Athletes & Fans Can Race, Bike, & See World-Class Sports on Florida’s Historic Coast This Winter

From THE PLAYERS Championship to Italian cycling in Florida, there’s no shortage of athletic challenges

Contact: Barbara Golden
Phone: 904-669-8142
Email: BGolden@FloridasHistoricCoast.com

St. Augustine, Fla. (December 2, 2024) – A trip to Florida’s Historic Coast doesn’t have to be all relaxation – visitors can get active and enjoy international competition at one of many events.

THE PLAYERS Championship is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events on Florida’s Historic Coast. Now in its 50th
year, THE PLAYERS takes place March 11-16, 2025, at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra. Known as the fifth major, THE PLAYERS features 144 of the world’s best golfers competing for this coveted title, and the largest purse on the Tour. The course is legendary for its challenging play, especially the infamous 17th Island Green.

Cyclists looking for a challenge have found their place. The Giro d’Italia Ride Like A Pro USA Gran Fondo and Ragazzi Fun Ride, January 18-19, offers an exclusive Italian-style cycling experience in historic St. Augustine. Kids and beginners can join the Fun Ride and the Kids 4-mile Quartro Ride. Explore the A1A Scenic Byway on two wheels at the 13th Annual Spoonbills & Sprockets Cycling Tour on March 15. Starting in Palm Coast, cyclists will travel beachside through Flagler Beach up to St. Augustine.

Abandon all rational thought at the 2nd Annual Florida Man Games on March 1. With events pulled straight from the headlines, competitors wrestle, evade, and more to see which team is the ultimate Florida Men and Women. The Drum Runner Series Barrel Racing returns to the St. Johns County Fairgrounds on February 1 and March 8, featuring barrel, pole, and other timed speed horse events.

Take to the sea during St. Augustine Race Week. Beginning March 22, the series features eight days of sailing, including offshore and river racing, a youth regatta, dragon boats, and plenty of dockside parties and entertainment.

Florida’s Historic Coast is home to dozens of foot races perfect for beginning to those setting a new personal record. The 45th Annual Matanzas 5K on January 18 winds through St. Augustine’s Historic District and raises funds for local school running programs. Upcoming races include: Run with a Vision 5k and the Foundation 5000 on January 11, Character Counts! 6k/3k on February 1, Conquer the Trails 5k on February 8, Totally Awesome 80s 5k and 10k at Nocatee on Feb. 9, and Lighthouse 5k and Fun Run on February 15.

Explore more sports and recreation options to suit any pastime, and create a solid sporting itinerary with deals, savings, and specials.

Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com. Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast; @ViajaStAugustine, Facebook.com/OfficialStAugustine, and Facebook.com/ViajaStAugustine and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast– A trip to Florida’s Historic Coast doesn’t have to be all relaxation – visitors can get active and enjoy international competition at one of many events.