St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon Reviews

  Poorly run

By CV about 2024

Review

Liked: Race was basically flat and the route was great. It started at 6:30.

Didn't like: Four of the 17 water stations were out of all water and Gatorade and it was sunny and nearly 80 degrees! Runners were given a handout at packet pickup urging us to find our own sources of water if we required more than what the course offered No gels were available; runners were told to bring their own. An early start was offered but runners were told that they would be disqualified if they came in before a certain time. The only timing mats were at the start and end, no others. No mat at the 16 mile turnaround just a cone (and no volunteer). This is troubling given that this is a Boston qualifier. Finally, I did not finish the race but was still listed in my age group.

Race Tips

Don't run it until they get their act together.

  Beautiful start but the race is not supported

By CO about 2024

Review

The race starts out beautifully as far as scenery goes but the race is not well supported or attended. There is a long stretch between miles 10&23 that are mostly in the sun and aid stations are very far apart and ran out of water. Lots of dehydration because the race was advertised as fully supported. If you do this race you have to plan your own hydration because they leave you hanging. There also isn't any local excitement built for the race. Packet pickup consists of 4 tents. No celebration. There were long stretches without any people cheering etc. it was kind of boring. Overall was disappointing.

Race Tips

Bring your own water and don't have to go to the bathroom. They say there's lots of toilets along route but that was not true AT ALL.

  Great Location

By John about 2024

Review

February in St Pete! Weather is great, the views along the water, the houses spectacular! The pre dawn start is great to miss the bulk of the blistering sun.

Great water stations, volunteers, quick results. After race refreshments were spectacular.

Race Tips

Be a little prepared for the humidity. Temperature is great, but if you're from a dry climate you may want to arrive early to acclimate some.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive early. The line for the porta potties was ridiculously long. People were running to the start from the portolets, me included. Wish they would fix this next year.

  St. Petersburg Distance Classic Marathon

By Eric H about 2019

Review

This was the inaugural event for the St Petersburg Distance Classic but run by a local veteran race director and it showed. The course was amazing and flat, the volunteers were amazing and plentiful, the aid stations were well stocked with water, gatorade, and even orange slices at a few along the way. The only thing I'd like to see, which I know won't happen, is energy gels at some of the aid stations. He just doesn't offer them

Race Tips

First things first, it's a Boston Qualifier. Since the course itself is extremely flat and extremely fast you can expect this to be a good qualifying event in the years to come. You only have to worry about 2 pedestrian bridges that you run twice on the Pinellas Trail. It's an out and back course so it's a quick exit when over. However, if you're not early, parking can be pretty far away if you're stuck at one of the garages in downtown St Pete. As the inaugural event, I imagine it will continue to grow in the future but don't expect much in the way of vendors at the after party. All said, it was a great event and should be a fun run for anyone that likes a thinner crowd with room to maneuver.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Arrive early or parking can be an issue. Stay downtown if you can or AirBnB in the Old Northeast.