The Tampa Bay 100 Mile Endurance Run is the rare point-to-point urban ultramarathon, which starts in Ybor City and winds through Tampa, ultimately reaching Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Gulf Blvd, and ending in St. Petersburg. Along the way, you’ll experience a vibrant array of both well-known and hidden gems that the Tampa Bay area has to offer.
As you run, you’ll encounter stunning murals, captivating artworks, impressive monuments, and picturesque bridges. Enjoy the verdant parks, scenic piers, beautiful beaches, and historic buildings and neighborhoods, all while taking in the breathtaking skylines of the of the Tampa Bay area. The course is mostly flat, featuring some bridges to add a bit of challenge, with a total elevation gain of approximately 1,165 feet and a loss of about 1,218 feet.
Overall Cutoff: 36.5 Hours
Course Details
Kicking off in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa, you all will be taken on the ultimate “Endurance Tour” of Tampa Bay for 100 miles jam packed with the best sights in Tampa, Safety Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, and St Petersburg.
The route itself begins with 20 plus miles around downtown Tampa and its surrounding neighborhoods, bringing you all by the best sights in the city such as the Tampa Theatre, Tampa Postcard, Bayshore Blvd, the Riverwalk, 100s of murals in The Heights and through the city, Jose Marti Park, Perry Harvey Park, Harbour Islands, Hyde Park, and Cypress Point! You’ll see the stadiums home to the Tampa Bay Lightening and the Buccaneers!
From here you will hit our first dedicated aid station on the Courtney Campbell Causeway! Then you’ll run over the beautiful Tampa Bay towards Safety Harbor, which combines beautiful bay views and the legendary Tocobaga Indian Mounds that according to legend protects us from hurricanes every year.
The route then takes you into Dunedin where there will be plenty of food options for runners and crew members. As well as the point where we pick up the Pinellas Trail briefly. You’ll get to see the spring training stadium of the Toronto Blue Jays!
The run then cuts down along to the water into downtown Clearwater, over the bridge, and into Clearwater Beach (and if you timed it right, you’re here in time for a grouper sandwich and sunset). From here you have a 20 some miles down to St Pete Beach on Gulf Blvd, crossing the stunning Sand Key Bridge and then passing through beach towns such as Madeira Beach, Reddington Shores, Treasure Island and John’s Pass, to name a few.
The last section takes you back over the water and over into Gulfport to pass by the old Casino and cute shops and restaurants throughout this trendy, “hipster” town.
Then, you’ll make your way into St. Pete. You’ll be taking the new long way to St Pete, which some changes to the course due to the St. Pete RunFest. Enroute, you’ll see another set of Indian Burial Mounds, Bay Vista Park, Little Bayou Park, the historic Roser Park, and Tropicana Field! This is when you’re really in St. Pete and on the home stretch as you’ll pass by historical The Princess Martha Hotel, Crescent Lake, and to the finish at Coffee Pot Park!
What is an Urban Ultra?
Urban Ultras are courses that take place in an urban environment and incorporate travel by foot to explore elements of the city. Unlike typical trail races where the course is completely marked by flagging, in the urban setting you’re typically following directional cards that will get you from point to point, road to road, and turn by turn.
Navigation can be hardest part for many at face value, however, aslong as you are paying attention to the details and following the course directions; you will have no problem staying on the course.
The goal of an urban ultra is exploring sides of the city that are often overlooked, it teaches you how to navigate the city while providing challenges focused on self-reliance, team building, and cultural experiences. Participants explore the rich cultural, historical, and natural environment of whatever city they’re in.
A Self Guided Endurance Tour, Not a Race
This event is considered a “Self-Guided Endurance Tour of the Tampa Bay.” As such it is not considered a competitive event but rather a life accomplishment. We will record finish times and award top finishers, but the accomplishment of the runner is in the experience of the run, not how fast you can finish it. The spirit of the event is captured in the journey.
ITRA and the IAU
This event stands by the guidelines of the International Trail Running Association and the International Association of Ultrarunners. We follow the same mission to give a voice to trail runners from all continents to promote trail running throughout the world and defend its ethical values.
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