St. Pete Beach Classic Kicks Off Friday

The St. Pete Beach Classic is a race with a variety of options for runners, including a half-marathon, a 5K and a 10K. Registration is available online.

Aside from the running, a free health and fitness expo will be taking place. The expo is open to the public and offers deals on fitness gear and even complimentary services, like health screenings. The expo will be held on Friday and Saturday.

Al Johnson, Race Manager for the St. Pete Beach Classic, lost his wife Wendy Johnson to brain cancer in the spring of 2010. Wendy was a well known triathlete and had an undeniable impact on the race community. The run was originally organized by the dynamic duo, but is now held in memory of Wendy.

Here's a breakdown of the weekend-long event:

• Friday, January 13

11 am: Expo Registration and Expo Begin

5:30-7 pm: Sponsor/Supporter Reception

7 pm: Expo/Expo Registration Closes

7 pm: Concert/Beach Party Begins along with the Friday Night Bonfire

• Saturday, January 14

6 am:  Race Day/Expo Registration Opens

7:30 am: 5K Start

8:30 am: 10K Start

8:45 am: Kids' Races

10:45 am: Awards/Post Race Party

5 pm: Expo/Registration Closes

5:30 pm: Pasta Dinner (St. Jude Hero's Reception)

7 pm: Beach Party and Saturday Night Bonfire

• Sunday, January 15

7 am: Half Marathon Starts

10 am: Half Marathon Course Closes

10:30 am: Awards/Post Race Party