Flat, fast & scenic course with 15-miles on Tampa Bay that features quaint neighborhoods, Downtown Tampa & convenient spectator access.

Gasparilla Distance Classic

Post-Race Review/ Results

The winner of the 2008 Walt Disney World Marathon Melanie Peters who failed to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Women's Marathon wouldn't let it discourage her.  Twenty-eight days later she ran the Gasparilla Distance Classic Marathon and finished fifth in a 2:46:45, making the Trials qualifying time.  Although Peters was taken to the medical area in a wheelchair, she is looking forward to the trials in April.

Athlete Makes U.S. Trials in Last Ditch Effort

Pre-Race Review/ Lineup

Missing the U.S. Olympic Women's Marathon Trials by just 29 seconds at last month's Disney Marathon, St. Petersburg's Melanie Peters is preparing for the 2008 Gasparilla Marathon.  The U.S. women's B qualifying time is 2:47. Peters, a 24-year-old Michigan native, crossed the finish line of Sunday's race with fifteen seconds to spare.

Peters Takes Gasparilla Women's Marathon

Human Interest Story

Tampa race organizers for the Gasparilla Distance Classic, which includes the Bank of America Marathon, are thinking of pulling the plug on using the new timing system they have slated for race day.  Contracted to use Michigan-based SAI Timing, SAI Timing's new electronic timing device failed to work at the 2007 Honolulu Marathon leading to a runner and race director's worst nightmare.  Race officials may switch back to using Championchip since more than 17,000 runners are expected to participate in race weekend.

Distance Races Run Into Glitch

In order to promote competitive distance running Tampa's Gasparilla Marathon officials will offer prize money for the top three Florida finishers.  This is in response to the abscence of Floridians in the recent U.S. Olympic men's marathon trials and only three qualifiers from the state competing at the women's trials.

Marathon Summary

Marathon Results