3 events in Saint Petersburg, Florida

Join us for our St. Petersburg Distance Classic on Florida’s west coast overlooking Tampa Bay. With a USATF certified Marathon (Boston Qualifier), Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K, plus Virtual options, we offer something for everyone.

Back again in 2026: a variety of musical entertainment along the courses. Also, pacers for the marathon and halfathon to help athletes achieve their goals.

ALL four race courses are the same for the first two miles – heading north into Snell Isle. While 5K participants turn around and return towards the finish line, all other participants head north and around Coffee Pot Bayou before returning to North Shore Park.

The Halfathon and Marathon head south along the waterfront, through our bustling downtown, and onto Central Avenue, which features a dynamic mixture of the best local shops and cafes. Watch for an abundance of huge murals on Central Avenue’s building walls as St. Petersburg is a genuinely well known haven for artists of all types.

At Mile 10, the Halfathon and Marathon courses split at the Pinellas Trail. The half marathon participants head east back towards the waterfront, and the marathon runners head west to achieve their marathon mileage before returning to the waterfront finish line.

The St. Petersburg Marathon was the first ever 26.2-mile race staged entirely in St. Petersburg. The marathon course has been accurately measured per USATF certification standards and certified (FL19019TY) and is therefore a Boston Marathon Qualifier.

For our out-of-town athletes, our award winning, white-sand beaches provide the perfect setting to relax and recover. Ideal overall temperatures (56° – 71 °) make this a perfect spot for a mid-winter vacation wrapped around a long-distance run or walk.

Finally, we offer four virtual options for athletes unable to join us on-site: marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. Visit our Virtual Runs page for more information.

REFER YOUR FRIENDS, EARN REWARDS!

1. Sign up for the St. Petersburg Distance Classic.

2. You will receive a confirmation email which will include a unique referral link to share with your friends and family or post on social media.

3. Encourage 5 FRIENDS to sign up using your unique referral link - you will automatically receive a refund of $20.00. Awesome!

The Manion WOD (Workout of the Day) is a powerful tribute to 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, designed to unite veterans, families of the fallen, and inspired civilians in honoring one of our nation’s heroes. Hosted by CrossFit boxes, ruck clubs, and gyms nationwide—or completed virtually anytime, anywhere—this workout challenges its participants to push harder, go further, and grow stronger in memory of those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

We can’t wait for you to take part in the 2026 Manion WOD! Gear up to challenge yourself, honor our nation’s heroes, and receive your exclusive 2026 Manion WOD shirt—plus the chance to earn even more exclusive rewards.

4TH ANNUAL SGT. ANTHONY MUHLSTADT DEFENDER RUCK

DEADLINE FOR GUARANTEED EVENT SHIRT IS MAY 20th.

AFTER MAY 20th, T-SHIRTS WILL BE BASED ON AVAILABILITY. THANK YOU

Proceeds to benefit local organizations committed to battling military suicide

Ruck. Remember. Defend.

Anthony’s Defender Run/Ruck or Walk is more than a physical challenge—it is a mission of purpose, remembrance, and ACTION.

We ruck to honor Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt, USMC, and every service member who has silently carried the weight of stress, trauma, and isolation while serving our country. Anthony’s life, service, and loss remind us that strength does not mean suffering alone—and that suicide prevention begins with connection, education, and courage.

This event exists because suicide is claiming the lives of our active-duty military and veterans at an alarming rate, and too often the warning signs are missed. Anthony’s Defender Ruck was created to bring those conversations out of the shadows and into the open—where real change happens.

When you participate, you are doing more than showing up:

You are standing in defense of life

You are raising awareness for suicide prevention

You are funding critical training and resources that equip people to recognize the signs, have hard conversations, and intervene when it matters most

You are honoring the fallen and supporting the living

Whether you ruck in person, participate virtually or sponsor, you become part of a community that refuses to stay silent and chooses to lead with action.

We ruck to remember

We ruck to protect those still serving.

We ruck so others know they are never alone.

Thank you for stepping up, shouldering the weight, and defending hope.

This year we’ve added a couple fun new options:

Create-a-Team (ruck, run, or walk together!)

Referral rewards + new swag rewards when you invite friends to register

Refer 5 people using your unique link and receive up to a $20.00 refund

Refer 10 people using your unique link and choose a Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt Foundation t-shirt or a foundation tumbler

The Defender 5K and Ruck Walk is also a celebration of life; the lives that were lived in honor of God, Community, and Country. Participants are welcome to join Anthony's family and friends for a special birthday celebration after completion of the Defender Ruck Walk. There will be music, vendors, giveaways, camaraderie, friendship, love, and, of course, birthday cake. Participants are encouraged to use their own devices (smartwatches, etc.) to track their times.