Lace up and loosen up: running season is afoot in Tampa Bay. From here until next spring runners of all abilities will find plenty of ways to challenge themselves while helping a variety of good causes, including charities sponsored by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Lightning. One 5K at a time, build your way to the big daddy of Tampa Bay races -- the immensely popular Gasparilla Distance Classic -- and strut your stuff between the bay and the mansions along Bayshore Boulevard.
Allstate Hot Chocolate
What: Victory is sweet after you complete this 15K & 5K race. Participants will get a goodie bag and a replica chocolate bar medal.
Where: Tampa Convention Center, 333 South Franklin Street, Tampa
When: December 15, 2019
Who Benefits: Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants a memorable request to children with a critical illness.
Gasparilla Distance Classic
What: Lace up your shoes for the biggest race of the year -- the Gasparilla Distance Classic. Since 1978, this exhilarating weekend of running is filled with challenges, gorgeous views from Bayshore Boulevard, and much more. Pick your race: Half Marathon, 15K, 8K, 5K -- or mix and match.
Where: Bayshore Boulevard & Davis Islands
When: February 22 - 23, 2020
Who Benefits: The Friends of Tampa Recreation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay.
Yankees Sprint to Spring 5k & Fun Run
What: George M. Steinbrenner Field is kicking off their 25th Anniversary Season with the inaugural Yankees SPRINT TO SPRING 5K & FUN RUN.
Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa
When: February 16, 2020
Tampa Resolution Run
What: Kick off your New Year’s resolution on the right foot by joining this 5K and 10K run (especially if your resolution is to take up running).
Where: Al Lopez Park, 4810 North Himes Avenue, Tampa
When: January 4, 2020
Who Benefits: The Seventh Mom Project, Inc., which supports families and mothers with postpartum and pregnancy mood disorders.
Tampa Police Memorial Run
What: This 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk honors the fallen officers of the Tampa Police Department and provides funding for the monument Memorial Project.
Where: Lykes Gaslight Square Park, 241 East Madison Street, Tampa
When: October 2020
Who Benefits: The Tampa Police Memorial Fund Committee to honor fallen officers and their families.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Ranch Run Luau
What: Yes, Florida, we do have hills -- and you'll find some of them under your feet during the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Ranch Run Luau. Participants could either walk the 1-mile fun run or take on the 5K, 10K and 15K.
Where: Temple Terrace Elementary School, 124 Flotto Avenue, Temple Terrace
When: September 2020
Who benefits: All proceeds will go towards the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Charities Inc.
Richard’s Run for Life
What: Columbia Restaurant owner and avid runner Richard Gonzmart and his family host this 5K run through the streets of historic Ybor City. Afterward, refuel with Florida’s oldest restaurant during the post-race party and awards distribution.
Where: Centennial Park, 1800 East 8th Avenue, Tampa
When: November 2020
Who Benefits: This will help fund the development of Moffitt Cancer Center’s Brachytherapy suite treating cervical, prostate and other cancers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Treasure Chests
What: Unlock hidden gems as you race toward the finish line for the 5K & Fun Run. Top winners will receive two luxury suite tickets to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game against the Arizona Cardinals, along with having the privilege to be coin toss captains during this breast cancer awareness event.
Where: AdventHealth Training Center, 1 Buccaneer Place, Tampa
When: November 2020
Who Benefits: The American Cancer Society, Advent Health Foundation, Moffitt Cancer Center and Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation.
Goody Goody Turkey Gobble Turkey Trot
What: No rustling feathers during this 5K, 8K & 1-Mile Turkey Trot. Once the race ends, participants get a breakfast, a finishers medal and more.
Where: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
When: November 2020
Who Benefits: The LIVESTRONG cancer survivor wellness program throughout Tampa’s YMCA association.
Bolt Run
What: A 5-mile, 5K and Family Fun Run/Walk sponsored by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Ford Thunder Alley will offer activities for the whole family, too.
Where: Amalie Arena, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
When: October 2020
Who Benefits: Advent Health Care 360° Transportation Care Program, which helps patients relocate from the hospital to a home.
Miles for Moffitt
What: Moffitt Cancer Center's annual race celebrates cancer survivors and honor the memories of those who have passed on. The race supports the crucial research Moffitt scientists do every day to study and cure cancer.
Where: Thunder Alley at Amalie Arena
When: November 2020
Who Benefits: Moffitt Cancer Center