Florida is famous for its beaches, sunshine, and entertainment. And, If you like to run, Florida is a real paradise for runners. Especially those who adore running long distances.
There are a lot of marathon races in Florida, and if you are new to running, you can find a race to your liking too.
We have compiled a list of the best running races in Florida. Read, choose, pass registration, and add new events to your running calendar!
For Beginners and Enthusiasts − Florida 5K Races
5k parkruns are held frequently in Florida and are free for participants. Running every weekend in such weather conditions is pleasant for any runner.
1. Clermont Waterfront Parkrun
The event takes place every Saturday at 07:30 am at the Lake Hiawatha Preserve in Clermont. The race track is comfortable and smooth, which is suitable for beginners.
You don’t have to pay for participation, but you do have to be registered. And remember to bring your barcode with you on race day. Every week race participants and volunteers drink coffee at Cheeser’s Palace coffee shop and invite everyone to join their friendly company.
2. Depot Park Run
Like Clermont Waterfront Parkrun, this is also a free weekly run on Saturdays at half past seven in the morning. Location: Depot Park, Gainesville.
A picturesque loop around the lake awaits the runners. The track is very simple and comfortable.
You must register and take the barcode on race day. If you forget it, you will not be allowed to run.
You can join the organizers and participants of the race for a cup of coffee at Opus Coffee at the 4th Avenue Food Park every week. There you can get acquainted with them and ask all your questions.
3. Weedon Island Preserve Parkrun
This is another 5k community event run in a park on Saturday mornings. Like the previous ones, it also starts at 7:30 am.
Location: Weedon Island Preserve, St. Petersburg.
You will run on a mixture of trails, boardwalks, and sidewalks, with some short out and back segments surrounded by mangroves. Don’t forget to register and take your barcode with you!
If you’d like to chat with race organizers and competitors, join them after the race at Starbucks, 8801 4th St N, St. Petersburg.
4. Rec Plex North Parkrun
The next of our Florida 5k races in the park is the Rec Plex North Parkrun. It starts at 7:30 am on Saturdays at the University of West Florida, Pensacola.
The race starts and finishes at Rec Plex North Field. Pass registration before and take your barcode.
Meet participants and the organizers at Starbucks, Argonaut Village, 10015 North Davis Highway. They gather there every week after the race.
10K, 15K Races
Running in Florida means great entertainment. Here are some 10k and 15K races you’ll love.
5. The Gate River Run
This race was first hosted in 1978 and is held in early March each year in Jacksonville. You can run a mile, 5K, and 15K. All races start on Duval Street.
Participation costs range from $50 to $70, depending on the chosen race.
After the race, everyone can take part in the celebration. It includes lots of healthy food, delicious snacks, a live band, beer for adults, an awards ceremony, different contests, and a fair.
Are you coming from out of town? You can stay at the Jacksonville River City Downtown Hotel. It is famous because Olympic champions often stay there.
6. The Double Bridge Run
The perfect way to spend a winter weekend is in Pensacola at the Double Bridge Run. This 15K run passes through two bridges across Pensacola Bay and Santa Rosa Sound. You will run through the picturesque historic city center, the beautiful Bayfront Parkway, Gulf Breeze, and reach Pensacola Beach.
The 5k track runs from Gulf Breeze to beautiful Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island and the Gulf Islands Seashore.
Participation is $40 to $55. By participating in the race, you will develop your running potential and have a good time in a picturesque town. So take your family or friends − you will definitely find something you like.
7. The Gasparilla Distance Classic
This Florida running race has been held since 1978 in Tampa. It has an important charitable mission and donates the proceeds. Since its inception, it has donated nearly $6 million to charity.
Here you can participate in a 5k, 8k, 15k, or half marathon. Entry prices start at $35.
Race winners receive cash prizes. The main one is $10,000.
There’s lots to do in Tampa. So you can take a support team with you, and they will find something to do.
8. Kiwanis Midnight Run
This is one of the most interesting 10k races in Florida. This year, the event celebrated its 43rd anniversary.
It is held in Dunedin. Here you can run a virtual or real one mile, 5k, and 10k. The main difference is that you need to run at night.
Marathons in Florida
9. The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon
This is one of the most popular marathons in the world. It has been held in Orlando for 30 years.
Its slogan is “The best 26.2 km on Earth,” and it really is because you get to run through all the Disney parks, the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex, and finish at Epcot. So, besides the run, you also get an incredible amount of entertainment.
The cost of registration depends on when you register. From April to September, you pay about $219. From September to December − about $230.
You can run a 5k, 10k, or the famous Disney marathon and Disney half marathon.
10. Town of Celebration Marathon
This is considered one of the best, most scenic Central Florida races. The annual marathon and half marathon are held on Celebration Day.
The mostly flat track is a great qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.
After the race, organizers provide food from the best local restaurants, including famous pancakes.
The purpose of the event is to help the Osceola Education Foundation and other charitable organizations. Participation costs start at $80, depending on how quickly you pay for it.
The event takes place the last weekend in January. You can visit nearby Disney World in your free time, making it a great event for family and friends too. And getting there is very convenient, as Celebration is close to the Orlando airport.
11. Tallahassee Marathon
The Tallahassee Marathon is another famous Florida road race with a long history. It was first held in the State’s Capitol in 1975 with just two runners. Since then, the event has become first-class and famous.
The Tallahassee Marathon is a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. A distinctive feature is that you run through all the most beautiful places in the city, and it is mostly flat.
The participation fee for the marathon is $80 to $125, and for the half marathon, it’s from $39 to $89. Elite runners receive free participation and accommodations.
12. The Miami Marathon and Half Marathon
Next, we’ll include a South Florida race on the list. This large-scale event, often referred to as the Superbowl of running races, is held annually and includes thousands of runners.
The route is incredibly beautiful as you run over the MacArthur and Venetian Causeways. Besides, there are 20 entertainment stations along the way, and the organizers delight the participants with tons of snacks.
You can run a marathon and a half marathon here. If you arrive a day earlier, you can run the Life Time Tropical 5K as a warm-up.
The cost for participation is from $130 to $170, depending on when you buy a ticket. Elite athletes who also want to participate can use a discount system. Winners of the first three positions get cash prizes.
13. Destin Marathon and Half Marathon
This is one of the most original half marathons in Florida because it is the first race in history to take place through crowdfunding.
The event is held in April. The start and finish are at Destin Harborwalk Village.
Participants receive cash prizes for winning the first three spots. After the finish, runners enjoy delicious snacks and a concert.
14. The Panama City Beach Marathon
One of the professional running races in Florida is the Panama City Beach Marathon. It can be used as a qualification for the Boston Marathon.
The race begins and ends in Pier Park with after party at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. The prize is from $45 to $85. There is also a half marathon and a 5k distance.
15. The Publix Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon & Half Marathon
This is the longest and most scenic run in Florida. The event takes place in February when the weather is ideal for racing. There is also entertainment, adding to the appeal.
There is also a 10K for runners looking for a shorter distance. The cost of participation is from $50 to $80, depending on the type of race.
Expect good organization and lots of treats at the finish line!
Wrap Up
The Florida running calendar is full of cool events. Whether you are a newbie or an experienced runner, you will find many Florida races that might interest you. Chose some from our list, register, and add new events to your running schedule.
