From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find virtual events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
In an effort to continue our support for the St. Augustine Lighthouse, the League hosts an annual 5K & Fun Run! The inaugural race in 1983 was originally titled the “Bud Light Twilight Lighthouse Run.” The Lighthouse 5K is a chipped race that serves as a qualifier for the famed Gate River Run. The Fun Run is a true treat for the little runners! Don’t miss the awards ceremony following the race on the beautiful Lighthouse grounds. Each year the staff at the Lighthouse provides activities for the kids such as face painting, arts and crafts, and more! Don’t miss the opportunity to support the Lighthouse and climb the tower for FREE!
Proceeds from the Lighthouse 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run benefit numerous JSL service projects and provide financial support for local non-profit organizations in our community.
WHERE: 5K and Fun Run will Start and End @ St. Augustine Lighthouse
WHEN: Race day is Saturday, February 21, 2026. The 5K starts at 8:00 AM. The Fun Run starts at 9:00 AM. Award Ceremony is at 9:15 AM.
PARKING: Parking will be available on race day in a few areas surrounding the lighthouse neighborhood. You may find parking at/across from the Lighthouse, outside the soccer fields on Red Cox Drive, RB Hunt Elementary School front parking lot and along the side of the road, and the St. Augustine Yacht Club parking lot.
RACE COURSE: Flat 3.1 miles through Historic Lighthouse Park and Davis Shores (USATF CERTIFIED COURSE - FL13006EBM) Click here for the course map
REGISTRATION: Online registration will begin in August and will close 15 minutes prior to race start. Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
AWARDS: Awards will be given out at the Post-Race Celebration along with refreshments. The top three participants in each age group will receive awards.
AGE DIVISIONS: 10 & Under, 11-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85 & Above - Each age division has separate male and female groups.
PACKET PICK-UP: Packet pick-up will take place at Jimmy Hula's 709 S Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 on Friday, February 20th, 2026 from 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Packets will also be available on race day beginning at 7am.
T-SHIRTS: We encourage all participants to register early as T-Shirts may not be available for later entrants. The deadline for a guaranteed t-shirt is February 9th.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 8:00 a.m.
River to Sea Preserve Trails, St. Augustine, FL, Town of Marineland
Lace up your shoes for marine science and join us for this year’s Whitney Lab 5K! Run, walk, or jog with us at the beautiful River to Sea Preserve trails (or anywhere with our virtual option) to celebrate marine science. This year's featured animal - the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria)!
All 5K proceeds will go to the Whitney Laboratory gift fund, a fund that powers the lab's programming including community lectures, public education, facilities improvements, public events, and critical student experiences at the lab. It is essential to operating all the programs at the lab!
5K Registration
Race limited to only 200 in person participants!
Registration opens February 20.
Shirt and medal provided to all participants (in person and virtual); proceeds support the UF Whitney Lab for Marine Bioscience
February 20 - March 10: $35
March 11- 31: $40
April 1- April 17: $45
April 19, Day of Race Registration (in-person at packet pick-up only 6:30-7:30 AM): $45
Virtual: $45
Preferred shirt size only available to those registered by March 22.
March 23 - April 19 Registrations will receive a large shirt size.
If virtual option is chosen your shirt and medal will be mailed out after April 19. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
Race Information
Race Start
Sunday, April 19, 2026
8:00 AM
River to Sea Preserve - 9805 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32137
Post race refreshments.
Race Course
The course will include 3 loops on the Matanzas Hammock Loop and South Hammock Loop entirely on trails and is around a 5K length (approximately 3.2). There will be a sign at the start of the loop but not at mile distances.
Course Map
Parking
Free parking is available at the River to Sea Preserve near race start, River to Sea Preserve Parking lot near beach, or DEP Marineland Field Station. Carpooling encouraged as spots are limited. Public parking area available also at the Whitney Laboratory (Approximately 1/2 mile away from the race start).
Packet Pick Up
Race Day Packet Pick Up: Sunday, April 19, 2026, 6:30 - 7:30 AM – River to Sea Preserve 9805 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Awards
Top Overall Male & Female, Top 3 in each age group: 10 and under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and above.
Kids Fun Run
Free kids fun run will be after the 5K.
Contact Us
Questions - [email protected]
Join us as a Sponsor!
Whitney Lab 5K Sponsorship - https://www.whitney.ufl.edu/media/wwwwhitneyufledu/images/files/5K-Sponsor-Levels-1.pdf
Contact Karen Romas at 904-201-8401 or email [email protected]
USA Swimming Club. 157 members.