3 events in Lakeland, Florida

Enjoy a beautiful nighttime trail run at Colt Creek State Park! Pick your distance, the Night Owl 5K or the Coyote 10K, or race both with the 15K Nighthawk Challenge. All courses are loop courses on the unpaved trails within the state park. All 5K runners are required to start the race with a headlamp,

All participants receive a premium cotton T-shirt and finishers for all events receive a super cool finisher medal. Nighthawk Challenge finishers will receive a 3rd super cool Nighthawk Challenge bonus medal.

Ready. Set. Save Lives.

Register now for our annual SPCA Florida’s Run for Their Lives 5K on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the beautiful Peterson Park located at 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland, FL. Runners will enjoy a chip timed 5K race and will be saving lives with every step they take. Complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. Award ceremony will be conducted after the race. Race Time 7:00AM.

Course will run most of the 3 Parks Trail. Walkers and leashed dogs welcome!

Registered participants will receive a race bib and a choice of a race short sleeve T-shirt or race tank top (Guaranteed if pre-registered before May 8th, 2026! Don't wait to register!) All finishers will receive a exclusive race medal after crossing the finish line.

Awards: Overall male & female and top three male & female in age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39,up to 80+, and Largest Team

Friday, May 22nd, from 4 PM – 7 PM

• Early Packet pick-up - Fleet Feet - Lakeside Village - 1523 Town Center Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803

Saturday, May 23rd

• 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM - Day of packet pick-up at Peterson Park, Late registration $45 Dollars, NO SHIRT OR TANKS available on this day.

• 7:00 AM - 5K Race Starts

• 7:15 AM - Continental Breakfast begins at the Eagles Nest

• 7:45 AM - Top Overall Female and Male Winners (approx. time)

• 8:15 AM - Approx time for Awards Presentation (1st Place F/M in all age groups and Largest Team)

Since this is a fundraiser for the SPCA Florida, there will be NO Refunds tendered. The event will be held rain or shine. In the event the live event does cancel due to inclement weather including lightning, tornadoes or hurricanes, or if you cannot attend due to health issues, your live event registration will transfer over to a virtual option, and you will still be able to pick up your bib, shirt and finisher medal.

For information about becoming a sponsor or information about the event, please email Melanie Vadzemnieks at [email protected] or call 863-577-4643.

We look forward to seeing you at the event!

~ Your SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives Team