5K races near Gibsonton

The Tunnel to Towers Climb in Tampa is an indoor stair climb at Tampa City Center, starting from 201 N. Franklin Street. Instead of a road course, runners and walkers head upward: 861 steps toward the 41st floor, with the route finishing on the roof. Official timing stops on the 39th floor, and participants continue two more flights to reach the top. The event is part of the national Tunnel to Towers Run, Walk & Climb Series, which honors Stephen Siller, an FDNY firefighter who ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel toward the Twin Towers and died in the World Trade Center attacks. The Tampa climb supports first responders and military members, and registration categories include adults, first responders and military, youth ages 13 to 17, and children 12 and under. Participants receive a T-shirt and race swag.

Race to Cure Sarcoma Tampa is an annual charity race and walk held at Perry Harvey Sr. Park in Tampa, Florida. The event offers a 5K, a 1 or 2 mile walk/fun run, and virtual participation options. Separate adult and child entries are available for the shorter distance and virtual race. The morning schedule accommodates both runners and walkers. Families, first-timers, and those connected to sarcoma can participate without needing a full race goal. The event gathers hundreds of people affected by sarcoma. The Sarcoma Foundation of America utilizes the Race to Cure Sarcoma series to raise awareness and fund research nationwide.

Run The Woods is a 5K and 8K trail race held at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, located at 21 Timber Pointe Lane in Hudson, Illinois. Participants will run and walk on wooded trails bordering Lake Bloomington. A 1-mile hike is also available for those seeking a shorter, less strenuous route. The race welcomes families, experienced runners, casual joggers, walkers, and children. Proceeds benefit Easterseals Central Illinois and the campers at Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, which provides adventure-based programs focused on independence and inclusion for children with developmental delays, disabilities, and other special needs. This established event, now in its third decade, concludes with awards, prizes, and a post-race breakfast.

The Howl-o-ween 5K is a Halloween-themed 5K run/walk held at Gadsen Park in Tampa, Florida. It is designed for runners, walkers, and dogs, with the event benefiting animal shelters instead of prioritizing finish times. The race features chip-timed bibs, live results, and official timing and scoring provided by J3 Timing, with results published by J3 Timing post-race. Registration includes a short sleeve shirt and a finisher medal, and the finish line offers treats for both participants and dogs.

The Haunted 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon at Heritage Harbor Park in Bradenton, Florida, offers four running distances on the same morning, all themed for Halloween. All races begin at 8:00 AM. Runners must register in advance via RunSignup and collect their packets just before the event; no registration is available on race day. The event's layout is functional and contained, with parking near the playground in the expansive lot and a six-hour time limit for all distances. The races feature short, repeated out-and-back courses, meaning participants will traverse the same section multiple times rather than completing a single, extended loop. The 5K consists of one 3.11-mile out-and-back segment. The 10K covers this segment twice. The half marathon utilizes a 3.28-mile out-and-back course four times, and the marathon repeats this same route eight times. All finishers earn medals, and costume awards complement the Haunted theme. The event also contributes to series points for participants in the broader race series.

The Haunted 5K, 10K & Half Marathon in Largo, Florida, begins at 1800 Keene Road. All three races start in the morning. This is a US Road Running event. Advance registration is required through RunSignup only. Runners must sign up before race day and pick up their packets shortly before the start. The 5K and 10K follow an identical out-and-back course. The 5K covers the route once, while the 10K covers it twice. The half marathon is also an out-and-back course, repeated four times. It has a 3 hour 30 minute time limit. A staff member will be stationed at the turnaround point to ensure participants are heading in the correct direction. All finishers will receive medals. Awards will be presented, and costumes are encouraged. The race also contributes to US Road Running series points.

The Spooky Sprint in Tampa is a Halloween-themed running event offering 5K, 10K, and 15K distances. It caters to a wide audience, not just competitive runners, featuring youth pricing for the 5K and 10K and a family-friendly atmosphere centered on the holiday. Participants who run in person will receive chip timing, live results, awards, complimentary race photos, and post-race refreshments. All distances come with a custom bib, a designer shirt, and a finisher medal. A virtual option allows participants to run their chosen distance from any location and still receive the event's merchandise.

The Halloween 5K 10K Dunedin HOB Brewing Company race is a fall running event in Dunedin offering 5K and 10K distances. The event centers on Halloween, encouraging runners to wear costumes, complete a short road race, and then join the post-race beer gathering. HOB Brewing Company sponsors the race, providing participants with a complimentary craft beer upon completion. The event welcomes families, features a costume contest, and awards fall-themed medals at the finish line.