5K Run, Walk, & Kid's Sand Dash

The Pier 60 Sugar Sand 5K Run / Walk will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Proceeds benefit the youth of Pinellas County through the work of CFY Pinellas. Registration is limited to 300 participants.

The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival presented by Visit St. Pete Clearwater returns March 27 through April 12, 2026. For 17 days, Clearwater Beach takes center stage as master sand sculptors from around the world transform the shoreline into an internationally celebrated attraction that draws visitors from near and far. The 2026 theme, United in Sand: Celebrating Sports & Spirit!, highlights teamwork, triumph, and tradition, paired with live entertainment, fireworks, and unforgettable sunsets at Pier 60. With that energy in mind, 2026 is the perfect year to launch the all inclusive and participatory Sugar Sand Inaugural 5K Run, Walk, and Kid’s Sand Dash, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities.

On Saturday, April 11, the 5K Run / Walk and Kid’s Sand Dash will take place on the hard packed sand along the shoreline, offering a race experience unique to Clearwater Beach, Florida. With the Gulf as your backdrop, participants are encouraged to bring their cameras. The Run / Walk begins at 9:00 a.m. at Pier 60 and follows a scenic north out and back course. All participants will receive an exclusive finisher medal available only at this event.

Registration is available exclusively on RunSignUp and opens online February 1, 2026, at 10:01 a.m. Your 5K registration includes a 5 inch finisher’s medal featuring the United in Sand sports themed logo, an event T shirt, one complimentary ticket to the 24,000 square foot sand sculpture exhibit, and a goody bag stuffed by CFY Pinellas. CFY directs every dollar raised through sponsorship to support the youth of Pinellas County through its three pillars of giving: athletics, education, and water safety.

Timeline:
8:10 a.m.
Participant check in opens in front of Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach, 1 Causeway Blvd, Clearwater, Florida 33767. There is no race day registration. This event is limited to the first 300 registrants that sign-up to participate in advance.

9:00 a.m.
Kid’s Sand Dash for ages 0–12 begins. Children are called to the starting line by size and take part in a race designed just for them. Children remain within sight of their parent or guardian at all times.

9:15 a.m.
The 5K Run Walk is called to the starting line for the national anthem, followed by the race start. This event is electronically timed and non competitive in nature, welcoming participants of all ages and ability levels. Each participant receives a 5 inch finisher’s medal, an event t-shirt, and one ticket to the Sugar Sand Walk Exhibit. No awards will be presented. A celebration recognizing all runners will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the main tent.

10:00 a.m.
The Sand Sculpture Exhibit opens for runners and the general public.

About CFY Pinellas: Established in 1972, CFY proudly supports youth athletics programs and organizations, reaching over 17,000 Pinellas County youth annually and expanding. Funding efforts are aimed at providing the children of Pinellas County the opportunity to participate in their chosen activity unhindered by costs. CFY’s Endowment allows that every dollar that is donated goes 100% to supporting a child. CFY continues to grow as we focus on three core areas: Youth Athletics Grants, Education and Water Safety. For more information, please visit our website at www.cfypinellas.org.