9 walking events in Ocala, Florida

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.

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.

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.