18 running, walking, and fun run events in Ocala, Florida

Race Information

The race starts at 8:00 AM.

Packet pickup starts 30 minutes before the race and ends 10 minutes before the race starts.

All runners must register on RunSignup.

No on-site registration.

Additional Information

This is a paved course.

Bathrooms are located by the playground.

5K & 10K Course (1.56M)

https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5472606859

The course is an out-and-back. (3.11M)

The 5K does the course one time.

The 10K does the course two times.

Half Marathon & Marathon Course (1.64M)

https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5472608341

The course is an out-and-back. (3.275M)

The Half Marathon does the course four times.

The Marathon does the course eight times.

Course Time Limit

6 hours.

Finisher Medals

https://usroadrunning.com/FinisherMedals.php

Shirt and Gear Shop

https://usroadrunning.com/Gear.php

Best Costume

https://usroadrunning.com/BestCostume.php

Series Points

https://usroadrunning.com/S.php

Awards

https://usroadrunning.com/Awards.php

Frequently Asked Questions and Information

https://usroadrunning.com/FAQ.php

US Road Running

https://usroadrunning.com

💖 Valentine’s Day 5K

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with miles, smiles, and a little friendly competition at the Valentine’s Day 5K — a fun, fast, and family-friendly race that’s perfect for couples, friends, teams, and solo runners alike.

The course is a scenic mix of road and trail, giving you the best of both worlds — smooth pavement for settling into a rhythm and natural trail sections that make the run feel relaxed and fun. It’s a great balance for experienced runners, casual joggers, and first-time racers.

Sign up before 2/3 to guarantee your race shirt.

Proceeds from the event help support the Vanguard High School Cross Country Team, so every step you take helps local student-athletes and youth athletics.

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🏆 Awards & Divisions

Adult Age Group Awards — 3 deep (Male & Female):

20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65+

Youth Age Group Awards — 5 deep:

0–6, 7–8, 9–10, 11–12, 13–14, 15–16, 17–19

Sweetheart Division ❤️

A special team category for one male and one female — the lowest combined time wins.

(Teams in this division are not eligible for individual age group awards.)

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⏰ Race Day Info

• Packet Pickup: Begins at 7:00 AM on race day

• Family-friendly, stroller-friendly, and spectator-friendly atmosphere

• A relaxed, welcoming event with something for every type of runner

⸻

Run for love. Run for fun. Run for a great cause.

We’ll see you on race morning. 💗

Recently Featured on Only in Ocala - Check it Out!

🌭🍺 THE GROG & DOG RELAY 🍺🌭

Run. Chug. Chew. Repeat.

Get ready for the most absurdly fun race of the year! The Groggin Dog Relay combines speed, teamwork, and questionable nutritional decisions into one unforgettable event.

📍 Infint Ale Works at Midtown Station, with the run course looping around Tuskawilla Park. Most Laps and dogs in 40 minutes.

📅 Saturday, February 21st

Race start: 4 PM

🏃‍♂️🌭🍺 Race Format (How It Works)

This is a relay race completed by teams of 2-4 runners..

A team member will complete one leg consisting of:

Run 1 mile around the park

Eat 1 hot dog

Drink 1 beer

Only after completing all three may the runner tags the next teammate and try to finish as many grogs, dogs, and miles in 40 minutes.

The final runner finishes the last mile, eats, drinks, and crosses the finish line to glory.

⏱Longest distance accomplished wins. If you are solo, we’ll find you teammates or you can attempt the feat of strength!!

📏 Course Details

Mile loop around the park (clearly marked)

Exchange zone located at the brewery

Eating & drinking must occur inside the designated zone at Midtown Station

Hot dogs and beer are provided (non-alcoholic beer option available)

Must finish entire hot dog and entire beer before tagging the next runner

No dunking hot dogs

No spilling beer (judges’ discretion)

Vomiting does not disqualify you… but cleanup is appreciated

Participants must be 21+ with valid ID

This is a fun race—unsportsmanlike conduct = HARSH JUDGEMENT

🏆 Awards

Fastest Team Overall

Best Team Name

Best Costumes

Most Grogged (fan favorite)

Cancelled

Due to Inclement Weather the ride is not safe unfortunately we are regretfully cancelling the event!

