Great Runs in Tampa-St. Petersburg
Two words describe the running scene in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area: weather and water. The running culture is upbeat and varied, and there nice options for urban routes taking advantage of Tampa Bay and local beaches. There are good routes along the water in both Tampa and “St. Pete”, as it is called. The best route in downtown Tampa is the Bayshore Linear Park Trail — a scenic 4.5 mile long sidewalk along the waterfront. A little further from downtown, accessible by car, there are some pleasant parks for running, enjoying Florida’s flora and fauna.
In St. Pete, the three best options are wonderful routes near downtown, such as the North Bay trail out to Snell Isle, runs along the beach, and south to Desoto Island. It’s about 10 miles from downtown St. Pete to the beach.
Tampa weather is great — sunny nearly every day. But be aware of summer heat and near daily thunderstorms.
The Iconic Routes
1. Tampa — Bayshore Linear Park Trail
2. Tampa — Al Lopez Park Loop
3. Tampa — The Riverwalk + University
4. St. Petersburg — Bayside/Snell Isle
5. St. Petersburg — St. Pete Beach
6. St. Petersburg — Fort De Soto Park
Tampa - Bayshore Linear Park Trail
4.5 Miles MAP
The Bayshore Linear Park Trail is claimed to be world’s longest continuous sidewalk, stretching 4.5 miles along the waterfront from Gandy Boulevard at south to Columbus Statue Park at north. You get spectacular views of the Bay and the downtown skyline. In the Old Hyde Park area, you’ll also pass by some of Tampa’s most prestigious homes, surrounded by huge trees and nice gardens. You might even spot some manatees in the shallow waters of the bay. The route features water fountains and fitness stations, and there are markers in every mile, half mile and kilometer. The University of Tampa, a great representation of Moorish Revival architectural style and a local point in the city, is located 0.5 miles north from Columbus Statue Park.
Tampa - Al Lopez Park Loop
1.9 mile loop with add on possibilities MAP
A nice, centrally located 100+ acre green park with ponds. The park features a 1.2 mile interior loop on the wide asphalt path with overhead lighting. We recommend the 1.9 mile loop. Most parts of the paths are shaded giving you protection from the burning sun in the summer. Many 5k races are held here throughout the year. Public bathrooms and water fountains available in the park.
Tampa - The Riverwalk + University
1.4 Miles along the Riverwalk and 3.5 mile loop option MAP
The Tampa Riverwalk offers spectacular views of the waterfront and downtown. It has recently been renovated and greatly expanded, and currently it stretches 1.4 miles along the waterfront from Cotanchobee Park all the way to Waterworks Park. You pass by some nice parks and buildings, such as Amelie Arena. The University of Tampa is located on west side of the Hillsborough River and features some lovely architecture. A great option is to cross the river on Cass Street to west, run through the University campus and come back to the east side of the river on Brorein Street, rejoining the Riverwalk.
St. Petersburg - Bayside/Snell Isle
8-mile loop. Start: Pioneer Park. MAP
St. Petersburg is a neighbor city of Tampa, located ~20 miles southwest of Tampa. There are great running options in St. Pete, though they are somewhat geographically dispersed. A popular and attractive running option in St. Pete is the Bayside waterfront area, where you get spectacular views of Tampa Bay and the city. A great 8-mile loop starts at Pioneer Park next to the yacht club, and heads north along the beautiful waterfront. St. Pete Pier, located out in the water at 2nd Avenue NE, offers panoramic views of Tampa Bay. Along the northeast part of the route in Snell Isle, you pass by some attractive mansions and waterfront homes, especially on Brightwaters Boulevard. Looping back passes by some of the historic neighborhoods of St. Pete.
St. Petersburg - St. Pete Beach
4.2 mile loop. MAP
St. Pete Beach, located on the west shore of St. Petersburg, is perfect place for those who enjoy running on the beach. It offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and is also great place to enjoy the gorgeous Florida’s sunset. The area is a well-known tourist destination, so it can be crowded. Arguably the best route is at the southern end of the beach, at Pass-A-Grille, which tends to be more tranquil than the northern area. You can enjoy the views to Shell Key Preserve, criss-cross some nice side streets and have an opportunity to run on a beautiful sand beach instead of the paved sidewalk. Our route features 2 miles on the sand. You might want to take off your shoes and run next to the water where the sand is firmer. This spot is a particular treat at sunset .
St. Petersburg - Fort De Soto Park
10.2 miles with variation possibilities. MAP
Breathtaking describes the views of natural beauty at Fort De Soto Park. It is located on the islands lying at the mouth of Tampa Bay, about 7 miles south downtown St. Pete. It is a popular place for running, featuring paved roads and recreational trails. Start at the parking lots at North Beach, which is regularly recognized as one of America’s ‘best beaches’. Run along the beaches and trails and back while enjoying the magnificent views and wildlife. It is a little over 10 miles all the way to the eastern tip of the island and back.
