SunSky 10K registration opens Oct. 5 for Skyway Bridge run

The inaugural SunSky 10K across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is scheduled for Sunday, March 21, 2027.

Registration for the 8,000-person field opens Monday, Oct. 5, at midnight at sunsky10k.com on a first-come, first-served basis.

The 6.2-mile course starts on the Manatee County side of the bridge and runs northbound across the Interstate 275 span to Pinellas County. Runners and walkers will climb more than 200 feet above Tampa Bay along the way.

The race brings an organized in-person 10K back to the bridge after the previous Skyway 10K was not held as an in-person race in 2026. Some organizers of the former Skyway 10K are behind the new event, including FRESHJUNKIE Racing, which is producing the race in partnership with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater.

The SunSky 10K is planned as an annual event, according to organizers.

Registration limited to 8,000 runners and walkers

General registration costs $100 for 7,500 available spots. Another 500 charity bibs are available for $300 each, bringing the total field to 8,000 participants.

Organizers expect general registration to sell out quickly and are encouraging participants to register when entries open.

Race director Jonathan Dziuba, a founding partner of FRESHJUNKIE Racing, said the event offers participants a rare opportunity to cross the bridge on foot.

"One of the things that makes this run unique is that this is the only time the public can run across the bridge," Dziuba said. Combined with watching the sunrise over Tampa Bay from the bridge, he said, the experience "makes it a bucket-list race for runners from throughout the U.S. and around the world."

Previous organized runs across the Sunshine Skyway have drawn participants from all 50 states and several countries.

Race will benefit six military and first-responder organizations

Proceeds from the SunSky 10K will benefit six nonprofit organizations serving military members and first responders: the American Association of State Troopers, Association of the U.S. Army Suncoast Chapter, Coast Guard Foundation, Suncoast Police Benevolent Association, Tampa Police Benevolent Association and Semper Fi & America's Fund.

SunSky 10K spokesman James Judge, a Coast Guard veteran and organizer of the former Skyway 10K, said his military background helps drive his involvement in the event.

On race day, participants will gather at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg and ride buses to the starting area on the Manatee County side of the bridge. The post-race celebration will be held at Tropicana Field.

A packet pickup party is scheduled for Saturday, March 20, at Tropicana Field in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Northbound Skyway lanes will close on race morning

The northbound lanes of Interstate 275 across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge are scheduled to close from 3:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on race day, according to Fox 13. Southbound lanes are expected to remain open.

Staging the event requires coordination among the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Highway Patrol, local law enforcement and fire-rescue agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Organizers have not yet released detailed information about participant parking, shuttle routes or individual corral start times.

Upcoming SunSky 10K dates: