With year-round sunshine here in Central Florida, you can find an abundance of 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 a race and cheer each other on as you cross the finish line!
We’ve got a list of upcoming 5k races near you in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Lake Wales, and more. 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. NEW in 2020 – some of your favorite races have gone virtual! Details below.
Click on the name of any event for more details. **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}
Recovery is a Marathon not a Sprint – Virtual Run
The Recovery is a Marathon, Not a Sprint Virtual Run in Partnership with CPS Investment Advisors will benefit Peace River Center’s Recovery Services (Club Success). This virtual event is hosted during the national Mental Health Recovery month to create support and awareness around individuals walking in recovery of a mental illness. Club Success is a Peace River Center program that walks alongside individuals in their quest to recovery.
Leading Edge Take Heart 5K Run/Walk
Lakeland, FL 33803 US + Google Map
The third annual 5k is being presented by Leading Edge to benefit Take Heart Project. Take Heart will use the funds raised by this event to provide housing, education, job training, and medical care to women and young teenage girls and will aid in the prevention of these women and girls falling victim to human trafficking, disease, and poverty.
Joggin’ for the Noggin! 5K & 1-Mile Walkin’ While Talkin’
Now celebrating its ninth year, this year’s Joggin' for the Noggin event offers a new twist to our Halloween-themed race – run or walk in support of Polk State at a day/time of your choosing, October 1 – 31! Participants can run, jog, or walk this 3.1 race or complete a shorter distance with the one-mile Walkin’ While Talkin.
POWer in Pink – 26.2 Virtual Marathon Challenge
The Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida is challenging YOU to join the POWer in Pink – 26.2 Virtual Month-Long Marathon Challenge presented by the Watson Clinic Foundation! Together we can help breast cancer patients pack a POWerful PUNCH to situational poverty, stemming from a breast cancer diagnosis! Run/walk, bike, swim, or even skate/rollerblade! You choose HOW and WHERE you want to do the miles and make sure to complete them between October 1-31, 2020!
Joy’s Journey 5k – Virtual Race
October 3 @ 7:30 am - 11:00 amJoy’s Journey for Brain Cancer 5k Virtual Run & 1 mile Virtual Walk in 2020. This event is in honor of Joy Cochran, a native resident of Winter Haven and a retired City of Winter Haven Employee who battled Glioblastoma brain cancer from August 2019 through February 2020.
Red Ribbon Kids’ Fun Run + Walk For Health 1K
October 31 @ 6:30 am - 10:30 amLakeland, FL 33801 US + Google Map
InnerAct Alliance is proud to present the Red Ribbon Run for 2020. The Walk for Health is a 1K walk around Lake Mirror. The Team Relay is also a 1K around Lake Mirror with 4 team members racing against other business teams. The Kids' Fun Run is a 1K (just a little over a half mile). The Team Relay and Kids' Fun Run are timed.
Lakeland Airport SUN n’ RUN 5k
December 5 @ 7:00 am - 9:00 amLakeland, FL 33811 US + Google Map
Come join us for one of the most unique 5K race courses in Florida! Proceeds will go to the Lakeland Aeroclub, a high school flying club that teaches high school and college-age students how to fly and restore airplanes, as well as the Women in Aviation Lakeland Chapter.
Fa,La,La,La PHEEL GOOD 5k
December 5 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 amThe Fa,La,La,La PHEEL GOOD 5k is the perfect way to start the holiday season with family, friends, and others who enjoy sharing the holiday spirit. Put on your festive attire and walk or run 3.1 miles along a segment of the beautiful, paved Fort Fraser Trail in Bartow, FL.
Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog 5k
Lakeland, FL 33803 US + Google Map
Join the City of Lakeland for the Annual Holly Jolly Jingle Bell Jog 5k. Eeryone has the opportunity to come out to the Cleveland Heights Golf Course and jingle all the way! Proceeds from the event go to the perpetual care fund for the 3 Parks Trail. Virtual race option also available.