Safety Harbor is getting a holiday fundraiser with a lot more mileage this year. Ride & Run With The Stars returns Saturday, November 21, at Waterfront Park with a new home, a new date and two new races: a 10K run and a 62-mile bike ride.
The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office announced Sunday that early bird registration is open for the event, which will also include a Santa visit and family activities. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said proceeds will support Pinellas County families in need through its holiday charity project.
Ride & Run With The Stars is back with a new venue, new date & brand-new races!
— Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (@SheriffPinellas) August 2, 2026
Join us Sat, Nov 21 in Safety Harbor for running, riding, a Santa visit & more, all to support families in need in Pinellas County.
Early bird registration open 👉 https://t.co/rgMNvTAzKS pic.twitter.com/HNIqjhbp47
New Safety Harbor Venue Adds Longer Races
Safety Harbor city commissioners approved the special-event application in April after the fundraiser moved from its longtime Fort De Soto setting. According to city documents, the event is scheduled for 6 a.m. to noon, with races starting and finishing near Veterans Memorial Lane.
Early bird registration is listed at $50 through August 31 for the 5K, 10K, 10-mile bike ride and 62-mile bike ride, according to Tampa Bay Beacon. The 1-mile family fun run is $45 for adults and $35 for children 12 and younger.
Holiday Fundraiser Targets Pinellas Families
The sheriff's office says Ride & Run With The Stars has brought residents together since 1993 and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children and families. Its proceeds benefit the Sheriff's Christmas Sharing Project, which helps crime victims, children and families with holiday needs.
The city's event application anticipates roughly 1,000 participants and 100 spectators, with increased traffic and parking demand around downtown Safety Harbor. The plans also call for Santa to arrive by helicopter, along with K-9 demonstrations, a bounce house, a live auction, food trucks and vendor tents.
Last year's fundraiser raised approximately $80,000 and helped provide holiday gifts to more than 200 families and nearly 500 children, according to Hoodline's coverage. This year's expanded race lineup gives the charity event a bigger route map while keeping its community-focused finish line.
Registration is open through RideAndRunWithTheStars.com, where participants can choose a race and find event updates ahead of November 21.
