With year-round sunshine here in Central Florida, you can find an abundance of local 5k races, 10k races, and Fun Runs throughout the year! Fall and Spring are especially popular when the cooler weather makes us all want to get the kids outside and burn off some energy. Pick one of these Central Florida running events and cheer each other on as you cross the finish line!
Below you’ll find a list of upcoming 5k races near you in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Lake Wales, and Polk County / Central Florida. All of the races listed below are either kid-friendly OR include a separate kids fun run. Many of them also include post-race activities such as food, games, live music, giveaways, and more for your family to enjoy.
Click on the name of any event for more details. Use the map to find 5k Races Near Me. **Check directly with event organizers for any changes.**
Visit our calendar for a full list of upcoming events.
{HINT – Worried whether your kids can finish a 5k? Wondering how many miles is a 5k? Approximately 3.1 miles – just over 1 lap around Lake Hollingsworth}
FEATURED 5k RACES + FUN RUNS
Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run
Lakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
The Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run is inspired by people who believe that a community can come together to conquer cancer. It’s a celebration of the lives of loved ones touched by cancer and a Promise to strengthen the health of everyone around us. LRH is excited to offer the 7th annual 2021 Promise Run as a virtual event.
UPCOMING 5k RACES + FUN RUNS
Color the Trail 5K: The Revenge of Sasquatch
February 6 @ 7:00 am - 1:00 pmMulberry, FL 33860 United States + Google Map
Color the Trail is an outdoor race that now features a 10k, 5k and 1 mile fun run! The courses will wind through the trails of Bone Valley ATV Park and consist of uneven terrain, small hills and possible Sasquatch sightings! Fun for all ages!
Holloway Half & 5K
February 6 @ 7:30 am - 10:00 amLakeland, FL 33803 US + Google Map
Holloway Park, a beautiful private 360 acre urban park full of natural habitat, oak trees and rolling grass meadows is conveniently located in Central Florida. The park is host to a multitude of elementary up to college age races throughout the fall.
FITniche Runningtine’s Day 5k
February 13 @ 7:00 am - 12:00 pmLakeland, FL 33803 US + Google Map
FITniche is hosting a Runningtine's Day 5k around beautiful Lake Hollingsworth for anyone who loves to run! Participants receive a true "live" race experience, a GREAT shirt, bib and finisher swag -- because we want to share our love of running with everyone!
Light Up The Night 5k Winter Haven
February 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmWinter Haven, FL 33881 US + Google Map
Join us for our 9th Annual Light Up The Night 5k. Come run, walk and GLOW through downtown Winter Haven to support our local community. A live music performance from Hunter Smith and a food truck party will follow in the Packing House at Grove Roots Brewery Co.
Viking Invasion 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run
March 6 @ 7:30 am - 9:00 amLakeland, FL 33803 US + Google Map
The 4th annual Viking Invasion 5K Run/Walk and Kids' Fun Run will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021! The 5K will begin at 7:30 AM at Viking Stadium, with the Kids' Fun Run following at 8:45 AM. All proceeds will benefit the LCS Viking Fund.
Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run
Lakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
The Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center Promise Run is inspired by people who believe that a community can come together to conquer cancer. It’s a celebration of the lives of loved ones touched by cancer and a Promise to strengthen the health of everyone around us. LRH is excited to offer the 7th annual 2021 Promise Run as a virtual event.
Mayfaire 5k Road Race & Walk
May 8 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pmLakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
Embody the incredible spirit of our community with the 2021 edition of the Mayfaire 5k shirt and medal. Celebrate 42 years of the Mayfaire 5k with a run or walk from downtown Lakeland through the historic Lake Morton district.Â
Joy’s Journey for Brain Cancer 5k Run & 1 mile Walk
May 15 @ 7:30 am - 10:00 amThis event is a fundraiser benefiting families recently diagnosed with primary brain cancers and cancer research. It's a fun, challenging 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun walk for kids and adults, located in Downtown Winter Haven through Central Park and on the scenic Chain of Lakes Trail.
Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series 5k
June 12 @ 7:00 am - 8:00 amLakeland, FL 33803 US + Google Map
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months, when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. Â All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times. Â Your mission is to get faster with each race. Â
Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series 5k
July 10 @ 7:00 am - 8:00 amLakeland, FL 33803 US + Google Map
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months, when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. Â All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times. Â Your mission is to get faster with each race. Â
Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series 5k
August 14 @ 7:00 am - 8:00 amLakeland, FL 33803 US + Google Map
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months, when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. Â All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times. Â Your mission is to get faster with each race. Â