Feb. 26th run and walk event coincides with the INDYCAR Party in the Park in North Straub Park
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Dec. 17, 2025) – Runners and walkers have a special opportunity to “race the track” as one of the kickoff festivities for the 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track is set for Thursday, Feb. 26, and online registration is now open at gpstpete5k.com while supplies last.
The Police Athletic League (PAL) of St. Petersburg continues as the beneficiary from the 5K Run to support its many programs positively impacting local children when they are not in school. PAL will receive 100 percent of the proceeds from registration fees collected and additional voluntary donations.
“The Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg is honored and excited to be involved with this fun, family-friendly run/walk event and race week tradition,” said Heather Robb, executive director, Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. “Since 2017, contributions from the Firestone Grand Prix and proceeds from this 5K have totaled $423,265, helping PAL provide beneficial activities and experiences to hundreds of children living in our area. We are deeply thankful to our partners for their continued support, and we can’t wait to see everyone on the track!”
The 5K for runners and walkers will start and end on Bayshore Drive NE, adjacent to North Straub Park, and will join the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg race course at Turn 9 on Central Avenue, where participants will proceed onto the track. The route is fully paved for the entire duration of the 5K distance.
The 5K Run will coincide with the INDYCAR Party in the Park which is a free community event. The party will take place in North Straub Park from 4-7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 26 and provide fans the opportunity to see race cars up close, get driver autographs and more. After completing the 5K, participants are encouraged to join the gathering as the top finishers will be recognized on the INDYCAR Party in the Park stage.
“The 5K had over 1,300 participants in 2025 on track together. Register early at advance pricing and guarantee your spot in this remarkable event supporting a great cause.” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “As a cherished Grand Prix tradition, this event invites race fans and local residents to walk or run the course while giving back to the community. Proceeds benefit the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg, delivering life-long impactful opportunities for local youth.”
An advance price of $40 is offered through Feb. 25, 2026, then the fee increases to $50 for race day signups if openings still remain on Thursday, Feb. 26. Additional charitable contributions are also accepted on the registration website to further the event’s impact in supporting PAL’s local mission.
5K Run Fast Facts
Event: 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track benefiting the Police Athletic League
Date: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET start (approximate)
Fee: $40 now through Feb. 25, 2026 or $50 on Feb. 26, 2026 (race day)
Registration includes race entry with chipped timing bib, commemorative finisher’s medal, T-shirt and a voucher good for two Friday General Admission tickets to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Partners:
Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital
Fresh from Florida
Michelob Ultra
Nutrl
Keel Farms
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Visit St. Pete-Clearwater
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority
Tampa Bay Times
Valpak
Registration Website: gpstpete5k.com
The 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track and INDYCAR Party in the Park on Thursday, Feb. 26 will commence an action-packed Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend. The schedule includes high-speed racing from five different series headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race on Sunday, March 1, also the first ever NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series street race will happen on Saturday, Feb. 28, with practice and qualifying sessions starting Friday, Feb. 27.
The complete racing and activities schedule for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be released soon. For additional ticket pricing, grandstand
About Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg
The Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg (PAL) – in partnership with the St. Petersburg Police Department – provides a safe, affordable place for children to go after school and during the summer where caring adults offer thoughtfully designed activities to help them succeed academically, make healthy lifestyle choices, and grow to be productive adults. For more information visit our website at www.stpetepal.org.
About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:
The 22nd annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg airs live on a national broadcast on FOX on March 1. NASCAR will also conduct its very first street race for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in its history on the streets of St. Petersburg in 2026. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration that uses the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runway at Albert Whitted Airport, and borders the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 3-5, 2026), BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland (Aug. 7-9, 2026) and Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham (Aug. 14-16, 2026).
For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @GPSTPETE or follow the event on X at @GPSTPETE and Instagram at @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.
