9 walking events in Lakeland, Florida

Training Kick Off

May 31, 2025 at 7:00am

Kick Off Location:

Fleet Feet Lakeland

1523 Town Center Drive

Lakeland, Fl 33803

The Galloway Run/Walk/Run Training Program is open to anyone who is interested in fulfilling a lifetime goal of running a half-marathon and/or marathon. The training group welcomes all levels, from new runners to Boston qualifiers. Pace groups are set up to ensure a comfortable and safe training pace for every ability. We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, contact our Director Brendan Ellis at [email protected]

Join us to train for:

• St.Pete Run Fest

• Space Coast

• Disney Marathon weekend

• Celebration

• Gasparilla

This race is held by the Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote running and fitness for people of all ages and abilities in the community.

• 5k Training •

What makes our program stand out? Your $60 entry fee includes:

Expert Guidance: Led by Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) certified running coaches, you'll receive top-notch guidance.

Inclusive Atmosphere: Whether you're a runner, run/walker, or walker, you're an invaluable part of our community.

Flexible Training Plans: Choose from our tailored training plans - whether it's the 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day options - designed to cater to both beginners easing into running and intermediates seeking to enhance their performance.

In-Person Group Runs: Experience the thrill of camaraderie during our Saturday group runs.

Private Discussion Group: Join our exclusive community to build connections, share experiences, and ask questions. It's a platform designed to support your journey every step of the way!

Custom Technical Training Shirt: Gear up with a specially designed shirt to complement your training and proudly represent your dedication to the program.

Entry into the Bonnet Springs Park 5k: Your participation includes entry into the Bonnet Springs Park 5k, providing the perfect opportunity to put your training to the test in a fun and engaging event!

Event Information

The 12th Annual Promise Run will take place rain or shine at the Lake Mirror Promenade in Downtown Lakeland. 121 South Lake Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33801

Entry fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be deferred to another runner or year.

Packet Pickup

*Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 6:00am-11:00a - Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children - Mulaney Auditorium, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland FL 33805

*Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 4:00pm-7:00pm - Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children - Mulaney Auditorium, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland FL 33805

*Friday, March 6, 2026 from 4:00pm-7:00pm - Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children - Mulaney Auditorium, 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland FL 33805

• For Pre Race Day Packet Pick Up it's best to park in the lots at the intersection of Lakeland Hills Blvd and Garden Street then enter the pavilion on the first level by the outside fountain/ roundabout entrance.

• Race Day, March 7, 2026 starting at 6:00am at the Lake Mirror Promenade Registration Tent - Lake Mirror Promenade, 121 S Lake Ave Lakeland FL 33801

Registration

Registration is open to the first 1,400 registrants.

If you are unable to register for the Promise Run in advance, you may register before the race starting at 6:00am on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Registration Tent at Lake Mirror Promenade. Cash and credit cards will all be accepted. Shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed on race day.

Course

The Promise Run 10k and 5k races start and finish in downtown Lakeland. The course will follow the historic streets of Lakeland as you navigate the scenic lakes.

The Promise Run 10K and 5K are certified courses. See below for course maps.

Fees

The earlier you register, the more you save!

Thru February 1st

• $45 - 10k Entry Fee

• $36 - 5k Entry Fee

February 2nd – March 6th

• $50 - 10k Entry Fee

• $40 - 5k Entry Fee

March 7th (day of race)

• $55 - 10k Entry Fee

• $45 - 5k Entry Fee

What is Included

• Each participant will receive a race packet with race bib. All bibs feature a ChronoTrack Race Timing Tag, a light-weight disposable timing device that remains on your bib. Please do not fold or wrinkle your bib, and be sure to wear it on the front of your torso, where it’s clearly visible.

*High quality performance shirt. Shirt size exchanges will be allowed after the 5K starts on race day ONLY.

*Finishers medal upon completion of the race

*Top finishers will receive an award. All are welcome to attend the award ceremonies and enjoy post-race refreshments at this professionally produced race.

Schedule of Events - March 7, 2026

6:00am Packet Pickup and Registration + Kids Run registration

7:00am 10k start

8:35am 5k start

8:45am* 10k Awards

Kids Run will begin after the completion of the 5k

9:50am* 5k Awards

*Tentative starts, based on race completion times

Kid’s Run

Join us for our Kid’s Run! It’s Free! Registration for the Kid’s Run will take place at the Registration Tent. Kid’s Run will start after the completion of the 5k.

Registered children will be divided into appropriate groups and distances on race day. Finisher’s Ribbons will be waiting for each child at the Finish Line. To enter, each child must be registered by a parent or guardian and each child must wear their runners race number.

Meet us at the Finish Line where further instructions will be announced.

Parking

Parking garages on Iowa Street and Main Street will be open and are free on the weekends. Iowa Garage is closest to the event start and finish line and other event activities.

The Summit Building parking garage located on Lake mirror on Massachusetts Avenue will be open.

There are several lots around the promenade that are free as well. Note there will be 1,500+ in attendance, arrive early to allow time for parking.

