17^TH ANNUAL ST PETE BEACH CLASSIC OFFERS FUN, FITNESS AND RACES FOR AGES 8 TO 80

“Art helps unite, shows the beauty of our region, and builds awareness about nature and the environment. The upcoming art show is a great addition to St. Pete Beach Classic, and we are happy we can support our creative community.”

The 17^th Annual St. Pete Beach Classic will be January 14 – 16, 2022. This year will have several events and multiple races for all ages. Events include volleyball exhibitions, a juried art show, a health and fitness expo all hosted at The Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center, and a beach cleanup. There will also be races for children eight and younger, fun runs, 5K and 10K races, and the B2B2B challenge. This non-profit event supports local organizations.

The St. Pete Beach Classic non-profit race supports other local non-profit organizations in the good they do for our community. Some of the groups we support include Friends of the Library on St. Pete Beach, The St. Pete Beach Recreation Center, The Historical Museum on Pass-A-Grille Beach and The Kind Mouse, among others.

The St. Pete Beach Classic 2022 will include a volleyball exhibition put on by the Sunshine State Outdoor Volleyball Association, a health and fitness expo, a beach clean up on Monday the 17^th, and new this year will be the Florida Kaleidoscope Art Show, put on by Bella Unica Art Gallery and Events. Mimi Chavin, the Event Director for the St. Pete Beach Classic, when asked why add an art show, replied, “Like sports, art is a universal language, and it brings the community together.”

The Florida Kaleidoscope Art Show will have 15 local artists showcasing 30 original works, in a juried show. Natalie Velez and her team, Founder of Bella Unica Art Gallery and Events, selected artists and works that support the theme for this year’s exhibition: the beauty of St. Petersburg, it’s beaches and nature. Mayor Alan Johnson said, “Art helps unite, shows the beauty of our region, and builds awareness about nature and the environment. The upcoming art show is a great addition to St. Pete Beach Classic, and we are happy we can support our creative community.”

There will be multiple races for all enthusiasts. Kids eight and under will have several to choose from, there will be a 5K and a 10K race, a beach fun run of 3.8 miles, and the second leg of the B2B2B (Burg to Beach to Bayshore) challenge – the Maddie Zolfo Half Marathon. The three races (the final leg being the Gasparilla Distance Classic in February 2022), will complete a full marathon and provide medals to document the achievement. Children 8 and under, and seniors 80+ are FREE. There will be bonfires, parties, beer, drinks and food for all participating athletes to enjoy their accomplishments.

For more information, to register and participate, or just to volunteer go to the website https://stpetebeachclassic.com/. Here you will find itineraries, photos, ways to contact event personnel and much more.

Featured image: Once Upon a Waning Moon by Diane V Radel (details). To learn more about the artist, CLICK HERE.