8 walking events in Sarasota County, Florida

📍 Event Overview:

Our 2nd Annual Stride to Thrive is Suncoast STARS Community’s family-friendly fundraising walk/run benefiting our innovative Work & Enrichment Program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (Please note that only service animals are welcome. For safety purposes, we ask that you please leave your furry friends at home!)

Following the run/walk, participants will enjoy our Family Fun Fest, including food trucks, bounce houses, music by DJ Mike, face painters, a vendor village, nonprofit booths, the Bradenton Marauder's batting cage and more! This year we are adding a Silent Auction!

Location: Grace Community Church, 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240

5k Course: The 5k start 8:30 course will take you from the Grace Community Church campus parking lot, onto Communications Pkwy, turning left onto Professional Pkwy with a turnaround near Lakewood Ranch Blvd N. The race will finish back at the Grace Community Church campus parking lot from Communications Pkwy. Age groups custom student awards: OA <19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+

1 mile Course: The 1-mile course is a paved path, accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, that will leave from the Grace Community Church parking lot, immediately after the 5k runners have left, and travel along Communications Pkwy with a turnaround at the half-mile mark and end back at the church.

WHO WE ARE

Suncoast STARS Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide a work, enrichment, and educational community where adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs are empowered to live full, productive, and satisfying lives in a God-centered and nurturing environment. Visit us at www.suncoaststars.org.

WHAT WE DO

Adults with Down Syndrome, Autism and other special needs often face a future of isolation, boredom, and depression. At Suncoast STARS we are developing special enterprises where they can enjoy meaningful work and a sense of pride in their accomplishments. In our greeting card studio, we train our friends in making beautiful, handcrafted greeting cards. We also offer classes in dance, culture & cooking, sign language, life skills, cardio drumming, Bible study, safety and much more. We call the folks we serve STARS - Specially Talented Adults Raising Standards.

Come join us on the journey to empower the lives of adults with special needs!

Alpha Law Group Autism 5K.

Alpha Law Group, a personal injury law firm headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, is proud to present their 2nd Annual Autism Benefit 5K.

This event aims to raise awareness and funds for autism support initiatives. With a strong commitment to community involvement, Alpha Law Group seeks to make a positive impact by supporting those affected by autism, fostering inclusivity, and helping to create resources for individuals and families in need. Alpha Law Groups Autism 5K event will directly benefit Autism Society of Florida and The Haven of Sarasota. The event will take place at Nathan Benderson Park in beautiful Sarasota, FL, close to everything University Town Center has to offer!

RACE DAY/TIME

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

7-8am Race Day Registration & Day of Packet Pickup

5k Race Starts at 830 AM sharp! 1 mile walkers will follow

--5K REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE THE MORNING OF THE RACE $50

(PLEASE BRING YOUR PHONE TO REGISTER) OR REGISTER THE NIGHT BEFORE.

NOTE: Registrations after 2/14/26 are not guaranteed a shirt after inventory is depleted online.

AWARDS GO 6 DEEP IN EACH 5 YEAR AGE GROUP! 4,5,6 ribbons

5K AWARDS

Overall- Male and Female

Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 40)

Grand Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 50)

Senior Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 60)

Veteran Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 70)

--Awards for 1st-3rd Male and Female in the following age groups:

9 and under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39,

40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+

OVERALL / MASTERS are GUN TIME

source: imgur.com

[Children, strollers, and slower runners fill the back, please]

Packet Pick-Up

Thursday March 5th 4-7pm

New Balance University 315 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235

3 Bouncy Houses, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Sarasota County Fire Truck, Kona Ice, Pony Rides from Rosaire's Riding Academy and food provided by Chameleon Food Truck and Jersey Mike's

Drinks Provided By Gold Coast Eagle Distributing

The Athletes, Vendors, Sponsors, and Spectators: ALL CELEBRATING OUR Autism event!

WALKERS ARE WELCOME and encouraged to attend.

Wellen Park is proud to present the 4th Annual Half Marathon & 5K Presented by Hotwire Communications.

Join us for an unforgettable race experience starting and finishing in the heart of Downtown Wellen Park, Venice, Florida. Whether you're racing the Half Marathon or enjoying the 5K, this event promises a scenic, well-supported course and a vibrant post-race atmosphere.

A portion of proceeds and all donations will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast. Help us make a difference, one stride at a time.

