If you are looking for one of the best 5K races in Florida, look no further!
The Classic 5K was one of the original competitive events of what has become the St. Pete Beach Classic weekend. First run in 2004 it was renamed the Wendy Johnson 5K in 2022 in honor of the event’s founder.
Wendy Crane Johnson began her quest for a healthy life-style and her love for running as a 20 something year old in the 1980’s. A friend from the Birmingham Track Club encouraged her to lay out a one-mile loop and run/walk that loop several times a week until she was able to run the entire mile.
Fast forward to 2002 when Wendy and Al Johnson founded Motion Sports Management out of a love for the sports of running, swimming, biking and triathlon. From there Wendy and Al founded the St Pete Beach Classic10K/5K with the inaugural race held on February 8, 2004 with just over 1,500 runners.
Wendy passed away in April of 2010, at the age of 50 years old. This event’s existence is a lasting reminder of her drive, passion and desire to support the athlete in all of us. Her family is pleased to continue her legacy and love of her community, running and friendships by sponsoring the Wendy Johnson 5K.
The Wendy Johnson 5K is a certified 5K course that entitles racers to run on the main throughfare of the City of St. Pete Beach. The race starts on Gulf Blvd in front of the Sirata followed by a brief loop in North Beach, past Upham Beach and back to the Sirata for the finish.
The popular St. Pete Beach Classic, the first foot race of the year in the area, is returning, for its 20th run Jan. 15-17. The 2027 Classic includes 10K, 5K & Half-Marathon Competitive Running Events: Walk or Run,10K & 5K Challenge, Super 3 Distance Challenge Competition, Kids’ Classic Fun Dash, Post Race Party & Awards Ceremonies, Two Day Health & Fitness Expo. Professional event management by St. Pete Beach Classic. If you’re interested in running: www.stpetebeachclassic.com/
Based for years at the Sirata Resort on St. Pete Beach, It is back at the Sirata Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd. so the race will be run on a circuit that is familiar to everyone, including on Gulf Blvd., early on Friday, Jan. 16 and Saturday, Jan. 17. Bill Thompson, Bill30307@earthlink.net is rounding up sponsors who will get website listing, their logos on all the race shirts, amongst other perks. The race requires a large number of volunteers, most of whom stand on corners during the races to prevent cars from turning towards runners. Link to volunteer: www.stpetebeachclassic.com/volunteer