St Pete Beach Classic weekend is one of my favorite race weekends in this area. I've run the 10k three times now (and set a PR twice) and this year completed the Marathon Challenge, which consisted of running the 10k, 5k and 3.8 mile beach race on Saturday, followed by the half marathon on Sunday.

EXPO: I've actually only ever been to the expo once, and it was back in 2015, the first year I did the race. Since then, I've always done race morning packet pick up since I usually end up working during expo open hours. Back in 2015 there wasn't much to see at the expo- a couple other local races offering discounts, some food samples and the running company sponsor, St Pete Running Company, with some discounts. It's definitely on the smaller side.

PARKING: This is always an issue in St Pete Beach. The parking fills up quickly, so get to the race early! They also start closing off roads and will not let you onto the beach side after 6am both days so you need to get there before then if you want the good parking spots. I usually park at the beach access lot because it's free until 11am. Do not park illegally here- they will tow you. There are plenty of lots, you just need to arrive early enough to get access to a good one.

RACE MANAGEMENT: They are very nice and accommodating. This year was the first year I encountered them because I actually forgot my bib for the third race, the beach race on Saturday evening. They issued me a new bib for that race and took care of the timing issues for me so I could count it towards my challenge participation. Very nice and easy to work with. Also offered me some extra medals for my IRun4 Buddy. It's always a well organized race as well, I've never had any issues with race organization.

T SHIRTS/SWAG: The race shirt is nice. I was kind of disappointed that you only get one shirt for the marathon challenge as most races offer you multiple shirts when you do a challenge. Not that I actually wear any of them haha, but it's nice to have the option. The bag is lacking in race swag in my opinion. There are a bunch of coupons and discounts from the sponsors, but nothing else except the shirt and a few samples. I've seen better at other races with more swag. The medals are pretty nice though, especially the challenge medals!

AID STATIONS: Plenty on all courses, about one every 1.5 miles. No issues with water or gatorade offerings. The half marathon course could have had some fuel for the participants, but they have plenty to drink and are on both sides of the course so there's no back ups.

COURSE SCENERY: It's a beautiful race with great views! The 10k goes down Gulf Blvd through some neighborhoods and the 5k follows suit. There's one area where you get a nice view of the ocean and sunrise if you're early enough in the race when you hit that area. The half marathon has more scenic sunrise views, with a gorgeous stretch along the water that netted some excellent photos. And the nighttime beach race coincides with the sunset so that was definitely a really cool part about this race.

Overall, St Pete Beach Classic is one of my favorite race weekends because it usually has really nice race weather (50-65ish) and it's a flat, fast course, great if you're looking to set a new PR. It's a smaller race but the crowd is no less supportive and the volunteers are all enthusiastic and encouraging to the runners. After running the same course 4 times this weekend I was kind of tired of it haha, but that's to be expected when you run the same race over and over again. I get tired of Bayshore during Gasparilla too. This is definitely a race to put on your list if you will be in the area though. The prices are pretty good as well! The after party is fun and they have a pretty nice food spread with beer and hot coffee after for the runners.