Gasparilla Distance Classic Association teams up with ABC Action News as The Official and Exclusive Television Station of The Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend in Tampa, Fl

December 27, 2022

Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Announces New Partnership with ABC Action News-WFTS Tampa Bay

Dec. 27, 2022 / TAMPA /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – ABC Action News is the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic’s Official and Exclusive Television Station and, title sponsor of its ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo and ABC Action News Military Challenge.

“We’re thrilled ABC Action News chose the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic (PGDC) Race Weekend as a worthy community partner.  Their slogan, “Taking Action For You” couldn’t be more appropriate for our partnership.  When Vice President & General Manager Nick Nicholson learned of our need for a media partner, he and his ABC Action News Team took immediate action,” said race director, Susan Harmeling.

ABC Action News is committed to giving back to the Tampa Bay community.  Through its news and information programming, ABC Action News covers the issues impacting Tampa Bay.  In 2019, the station launched “ABC Action News Plus” a streaming news source for breaking news, traffic, and Florida’s most accurate forecast.  “We are very excited to be associated with the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic.  This is an important event for our community, and our partnership aligns with our commitment of making a positive difference in the Tampa Bay community,” said General Manager Nick Nicholson.

Established in 1978, the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic is the state’s oldest and largest road race. Between its 15K, 5K, Half Marathon, 8K and multi-race “Challenge” events, more than 30,000 participants typically register for the weekend of running and walking. Moreover, during its existence, the Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic Race Weekend has been the vehicle for raising more than $6 million in charitable contributions to the Gasparilla Distance Classic Association Heritage Charities: the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Tampa Bay and The Friends of Tampa Parks & Recreation.

The 2023 Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic will be staged Feb. 25-26, with the ABC Action News Health & Fitness Expo, presented by Tampa General Hospital running Feb. 24-25 at the Tampa Convention Center. For more information, please visit the official Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic website at https://www.rungasparilla.com/

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