Welcome to the 2026 Publix Too Good for Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic!
The Gasparilla Distance Classic Association, Publix Super Markets, and the Mendez Foundation proudly welcome you to the 2026 Publix Too Good for Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic!
Together, we remain committed to promoting children’s health, reducing childhood obesity, and inspiring integrity and strength of character throughout the Tampa Bay community.
Safety Reminder
Upon arrival, please make your children aware of the Holding Area location.
If they become separated from you, instruct them to go directly to the Holding Area and approach the Tampa Police Department officer who will be monitoring and controlling access to that area.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
2-4 Year Old - 30 Yards
30 Yards Infield
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Register for 2-4 Year Old - 30 YardsFreeApr 7 - Feb 11
5-6 Year Old - 1/8 Mile
1/8 Mile on the track
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Register for 5-6 Year Old - 1/8 MileFreeApr 7 - Feb 11
7-8 Year Old - 1/2 Mile
1/2 Mile on the track
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Register for 7-8 Year Old - 1/2 MileFreeApr 7 - Feb 11
9-10 Year Old - 1 Mile
1 Mile on the track
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Register for 9-10 Year Old - 1 MileFreeApr 7 - Feb 11
11 Year Old & Over - Shirt Only
Event Shirt- Must be picked up at the event on 2/14/2026
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Register for 11 Year Old & Over - Shirt Only$7.37
Shirt Only
Apr 7 - Feb 11
COURSE POLICY (PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS): Your child must be prepared to run unassisted. Parents will not be allowed on the course. If you feel your child cannot do this, he/she should not participate in the event. This will be strictly enforced to ensure the safety of all entrants. There will be trained volunteers assisting each age group on the course. Every entrant participating in the Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic must wear their race number on the front of their T-shirt. For the safety and enjoyment of all Jr. Classic runners, the course is restricted to registered runners and official race personnel only. Animals of any type, all baby carriages/joggers, skateboards, Rollerblades, roller-skates, bicycles, and cars are prohibited. If a child does not have a number, he or she will not be presented with a finisher medal. Parents of 2-4-year-olds will be allowed to run behind their child's group.
SAFETY (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
The course will be enclosed so children will not be exposed to automobile traffic or spectators crossing the running paths. All finishers will be led to a secure holding area. Children will be supervised by race personnel and TPD until their parents pick them up. Please stress to your children the importance of following the directions given by race and TPD personnel. If your child does become separated from his or her race group, they will be taken to the Holding Area. Parents, please do not interfere with volunteers. After your child’s event, go to the holding area at the west end of the track infield. Your children will be there and supervised appropriately by race and TPD personnel.
DISTANCE AND START TIMES
2-year-olds 10:00 a.m. 30 yards Infield
3-year-olds 10:15 a.m. 30 yards Infield
4-year-olds 10:30 a.m. 30 yards Infield
5-year-olds 10:45 a.m. 1/8 mile Track
6-year-olds 11:00 a.m. 1/8 mile Track
7-year-olds 11:15 a.m. 1/2 mile Track
8-year-olds 11:30 a.m. 1/2 mile Track
9-year-olds 11:45 a.m. 1-mile Track
10-year-olds Noon 1-mile Track
REGISTRATION INCLUDES
- Official 2026 Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Classic T-Shirt and Publix Goody Bag
- 2026 Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Classic Finishers Medals will be given to each participant crossing the Finish Line
- Registration for 11-year-olds and over will only include a race shirt. It will not have a finisher's medal.
RACE PACKET PICK-UP
Publix Too Good For Drugs Jr. Gasparilla Distance Classic participants can pick up Race Packets starting at 8:30 a.m. on Race Day, Sat, Feb. 14, at Jefferson High School, 4401 W. Cypress St.
RACE DAY ACTIVITIES
The fun and Pre-Race activities will begin at 9 a.m. They will include Publix Activity Area, Ferman Automotive Group Activity Area, The Mendez Foundation Activity Area, Appearances by Carmen & Wagner, and Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger, all hosted by Q105’s Mason Dixon!
Contact information
- Event contact
- Kitty Lyons
- Phone
- 813-254-7866
- Website
- Visit website
