How Many Runners Registered For 2018 Gasparilla Distance Races

By Tamas Mondovics

Promising to run into the largest turnout and effectively breaking attendance records, the 2016 Annual Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend is on rails to reach sell out status in all four of the consequence'due south popular route races.

Over the years the race has proudly managed to draw a huge crowd of runners and walkers from all over the world to heighten funds for, and to benefit charitable youth organizations and running programs in the Tampa Bay area.

According to event organizers, this twelvemonth's big number of registered participants signal to a clear sign that since its 1978 debut, the almost four-decade-quondam celebration of wellness and wellness withal plays a major part in the lives of Bay area residents.

"Our growth speaks volumes equally to how much the Tampa Bay community loves and respects the Race Weekend Event," Race Director Susan Harmeling said just weeks before the issue. "There is a distance for everyone—every age and every fitness level."

To date the result, which is named after the Gasparilla Pirate Festival (held a few weeks earlier), has raised more than $3.2 million and saw near half a million runners and walkers cross the finish line including last yr's all-fourth dimension record total participation of 31,009.

The iv races, including the 15k (nine.3 miles) race, 5k (iii.1 miles), One-half Marathon (thirteen.ane miles) and 8k (5 miles) are scheduled for the weekend of Sabbatum and Sunday, Feb xx and 21 in downtown Tampa.

To maintain the integrity, quality and safety in each race, the result's Board of Directors have set registration limits, and the remaining number of openings are quickly running out. Harmeling said that many runners have signed up to compete in two or more than of the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic races every bit part of the Michelob Ultra "Challenge" divisions. Reaching capacity, organizers were prompted to closed registration.

To help support and promote such a large turnout, the Gasparilla Altitude Classic Association, which donates proceeds to local charities, will once again feature the 8 On Your Side Wellness and Fitness Expo at the Tampa Convention Center on Friday, February 19 at 10 a.thou. in the E and Central Hall of the Convention Middle where pre-registered participants can pick upwards their race packet.

Remaining slots are bachelor for registration at www.tampabayrun.com.