I LOVE THIS RACE. 2016 was the second time I ran the half. The SPB Classic weekend is filled with running activities. Headquarters for all the races and expo is The Sirata Beach Resort in St Pete Beach, FL.

Races include a 3.8 m Beach Fun Run, a 5K, a 10K and a Half Marathon. Extra medals can be earned if you run a 5K/10K Duo, or the Individual Marathon Challenge (all four races for 26.2 miles). Health and Fitness Expo is on Friday and Saturday. There is a Beach bonfire and concert on Saturday night.

The half marathon course takes you on a tour of St. Pete Beach and more. You'll run along Pass-A-Grille's beach and fishing pier, Vina Del Mar, through charming residential back alleys, and many beach resorts on Gulf Boulevard. It's a novel perspective of this busy beach area.

There were 5 pacers from a local running store for 1:45 to 2:30 finishing times. Race shirt is a long sleeve tech shirt — one of my favorites. Aid stations every 1.5 miles — water and Gatorade. Post race party is right on the beach with a nice assortment of food, including rice and beans. Heineken beer in cans. Everything you need is at the start/finish line: lockers, port-o-lets, massage, food, beverages, beach, Gulf of Mexico, etc.

Weather can be tricky in mid-January, so take that into consideration. We had very strong winds and some rain during 2016.

The other tricky thing is parking in a beach town. Pay close attention to directions your receive from race management to avoid being towed while you're running the race.

The SPB Classic Weekend takes place the weekend before the MLK Jr holiday, making it an opportune time for a long weekend getaway in Florida.