Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic: Vacation Home Between Tampa and Orlando
The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is Tampa Bay’s biggest running weekend — a pirate-themed celebration featuring a marathon, half marathon, 8K, and 5K along Tampa’s beautiful Bayshore Boulevard. Thousands of runners from across the country travel to Tampa every February for the races and the legendary Gasparilla festivities. At 450 Burma, your running crew can stay in a luxury 6-bedroom vacation home in Kissimmee — approximately 75 minutes from downtown Tampa — and combine race weekend with a full Orlando vacation at Disney World, Universal Studios, and more.
About the Gasparilla Distance Classic
- When: Late February (Saturday and Sunday)
- Where: Downtown Tampa along Bayshore Boulevard — approximately 75 minutes from 450 Burma via I-4 West
- Events: Marathon (Sunday), Half Marathon (Sunday), 8K (Saturday), 5K (Saturday)
- Theme: Pirate-inspired, tied to Tampa’s Gasparilla Pirate Festival tradition. Expect pirate costumes, beads, and festive energy.
- Course: Scenic route along Bayshore Boulevard, the world’s longest continuous sidewalk, with beautiful water views of Tampa Bay
- Post-race: Huge post-race party with food, beer, and live music at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Why Runners Stay at 450 Burma
Best of Both Coasts
450 Burma sits between Tampa and Orlando, giving you easy access to both:
- Tampa / Gasparilla: 75 minutes via I-4 West
- Disney World: 15 minutes
- Universal Studios: 25 minutes
- Orlando attractions: 25-30 minutes
Race in Tampa on the weekend and spend the rest of the week enjoying Orlando’s world-class theme parks. It is the ultimate Florida running vacation.
Group Value
- 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, sleeps 16 — Your entire running group stays together
- Split the cost — One vacation home is far cheaper than multiple Tampa hotel rooms during Gasparilla
- Full kitchen for carb-loading — Pre-race pasta dinners and post-race feasts
- Pool and hot tub — February in Florida means perfect pool weather for post-race recovery
- Game room — Arcade, air hockey, ping pong, and gaming consoles for downtime
Gasparilla Weekend Itinerary from 450 Burma
Thursday: Arrive at 450 Burma. Pool time and settling in. Light shakeout run in the neighborhood.
Friday: Drive to Tampa (75 min) for packet pickup and expo. Explore Tampa or visit Busch Gardens. Return for pasta dinner at the house.
Saturday: 5K and/or 8K in Tampa. Post-race party on Bayshore. Drive back to 450 Burma for pool recovery.
Sunday: Half Marathon or Marathon in Tampa. Celebrate at the finish-line party. Return to 450 Burma for hot tub and celebratory dinner.
Monday-Wednesday: Disney World, Universal Studios, pool days, and Orlando exploring. Turn race weekend into a full vacation.
Book Your Gasparilla Stay
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February in Central Florida is peak season. Check our availability and book direct to save 10-15% vs. Airbnb. Call 407.552.5313 or email reservations@orangevacationhomes.com.