Gasparilla Distance Classic

When/where: Today, downtown Tampa

Distance: 15k (9.4 miles); 5k (3.1 miles)

Start times: 15k wheelchair 8 a.m., 15k runners 8:15 a.m., 5k runners 10:30 a.m.

Starting line: 15k wheelchair men and 15k men at Franklin and Brorein; 15k wheelchair masters and women, 15k women, Morgan and Cumberland streets; 5k runners, Brorein and Tampa.

Finish line: Bayshore Boulevard at foot of Platt Street Bridge.

Registration: Accepted until race time at the Tampa Convention Center. Late fee is $20.

Expo: "Not for Runners Only" fitness and children's exposition at Tampa Convention Center, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Free to the public.

Spectators: The best place to watch from is Bayshore Boulevard.

_ ERNEST HOOPER