RACE INFORMATION:

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Location: Solis Hall, Downtown Wellen Park, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd, Venice, FL 34293

Start Times: Half Marathon: 7:30 AM. 5K: 7:45 AM

Parking: There is plenty of parking available throughout the downtown Wellen Park area.

Walkers, strollers, and leashed dogs are welcome. For everyone’s safety, please start at the back of your respective race. Dogs must be well behaved, leashes can be no longer than 6ft, and not retractable. Participants must clean-up after their pet. Race officials reserve the right to remove a pet if it appears to be aggressive.

PLEASE NOTE - Refund Policy: There are no refunds for this race. If you believe a scheduling conflict or unforeseen circumstance may prevent your participation, we strongly encourage you to consider purchasing registration insurance during checkout.

*ALL RUNSIGNUP Clubs receive an automatic $5.00 discount at registration checkout.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

• 6:15 AM - 7:15AM, Race Day Packet Pickup and Race Day Registration.

• 7:30 AM - Half Marathon Start

• 7:45 AM - 5K Start

• 8:00 AM - Post-race food and beverages.

• 9:15 AM - 5K Awards Ceremony based on official finish times.

• 10:00AM - Half Marathon Awards Ceremony based on official finish times.

Welcome to the Kraken 5k and 10k and 1 mile walk and run!

We’re thrilled to have you join us for this exciting race event! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your experience:

Event Overview:

• Participant Perks: Each runner will receive:

• Snacks and refreshments

• A stylish t-shirt

• A FINISHERS bottle opener as a token of our appreciation for your participation!

Awards Ceremony:

• Recognizing Top Performers: We will honor the top three male and female finishers in each age group with awards.

Age Group Categories based on <24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+

Lace up those shoes and give it your best!

Important Pre-Race Details:

• Stretch Session: Join us 20 minutes before the race for a group stretching session to get warmed up!

• Registration Reminder: If you haven’t registered yet, please make sure to do so before the race begins!

Meet Your Race Director:

• Take the opportunity to meet your new race director, who is excited to welcome you and support you throughout the event.

Let’s Make It Fun!

We can’t wait to see you there for a day filled with excitement, community spirit, and great memories. Thank you for being a part of the Kraken 5k and 10k!

WALK INS ARE WELCOME!

Happy Racing! 🏅🎉

Map https://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/view/4242163516

PACKET PICK UP IS RACE MORNING AT RACE SITE starting at 6am

Packets not picked up before the start of the race will be forfeited.

708 Center road Sarasota

The 11th Annual SUP & RUN 5K presented by Charles Schwab or Sarasota event will be held at Nathan Benderson Park to benefit RUCK9 (www.RUCK9.com)

The SUP & RUN 5K gives athletes three great races in one to choose from.

• 5K RUN

• 5K Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) OR

• 5K SUP & 5K RUN

(There is a start line mat (chip) for the combination SUP & RUN)

Athletes participating in the combination SUP & RUN will run the 5K first and then hop on their paddle board for a 5K paddle around Nathan Benderson Park. The SUP & RUN 5K draws top runners and SUP'ers who compete for cash prizes but it's our not-so-serious athletes who have the most prominent place in the event.

Athletes participating in the SUP portion of the race MUST know how to swim. If you are not able to swim, you may not participate in the SUP portion.

The SUP & RUN 5K is a family style event.

WALKERS ARE WELCOME and encouraged to attend.

Why choose the SUP & RUN 5K?

1. Every finisher receives a custom finisher medal.

2. The race shirts are AMAZING!

3. AWARDS GO 6 DEEP IN EACH 5 YEAR AGE GROUP!

4. SWAG, to quote a participant, "this race SWAG is truly head and shoulders above most races"

5. The food & post-race celebration party is FUN! FUN!

6. Whoa! There is a beer garden, a SIP & RUM station and AMAZING VENDORS where you can buy really cool stuff AND

7. The Athletes, Vendors, Sponsors, and Spectators: ALL CELEBRATING OUR Uniquely Created Canines!

RACE DAY/TIME

Saturday, May 2, 2026

All Races Start at 8 AM sharp!

If renting a paddleboard, please arrive by 7 AM to secure your board & paddle.

2026 Packet Pick-Up Times, Dates and Locations

Wednesday, April 29th | 4PM - 7PM | TBA

Thursday, April 30th | 4PM – 7PM | TBA |

Friday, May 1st | 4PM – 7PM | Nathan Benderson Park (at the Finishing Tower) | 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle (34235)

Need more reasons? Visit our Facebook page for regular updates: SUP & RUN 5K