OPERATION GRAVEL

Florida’s answer to Unbound starts here.

Adventure doesn’t wait — and neither does gravel.

On February 28, 2026, riders roll out from our Ocala location and straight into one of Florida’s most demanding and rewarding gravel corridors. Operation Gravel isn’t a casual group ride — it’s a test of endurance, preparation, and grit, built for riders who want more than pavement and predictable miles.

Just like Unbound, this ride is about committing to the unknown.

You’ll pass through historic Ocala, disappear into the Ocala National Forest, and loop the iconic bombing range, where long, quiet stretches of gravel demand focus, resilience, and smart pacing. No crowds. No shortcuts. Just you, your bike, and the miles ahead.

Ride Your Pace. Earn the Miles.

Operation Gravel is a drop-style ride, allowing natural pace groups to form based on ability and ambition. Whether you’re chasing distance, testing fitness, or settling into a long endurance grind, you’ll find your crew — and you’ll earn every mile together.

It’s built for cyclists who:

• crave real adventure

• value self-reliance and community

• want a challenge worth training for

• believe gravel is earned, not handed out

No medals. No hype rides. Just a route that demands respect and rewards commitment.

Commit to the ride. Commit to the challenge.

Route Options (Final routes announced closer to event)

• 50–60 miles — fast, punchy, and relentless

• 90–100 miles — a true endurance challenge

🚛 Midway SAG Support

A fully stocked SAG truck will be positioned mid-route for hydration support, mechanical assistance, and peace of mind — because long gravel miles demand smart support.

Race Day Parking Information

Parking is available in three designated areas around our location (see map).

• $ Paid Parking:

The area marked with a $ symbol indicates paid parking. Rates are set by the parking operator and are not affiliated with the race.

• Free Parking:

Two additional parking areas are available at no cost and are highlighted on the map.

👉 Please allow extra time for parking and walking to the start line.

We recommend reviewing the map in advance and choosing the option that works best for you.

Winter Trail Run!

Grab your coworkers & your running shoes and join us for this family-friendly 5K event. Enjoy a children's area, refreshments, & door prizes. Medals will be awarded to the fastest runners in each age bracket, & our Traveling Cup will be awarded to the fastest-running team.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026

8:00 AM Start Time

Silver Springs State Park

5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488

The 2026 run will take place at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, FL. The deadline for guaranteeing a shirt is January 14, 2026.

Join us for the Annual Eighth Street Elementary Tradition Trot 5k and 1 mile fun run on Saturday, February 28th at Ocala Citizens' Circle.

The race will start and finish at Ocala Citizens' Circle. Come out and run through Ocala's Historic Downtown scenic neighborhood to support our neighborhood school!

5k will start promptly at 8 am; awards immediately following; Fun run will begin at approximately 9:15am at Ocala Citizens' Circle following completion of 5k awards.

Help us support our school's PTO goals of enriching academic experiences, enhancing extracurricular activities, and continued school improvement while enjoying a great run/walk through our downtown neighborhood!

Register early!!!

Prices for all races will increase on January 1st, 2026.

Event details and schedule

Packet Pickup: Packet pickup for all registered 5k runners and fun run participants will begin at 7:00 am on Race Day at Ocala Citizens' Circle.

5K entries include:

5k Awards, prizes and shirt information:

T-shirt (guaranteed size if registered by 01/15/26)

Overall, age group Awards, and a goodie bag.

Fun run entries include: entry bracelet

1st, 2nd, & 3rd place awards for the following age groups:

7 & Under

8 & 9

10 & 11

12-14

15-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70+

Prizes for:

Overall Female & Male

Overall Masters (40+) Female and Male

Luck of the Leprechaun 5K – Ocala, Florida | St. Patrick’s Day Run 2026

Join runners from across North Central Florida for the Luck of the Leprechaun 5K in Ocala, a St. Patrick’s Day weekend race packed with Irish-themed fun, family activities, and festive race swag. This event is ideal for runners, walkers, and families looking for a St. Paddy’s Day 5K in Ocala or a holiday race close to Gainesville, The Villages, and the surrounding region.

