist, and ultimately wearing the exact pair that proved most comfortable and reliable during your long training runs.
Where is the best place to park on race morning in downtown St. Pete?
Parking for large events in downtown St. Petersburg requires careful planning. We strongly encourage carpooling or using rideshare services to be dropped off at designated intersections away from road closures. If you must drive, please utilize public parking garages or designated lots and arrive well before the start time, as major thoroughfares will close early to accommodate the course.
What are the official partner hotels for the marathon?
A list of our official partner hotels will be updated on our “Travel” or “Lodging” page as we finalize our local partnerships. Staying at partner hotels often provides convenient access to the race start and shuttle services.
Can I walk or participate in a run/walk at the St. Pete Marathon™?
While our event is designed as a performance marathon, we strive to be welcoming to all participants who can maintain the required course pace. Please review our official time limits to ensure your run/walk strategy will allow you to complete the course before it closes.
Are strollers or dogs allowed on the race course?
For the safety of all participants and the competitive nature of this elite-focused event, we have specific policies regarding non-registered participants, strollers, and pets on the course. Please refer to our full “Race Rules” document for the most current policy.
How does the St. Pete Marathon™ support local St. Petersburg charities?
Community impact is a core pillar of the United Sports Association. We partner with local nonprofits to provide fundraising opportunities, and a portion of our efforts goes toward community projects and local initiatives that improve the health and well-being of the St. Petersburg area.
How does the event minimize traffic impact on St. Petersburg residents?
We work closely with local municipal departments to implement a comprehensive traffic management plan that utilizes staged road closures and dedicated crossing points to ensure neighborhood access is maintained throughout the event.
What are the event's protocols for sanitation and site stewardship?
We are committed to maintaining the beauty of our waterfront parks by adhering to strict “leave no trace” policies, which include the implementation of a professional-grade, multi-stage waste management and post-race cleanup strategy.
What measures ensure public safety during the race?
Our operations plan integrates local law enforcement and private security with a robust medical response system positioned at key intervals along the course to ensure a rapid and professional response to participant needs.