St. Petersburg, FL – More than 3,000 runners and walkers gathered in downtown St. Petersburg on Friday morning to kick off Independence Day by participating in the annual Fourth of July Pier Run, one of the city’s largest holiday traditions.
The event began at the St. Pete Pier, where participants lined up before sunrise for the four mile race along the scenic downtown waterfront.
The course took runners through the pier district before looping back to the finish line, offering views of Tampa Bay throughout the event.
Race organizers divided participants into two starting groups to accommodate the large turnout.
The first wave featured competitive runners, while the second welcomed recreational runners, walkers, families and participants with strollers.
Organizers capped registration at approximately 3,000 participants to help ensure a safe and organized event.
Each registered participant received a commemorative race shirt and finisher medal.
Following the race, attendees gathered for post event festivities that included food, refreshments and family friendly activities.
Organizers also hosted a patriotic costume contest and a pie eating competition as part of the holiday celebration.
The annual Pier Run has become a staple of Independence Day celebrations in St. Petersburg since the opening of the new St. Pete Pier.
The event draws participants from across the Tampa Bay region and serves as the official start to the city’s Fourth of July festivities.
Additional holiday events and entertainment were scheduled throughout the day at the St. Pete Pier, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to continue celebrating Independence Day after the race concluded.
Organizers expect the annual event to remain a popular Fourth of July tradition in the years ahead.