Awards

Please note: To guarantee your award, it must be picked up at the event.

Awards will be given for the following categories:

10k Awards

• Overall Division - Top Three Male and Top Three Female

• Masters Division - Top Male and Top Female (Masters athletes finishing in the overall category will receive an overall award)

• Age Group Division - Top Three Male & Top Three Female in the following age groups: 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+

5k Awards

*Overall Division - Top Three Male and Top Three Female

*Masters Division - Top Male and Top Female (Masters athletes finishing in the overall category will receive an overall award)

*Age Group Division - Top Three Male & Top Three Female in the following age groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70+

Shirt Sizes

Shirts will be unisex sizes XS through 3XL. Exchanging of sizes can be done at the race after the start of the 5k.

Prohibitions

Prohibited on the 5k race course are as follows:

• Bicycles

• Animals/Pets

• Skateboards

• Skates/Rollerblades

Prohibited on the 10k race course are as follows:

• All of the above

• Strollers/baby joggers/babies in carriers

Please note Stroller Policy for 5k:

*You will not need to register your child(ren), but they must stay in the stroller and can not be carried or ride on shoulders. Non-registered children will not receive a bib or finishers medal.

*All strollers must start at the back of the starting group

*Strollers can only pass other people in the crowd, if you are walking. Please do not run with a stroller.

This race is held by Bonnet Springs Park, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to enrich our community through nature, culture, recreation, and education in partnership with the Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote running and fitness for people of all ages and abilities in the community.

• Bonnet Springs Park 5k & Kids Fun Run •

📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026

🕢 7:30 AM

📍 Bonnet Springs Park | Lakeland, FL

Join us at Bonnet Springs Park for a sunrise 5k that showcases the natural beauty of towering oak trees and the rolling terrain of Florida's Best Free Natural Attraction. Bonnet Springs is a beautiful blend of urban amenities in a natural setting. Race with us and then stay to explore all there is to offer in the 168-acre park.

The 5k will start at 7:30 AM. A Kids Fun Run will be held following the 5k, and is expected to start at 9:00 AM and all Kids Fun Run participants should be at the Family Lawn by 8:30 AM.

Walkers are welcome at this event. The Bonnet Springs Park 5k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL23012JK). The race is chip-timed.

Thank you to Valiant Products for their generous support; a donation from the 5k will benefit the Carol Jenkins Barnett Endowment at Bonnet Springs Park.

We are unable to mail 🔢bibs, 🎽shirts, 🏅finisher medals, or 🏆awards.

If you are not able to attend, please make arrangements for in-person pickup. A friend or family member may collect your packet during the scheduled packet pickup window or retrieve your award during the awards ceremony. Please refer to the race info for specific times and locations.

Any shirts not picked up before the race begins will be available for exchange after the race.

Please see our menu for details on:

• FAQ

• How to Participate

• Race Details

• Maps

• How to Support the Event as a Donor or Sponsor

• Volunteer Information

Join the Lauren’s Kids foundation and thousands of walkers across the state for the 2026 Walk in My Shoes 1,500-mile trek across Florida. April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month — every step counts in the fight to prevent child sexual abuse and help survivors heal.

WALK IN MY SHOES LAKELAND

Date: Saturday, April 11th, 2026

Start location: Children’s Home Society of Florida - 1010 E Rose St Lakeland, FL 33801

Registration Begins: 8:00 AM

Walk Start: 9:00 AM

Details:

Join us for a 5-mile walk to Merchants Walk Shopping Center (3615 Florida Ave S Lakeland, FL 33803) — with the opportunity to stop or continue walking our full 10-mile route to Peace River Victim Services (1831 N Crystal Lake Dr. Lakeland, FL 33801)! An UBER code will be provided to walkers to cover the cost of a ride back from the walk.

This race is held by the Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote running and fitness for people of all ages and abilities in the community.

Mayfaire 5k Road Race & Walk

📅 Saturday, May 9, 2026

🕢 7:00 PM

📍 Lake Mirror | Lakeland, FL

Celebrate 47 years of the Mayfaire 5k Road Race and Walk with an evening run or walk on residential streets from downtown Lakeland through the historic Lake Morton district. This event is held in conjunction with the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College's annual Mayfaire by-the-lake art festival and the event shirt showcases the work of the festival's featured artist.

The 5k starts at 7:00 PM. Walkers are welcome at this event. The Mayfaire 5k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL22015JK). The race is chip-timed.

We are unable to mail 🔢bibs, 🎽shirts, 🏅finisher medals, or 🏆awards.

If you are not able to attend, please make arrangements for in-person pickup. A friend or family member may collect your packet during the scheduled packet pickup window or retrieve your award during the awards ceremony. Please refer to the race info for specific times and locations.

Any shirts not picked up before the race begins will be available for exchange after the race.

Please see our menu for details on:

• FAQ

• How to Participate

• Race Details

• Maps

• How to Support the Event as a Donor or Sponsor

• Volunteer Information

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