5K Run/Walk – St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Ocala

Start Time: 8:00 AM

Entry Fee Includes:

Soft event T-shirt (guaranteed size until 3/6)

St. Patrick’s Day–themed race bib

Custom finisher medal

Scenic course through Baseline Park

Awards

This year we're recognizing MORE runners than ever before! In ADDITION to our standard 3-deep awards in 5-year age groups, we're adding these overall categories:

Overall Winners (Male & Female)

1st Prep (18 and Under)

1st Masters (40+)

1st Grand Masters (50+)

1st Senior Grand Masters (60+)

1st Veteran Masters (70+)

Family-friendly atmosphere

Perfect for seasoned runners chasing a PR, first-timers, and anyone searching for a fun Ocala St. Patrick’s Day run to celebrate the holiday.

Kids’ 1-Mile – Irish Eyes Are Mile’ing Fun Run

Start Time: 9:30 AM

Entry Options:

$10 – Run only

$15 – Run + T-shirt

A great way for kids to join the holiday fun and earn their own race keepsake. Ideal for families wanting a St. Paddy’s Day kids race near Ocala.

Sheltair and the Ocala International Airport are excited to announce the 4th Annual – Sheltair Run the Runway 5k taking place on March 21, 2026! The 5k will benefit local heroes within the community.

This family-friendly event promotes health, community engagement, and local impact, while showcasing Ocala International Airport as a vibrant community asset. This year's recipient, we are honored to support the Horse Protection Association of Florida, an organization dedicated to equine rescue, rehabilitation, education, and adoption. To learn more about the Horse Protection Association, go to www.hpaf.org.

This event is not only an opportunity to support our local heroes at the Horse Protection Association but also a chance for you to participate in a unique and exhilarating experience. Picture yourself running or walking along the airport runway, surrounded by the impressive aircraft sights and the buzz of aviation.

Details for the 4th Annual Run the Runway 5k:

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Location: Ocala International Airport – 1200 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala FL 34474

Start Time: 7:00am

Registration is now open, so don't miss out on securing your spot.

Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or simply someone who wants to support a great cause, we welcome you to join us for this memorable event. Let's unite to show our gratitude to the heroes in our community, the Horse Protection Association of Florida, for their unwavering dedication, who collectively make a meaningful impact on equine rescue, rehabilitation, education, and adoption.

Let's lace up our sneakers, hit the runway, and make a difference together. We look forward to seeing you at the starting line!

The first 200 registered participants will receive a Sheltair Run the Runway 5k T-shirt. Each finisher will receive accurately chip-timed results from MCM Timing and Results LLC, along with a finisher's medal awarded to the top 200 runners who cross the finish line. Overall, Male and Female awards will also be presented, but we're capping the awards at that level to put even more proceeds toward the Horse Protection of Florida organization!

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, and you can contact Mike Melton at [email protected] .

Join our fleet by sharing your pictures and videos with us on social media! Tag our account (Sheltair) and use #runwithSheltair . We look forward to seeing all your greatest moments!

Pre Race Packet Pickup

Pre Race Packet Pickup will be FRIDAY, MARCH 20th at the 1200 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, FL 34474, from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Packet Pickup will also be held RACE DAY, beginning at 5:45 AM. Use this address for packet pickup - 1200 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala FL 34474.

AWARDS - the first 200 finishers will receive a finisher's medal, and the Overall Male and Overall Female will also be awarded. Awards are capped at those levels to maximize donations to the race's charitable partners.

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 OCALA

Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2026

Start location: Publix Super Market at Grand Oaks Town Center (2575 SW 42nd St, Ocala, FL 34471)

Registration Begins: 9:00 AM

Walk Start: 10:00 AM

Details:

Join us for a 4-mile walk to Marion County Sexual Assault Center, Inc. (1121 SW 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34471) — with the opportunity to stop or continue walking our full 4-mile route to Kimberly's Center for Child Protection (2800 NE 14th St, Ocala, FL 34470)!

An UBER code will be provided to walkers to cover the cost of a ride back from the walk.

The Manion WOD (Workout of the Day) is a powerful tribute to 1stLt Travis Manion, USMC, designed to unite veterans, families of the fallen, and inspired civilians in honoring one of our nation’s heroes. Hosted by CrossFit boxes, ruck clubs, and gyms nationwide—or completed virtually anytime, anywhere—this workout challenges its participants to push harder, go further, and grow stronger in memory of those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.

