5K races near Delray Beach

The Devil Dog 5K & 10K Run/Walk begins at South County Regional Park, west of Boca Raton in southern Palm Beach County. Participants can choose between 5K and 10K run/walk distances, with additional Kids K and virtual race options available. This variety accommodates competitive runners, casual walkers, families, and those wishing to contribute remotely. The race derives its name from "Devil Dog," a Marine Corps moniker, and is organized by Marine veteran Wade Waddick. The event's primary goal is to benefit the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, which offers emergency financial assistance to eligible disabled veterans in Florida and addresses gaps in dental care. For nine years, race proceeds have supported this fund. A recent edition raised $104,000, and organizers anticipate over 1,000 participants. Top finishers will receive plaques, merchandise, and shoes from Fleet Feet Delray Beach, while all participants get custom medals. The significant draw, however, is the community's support for local veterans, with friends, families, businesses, and service-oriented runners participating to aid injured veterans during difficult times.

Every Boob Counts is an annual 5K run/walk at South County Regional Park in Boca Raton, offering both in-person and virtual participation. The in-person race begins at 7 a.m. EDT on a certified 5K course, providing a measured route for participants. Participants run or walk in honor or memory of someone affected by breast cancer, with proceeds supporting Sharsheret and local community outreach programs. The event aims to raise breast cancer awareness, promote early detection, and connect community members with support and resources. Family festivities are part of race day, and the first 800 registrants are guaranteed a shirt and finisher medal, with shirt sizes distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Hollywood Beach Half Marathon & 5k is an October running event in Hollywood, Florida, offering a 21.1 km half marathon and a 5 km race. Both distances begin in Hollywood. ELITE EVENTS organizes the race. This marks the eighth annual running, indicating a relatively young series focused on a straightforward two-distance format instead of an extensive race-weekend schedule.

The Power of Sports 5K + Wellness Social begins at 7:30 a.m. at Lynn University in Boca Raton. This 5K is paired with a post-race wellness gathering, and the event raises money for Bigger Than Sports, an organization that supports underserved student-athletes with mentorship, guidance, and resources beyond sports. The race attracts South Florida running groups and community organizations, such as Boca Run Club, Pineapple Grove Run Club, Florida Atlantic University, Runners Xscape Run Club, Johnny O's, and Victory Church. After the finish, runners proceed to the Wellness Social, featuring healthy food trucks, cold plunges, saunas, wellness providers, recovery stations, and puppies. Supporters unable to attend can still purchase a ticket to support the cause.

Spooktacular is a Halloween-season 5K run/walk focused on costumes, family entries, and short paved courses. One iteration is a night glow run at Campus Park in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin. Participants run 3.1 miles on paved trails following a public Trick or Trunk event, and are advised to wear bright colors and lights. A separate, established version begins at the Whittier Community Center in California. It includes a 5K run/walk, a half-mile Creepy Crawly dash for children 12 and under, and a costume contest post-race. The Mount Pleasant race emphasizes the glow-run theme, encouraging family-friendly costumes. Parking is available within Campus Park, with race-day packet pickup only. Awards are given to the top three men and women, and to age groups in five-year increments. The Whittier event features chip timing, a USATF-certified course, custom finisher medals for all participants, cash prizes for the top overall male and female 5K finishers, DJs along the route, goodie bags, refreshments, and a pancake breakfast for registered runners. Its costume contest requires family-appropriate attire and race participation. Proceeds from the Whittier Community Foundation event support the local community.

The AlexTru Foundation race is a Halloween-themed 5K and 10K held at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. Participants can run or walk in person, opt for a virtual 5K or 10K, or bring children for the kids' fun run. The event welcomes a broad range of participants, with all ages and ability levels invited, and offers reduced registration fees for those age 65 and older. Costumes are encouraged, positioning the race as a community fundraiser rather than solely a competitive event. Entry fees benefit the Alexander Trujillo Foundation, which raises funds for young adult cancer patients aged 18 to 34. All race proceeds fund the foundation's Grant Program, assisting patients and their caregivers or families with financial needs during cancer treatment.

The Wellington 5k, 10 Miler, and Tower Challenge begin and end at Tiger Shark Cove Park in Wellington, Florida. This fall race series is designed for runners training for longer events, such as half marathons and marathons, offering a 5k and two 10-mile distances. The 5k route runs along Greenbrier Boulevard. The 10 Miler travels through the Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat. This longer course includes paved paths, shell rock roads, and boardwalks through wetland areas. The Tower Challenge incorporates a run up and down a 5-story tower within the 10-mile race. Now in its 19th year, the series benefits the Kids Cancer Foundation and other local charities.

Where the Wild Things Run is an annual trail event at Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel, South Carolina, hosted by Charleston County Parks. The main event is a 5K Trail Run and Walk on the center’s nature trails, with a Kids Dash for younger participants. It is designed for runners and walkers, and the field includes people of different ages and experience levels. The route uses the natural trail setting at Caw Caw, so it suits both people trying to run the 5K and people who mainly want a quiet walk outdoors. The event often sells out before race day, so early registration is recommended. After the race, participants can stay for an awards ceremony, food, and beverages.

The Gobbler 5K, 10K & 13.1M is a Pompano Beach race offering 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances. Runners begin at 8:00 AM. Registration is handled through RunSignup; sign up before race day as no on-site registration is available. Packet pickup is limited to the 30 minutes before the start, closing 10 minutes prior. The course consists of gravel and crushed stone paths. Parking is located near the start line. All three races are out-and-back, utilizing repeated loops: the 5K completes the loop twice, the 10K four times, and the half marathon six times. The time limit is 3 hours and 30 minutes, making this a suitable event for runners preferring a straightforward, looped course and a simple race morning.

Run 4 Life 5K is an afternoon 5K held at Vista View Park in Fort Lauderdale, located at 4001 SW 142nd Ave. The South Florida Donor Network presents this event, which begins at 4:30 PM and concludes around 7:30 PM, featuring activities throughout. This schedule positions it later than typical local morning 5Ks. The course is the standard 5 km, with RFID chip timing provided on each personalized bib. Participants will receive a dri-fit shirt and a finisher medal. Awards will be presented to the top three overall finishers and age-group winners. This marks the 14th year for the series. A previous edition was hosted by Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency at Zoo Miami, indicating the race's close connection to South Florida’s organ donation community.