St. Petersburg will host the annual St. Pete Run Fest from Friday through Sunday, drawing an estimated 12,000 participants, according to event founder Ryan Jordan, as reported by St. Pete Catalyst. The three‑day festival offers a half marathon, 10K and 5K races, children’s runs, a dog walk, and the Good Sweat Festival with live music, food, drinks and local artists.
Jordan said the event aims to break down barriers to health and wellness, encouraging residents from all neighborhoods and backgrounds to get active. More than 25% of runners are expected to travel from outside the city, providing an opportunity to showcase St. Petersburg’s waterfront, downtown skyline and vibrant murals.
Environmental stewardship is a core focus; the festival will operate without single‑use plastics or styrofoam and will partner with the city and a group called Renüable to compost waste. Technology and innovation will also be highlighted through a spARK Labs by ARK Invest zone, where five to six local entrepreneurs will demonstrate products related to multi‑omics biology and wellness.
Proceeds support the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, the American Cancer Society and St. Pete Youth Farm, reinforcing the event’s community‑benefit mission.
Schedule of events:
Friday: Good Sweat Festival, 2‑7 p.m. at Albert Whitted Park; VEG ER for Pets PeliPAWS Dog Walk, 6 p.m.; free Shake Out Run, 6:30 p.m. at 499 Bayshore Dr. (runs through Al Lang Stadium).
Saturday: Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital 10K, 6:45 a.m.; LMCU 5K, 8:30 a.m.; post‑run party, 8 a.m.–noon at Athlete Village; Foundation for Healthy St Pete PeliKids Youth Runs, 10:30 a.m.; Good Sweat Festival, 6 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sunday: Regenexx Half Marathon, 6:45 a.m.; post‑run party, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Good Sweat Festival, 6 a.m.–noon.
Residents are encouraged to attend the Good Sweat Festival for family‑friendly entertainment and to support local charities. The festival’s blend of fitness, community engagement and environmental responsibility offers a weekend of health‑focused activities for St. Petersburg families and visitors alike.
What’s next: The festival runs through Sunday, with the final half‑marathon concluding at 6:45 a.m. and the post‑run celebration ending at 1 p.m. Organizers will begin planning next year’s event, aiming to expand participation and continue highlighting the city’s waterfront and cultural assets.
Sources: stpetecatalyst.com
