5K races near Winter Haven

The Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is part of the runDisney race series held at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. It includes a 5K, 10K, and a 13.1-mile half marathon. The half marathon begins at 5:00 AM Eastern Time. The weekend's theme draws inspiration from the flavors and narratives found within the World Showcase pavilions at EPCOT. The half marathon course guides participants through EPCOT and extends into other areas of Walt Disney World Resort. Mary Poppins serves as the race hostess. Each race awards finishers a unique medal, and participants completing the challenge receive an additional bonus medal. The weekend culminates with a post-race party at EPCOT. Entry is included for half marathon and challenge runners, with options for friends and family to purchase tickets.

TECH CORPS Group Registration is a charity-entry option within the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend in Kissimmee, Florida. The listing includes a 5K and another distance option, with registration starting at $112, and it sits under the event’s adventure-race category rather than a standard local road-race listing. Runners join the TECH CORPS team and fundraise in addition to the race fee, with individual fundraising pages and support from the organization. The #RunforPi campaign supports K-12 STEM learning, including professional learning for educators and student programs tied to software development, AI, mathematics, and data science. The group also asks runners to run for someone who inspires them, tying the Disney race weekend to a specific education mission.

The Florida Run @ Lake Louisa State Park is a 5K run/walk held within Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, Florida, located at 7305 South US Hwy 27. The race begins at 7:30 am on a USATF-certified 3.1-mile route, suitable for runners seeking an accurate time and walkers desiring a park course. The course is paved and tree-lined, an out-and-back path through the state park, with marshals stationed along the route. A detail highlighting the setting is the reminder that wildlife has the right of way. Finishers get medals and event shirts, awards are presented to the top overall finisher and the top two in each age division, and the Friends of Lake Louisa State Park provide a native plant giveaway.

The Battle Buddy 5K is a 3.1-mile run and walk in Kissimmee, Florida, starting from 201 Lakeview Dr. Victoria Helping Veterans, Inc. hosts this event on a Saturday morning. The entry fee is $25, with a start window from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EST. The event focuses on supporting veterans, not on speed or exclusivity. All levels of runners and walkers are welcome. All proceeds benefit Victoria Helping Veterans, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing emergency assistance, resources, and community outreach to veterans and their families. The name “Battle Buddy” signifies loyalty, trust, and the principle of mutual support.

The Cinnamon Roll 5K is a Thursday morning run at Ellis Methvin Park in Plant City, Florida. It starts at 7:00 AM and has a one-hour race window. This 5K is centered on breakfast: coffee and cinnamon rolls are integrated into the event. The course follows the park’s paved paths, offering runners a firm surface. The venue provides bathrooms, and the address is 2601 E Cherry St in Plant City.

Santa Hustle Orlando is a December holiday run held at SeaWorld, located at 8000 Fins Up Circle in Kissimmee, Florida. This event is part of the Santa Hustle Race Series and features a 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash. The main races commence in the morning, following the Kids Dash. The event is designed for both runners and walkers, welcoming participants of all ages and ability levels. The course is a road race within a park-like setting, offering fast, flat terrain suitable for beginners or those seeking a relaxed, enjoyable run. Field sizes typically range from 100 to 500 participants. The Santa theme is central to the event: participants often run or walk in Santa attire, holiday music is played along the route, and candy canes and cookies are provided on the course.

This TECH CORPS Charity Group Registration event is a half marathon at Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend in Kissimmee, Florida. The distance is 21.1 km, starting at Walt Disney World. The entry is tied to TECH CORPS Charity Group, placing it on the charity-registration side of Marathon Weekend, not as a standalone local race. Runners come to the Disney resort area, race the half marathon distance, and do so through a charity group entry connected to TECH CORPS.

The AdventHealth Nighthawk Trail Run takes place at Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland, Florida. Runners begin in the late afternoon and conclude after sunset. Participants can choose between the Night Owl 5K Run/Walk, the Coyote 10K, or the Nighthawk Challenge, a 15K combining the 5K and 10K on the trails after dark. Remote participation options are available for those wishing to complete a 5K, 10K, or 15K outside the park. All routes within the park are loops on unpaved trails. 5K participants are required to use a headlamp at the start. The event caters to trail runners, walkers, and those seeking a challenge, distinct from a road-racing audience. Park entry is managed via a day pass or a Florida State Parks annual pass. All participants receive a cotton race shirt, and all finishers are awarded a medal. Nighthawk Challenge finishers receive an additional bonus medal for completing both distances.

The Hunt for Sasquatch is a Polk County trail race at Bone Valley, presented by Polk County Parks and Recreation. Participants can select 10K, 5K, or 1-mile distances, with each option featuring a color run and a Sasquatch-spotting theme. The event focuses on short off-road racing, suitable for families, casual runners, and trail runners seeking a less intense format. The appeal lies in the combination of trail running, color throws, and the Sasquatch hunt setup.