We can’t wait for you to take part in the 2026 Manion WOD! Gear up to challenge yourself, honor our nation’s heroes, and receive your exclusive 2026 Manion WOD shirt—plus the chance to earn even more exclusive rewards.

Cogent Bank Ocala Cup 5K

Welcome to the 2026 Cogent Bank Ocala Cup 5K, where community spirit meets historic charm in the heart of Ocala! Join us on April 25, 2026, for an unforgettable running experience through some of Ocala's most picturesque historic neighborhoods.

Event Details

Race start: 6:00 PM Location: Citizens Circle (110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471)

Friday Packet Pickup

Cogent Bank

11 am - 3 pm

Course Description

Experience a scenic journey through Ocala's historic district on our carefully designed course featuring:

Rolling hills showcasing the natural beauty of the area

Police-secured intersections ensuring runner safety

Refreshing water station at Mile 2

Start and finish at the iconic Citizens Circle

Participant Perks

Every registered participant receives:

Premium race shirt (size guaranteed if registered by April 15, 2026)

Exclusive finisher medal

Chip-timed results

Professional race photography

Well-marked course with volunteer support

Awards Categories

Overall Awards

Top Male Overall (1)

Top Female Overall (1)

Top Male Masters (40+) (1)

Top Female Masters (40+) (1)

Age Group Awards

Top 3 Male & Female in each division:

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

70-74

75 and Over

Community Event

The Cogent Bank Ocala Cup 5K welcomes participants of all abilities - whether you're an experienced runner aiming for a personal best or a family looking to enjoy an active morning together. This community-focused event combines the excitement of race day with the charm of Ocala's historic setting, creating an atmosphere that's both competitive and welcoming

No Dogs allowed to compete.

Mother's Day 5K – Ocala, Florida | 2026 Event Details

Location:

151 SE Osceola Ave

Ocala, FL 34471

Starting downtown, athletes will run through Ocala’s beautiful Historic District and finish in Citizens Circle.

Celebrate the moms in your life at the 5th Annual Mother’s Day 5K in Ocala, a community-focused run through the Ocala Historic District. This event is perfect for runners, walkers, and families looking for a Mother’s Day race in North Central Florida.

After you cross the finish line in Citizens Circle, stay for music, raffle drawings, and a festive Mother’s Day celebration.

What Participants Receive

• Soft race T-shirt

• Race medal

• First 275 sign-ups receive the current year’s Mother’s Day 5K medal

• All additional participants receive medals from previous events

• A flower for every mom at the event

• One raffle ticket for multiple prize drawings (must be present to win)

Registration Pricing

• $35 – through March 31

• $40 – April 1 to April 30

• $45 – May 1 until the day before the event

• $50 – race day registration

Processing fees and taxes apply to all registration tiers.

This is one of the most popular spring 5Ks in Ocala, so early registration is encouraged to guarantee your shirt size and medal.

Packet Pick-Up

Friday

Location: Running Elements

29 NE 1st Ave Suite E

Ocala, FL 34470

Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Race Morning

On-site Registration and Packet Pick-Up: starts at 7:00 AM

Race Schedule

• 5K Start: 8:00 AM

• Awards Ceremony: 9:15 AM

Awards:

• Standard age group awards

• Additional award for Top Mother

• Additional award for Top Grandmother

No Dog Policy for Our 5K Races

We love dogs and understand they are part of the family, but we cannot permit them to participate in our 5K races. This policy is in place because our event insurance does not cover the participation of dogs, and we must prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants.

Key Points of the Policy

• No dogs allowed on the course: For safety and liability reasons, dogs are not permitted to accompany runners or walkers during the race.

• Spectator pets: Well-behaved and leashed dogs are welcome to spectate along the sidelines, provided they remain under control and do not enter the race course.

• Service animals: Registered service animals are an exception to this rule and are allowed under applicable laws and protections.

• Alternative participation options: If you’re looking for a dog-friendly race experience, reach out to us and we can share recommendations for other events in the area that welcome canine companions.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and enjoyable race for everyone involved.