Further Afield
Wilderness Parks — Flatwoods Park Trail
Wilderness Parks is a group of parks connected by trails and located ~20 miles northeast from Tampa downtown. As the name suggests, the parks offers a great getaway from the urban area and is an opportunity to see Florida’s flora and fauna. Most probably you will see some animals, such as deer, armadillos, turtles, snakes, wild turkeys, alligators (yikes!), wading birds and hawks. The park features the 7-mile Flatwoods Park Trail — a multi-use asphalt loop which can be accessed from Morris Bridge Road or Bruce B. Downs. There are also off-road trails available. Water fountains and restrooms can be found along the trails and there is a small fee ($2) to use the park so remember to bring some cash.
Lake Rogers Park
2.2 mile loop trail. MAP.
Another beautiful natural park is located ~20 miles northwest from downtown Tampa and features 2.2 mile off-road trail on varying terrain circling around Lake Rogers. You can enjoy scenic views of the lake and its surroundings while running through shady forest. The route has some elevation change, too and two water fountains for hydration. There are also markers in every quarter mile plus signs along the trail providing information about local plants and wildlife. The park is open from 8am to 6pm. and has a $2 fee.
Upper Tampa Bay Trail
This scenic asphalt paved trail with more of an urban feel stretches 7 miles from Memorial Highway/Montague Street at south to ending at Peterson Road Park at north. It is located ~12 miles west of downtown Tampa and ~4 miles west of Tampa International Airport. It features underpasses, overpasses and bridges, and has only two cross streets. There are markers in every half mile and water fountains & restrooms along the trail.
Stay
Ideally, try to stay downtown, where there is a large selection of hotels with good access to the Riverwalk and Bayshore trails. Tampa is spread-out, so some of the other running routes are located outside the downtown core. The airport hotels offer some access to some park trails such as Al Lopez Park.
For St. Petersburg, the two hotel clusters are downtown, with access to all sorts of runs including the North Bay trail; and in the beach area, with access to beach side trails and the jaunt down to DeSoto island. It’s about 10 miles from downtown St. Pete to the beach.
Running stores
Running Center. Great local running specialty store established in 1999. One location north of Tampa downtown. The store prides itself on it’s skillful gait analysis and customer service. Has collected over 1000 pairs of reusable running shoes for the homeless in the area.
Feet First. Another great running specialty store with over 30 years’ heritage. Good selection of shoes, apparel and gear, knowledgeable staff. Located just a few blocks from the Bayshore Linear Park Trail in Tampa. Additional location in St. Petersburg, slightly north of downtown.
Fit2Run. 2006 established family-owned running specialty chain with 16 retail outlets in Florida. Tampa store located near International Airport and features a fitness bar for healthy nutrition. St. Petersburg location is right downtown near the trails. Offers video-taped gait analysis, good selection of products and weekly group runs.
New Balance. Two locations in Tampa, one near the International Airport and the other ~10 north from downtown.
Community
Run Tampa. Running club for people of all speeds, founded by a veteran running coach in 2008. Arranges several group runs each week in various places and offers coaching services, too. Individual memberships are $25 per year.
Tampa Bay Runners. 30 year old social running club arranges events and weekly group runs. On Wednesdays, group runs in Carroll wood at the Walgreen’s (Dale Mabry/Fletcher) at 7pm and on Thursdays, group run at Temple Terrace Elementary School at 7pm (124 Flotto Ave). Arranges the annual Strawberry Classic to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Individual memberships are $15 per year.
St. Pete Road Runners (SPRR). A several hundred member running club started in 2006 when five area women wanted set up a club for individuals of all ages and abilities. Group runs seven days a week in various locations, see list here. Annual memberships are $20 for individuals and $5 for students.
Four Green Fields Running Club. A slogan “A Bunch of Drinkers with a Running Problem” tells it all about a bit lighter approach that this club has to running. 5k group runs from Four Green Field patio (205 W. Platt Street) every Tuesday at 6pm. Cold pints afterwards for hydration, obviously. One-time $5 fee to join the club.
Events
Gasparilla Distance Classic, named after Gasparilla Pirate Festival, is the largest running event in the area with over 30,000 participants. It is run on Bayshore Boulevard in late February or early March each year and it features various distances from 5K to a half marathon.
Tampa Bay Times Turkey Trot. Takes place on Thanksgiving Day and features 1K, 5K and 10K. Proceeds from the event help support many local charities. Great way to prepare for turkey eating overload. Gobble gobble.
Best Damn Race. Running series created for runners by runners. Runners of levels welcome, features 5K, 10K and half marathon.
St. Pete Beach Classic. Claims to be “the only race that lets you relax before, between, and after your races”. Taking place in St. Petersburg in January and features 5K, 10K and half marathon, plus a Beach Fun Run.
Weather
It’s Florida. Temperatures are warm to hot and quite from mid-May to mid-October with frequent thunderstorms. But it is sunny nearly every day. The Tampa area has a reputation of being the lightning capital of the U.S. It receives an average of 26.1 inches of rain from June to September but only 18.6 inches during the remaining eight months of the year. In the winter, average day temperatures range from the low to mid 70s °F during the day but there are occasional cold snaps in the winter with temps in the 40s-50s.
