Come to the quaint town of Mount Dora for a run, filled with tree lined vistas of waterfront neighborhoods and lake-hugging roadways. Catch the rising sun through the gracefully swaying Spanish moss and watch the breeze dapple the lake’s surface with flashes of sunlight. The gentle rolling hills give this course a uniqueness of its own. From the start to finish, you'’ll remember the Mount Dora Half Marathon and 5K as the event you will not want to miss.

Florida’s Most Festive Half Marathon

Runners don’t just lace up for the miles - they come for the magic. With dazzling performances, holiday cheer at every turn, and a course that feels like a celebration, this event has earned its title as Florida’s Most Festive Half Marathon. From start to finish, the atmosphere is electric with joy, laughter, and the kind of spirit that makes memories last long after the finish line.

A Community-Crafted Celebration

At the heart of this race is a director whose role goes far beyond logistics - as the steward of Community Engagement, they unite small business owners, local artists, and residents to create something truly breathtaking. Every storefront twinkle, every cheer from the sidelines, every smile on a runner’s face is a testament to the collective pride of a town that turns out in full force to make this event unforgettable.

Why It Matters For the Race Director

The reward isn’t just in the numbers - it’s in the glow of participants crossing the finish line, the shared laughter of families lining the course, and the deep sense of connection that only a truly festive race can inspire.

• 5k - December 20, 2025 - Saturday
• Half Marathon - December 21, 2025 - Sunday

Donnelly Park - 5K Race Start & Packet Pickup for all events
530 N Donnelly St
Mount Dora, FL 32757

Elizabeth Evans Park - Half Marathon race start location
100 N. Donnelly St.    
Mount Dora, FL 32757

Race Day Schedule Location
Saturday - 7:45 a.m. - 5K run/walk
Sunday - 7:05 a.m. - Half Marathon 

NO Virtual Option available for the Half Marathon or 5K. 

NO STROLLERS - NO PETS ALLOWED IN 5K or HALF MARATHON

Packet Pick-up & Race Day Registration Pricing

Packet Pick-up Friday, Saturday & Sunday Packet - please visit website for details

Packet Pick-up will be available on race day.

Beneficiary
Portion of the proceeds from from the event helps support FFA and Cheerleading Team of Mount Dora High School, and Run 4 a Cause Foundation, a foundation that provides disadvantaged youth with the opportunity to play in local sports programs. 

Shirt Sizes
Sizes are not guaranteed on race day registration. Food & refreshments will be provided.

Timing/ Scoring
Event will be chip timed and scored with disposable chips attached to the back of the bib.

Course
This event offers 2 walk/run distances, 5k run/walk on Saturday and a single loop half marathon on Sunday. The half marathon is a USATF Certified Course.(#FL23043JK).The course will be closed to vehicular traffic from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM.  The finish line will remain open until the last runner completes the race, and medals will be awarded to ALL finishers regardless of when they finish to all 5K & half marathon participants. All half marathon participants must be able to complete the half marathon under 3 hour 25 minutes.  

Finisher Medals
Finisher medals for both the Half Marathon and the 5k. Each race is custom to the event.

Awards
Half Marathon - Top 3 overall males and top 3 overall female, Top male and female master and top 3 male and female age groups will receive awards. Age groups include 19 & Under, 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+

5K - Top 3 overall males and top 3 overall females and top 3 male and female age groups will receive awards. Age groups include 8 & under, 9-12, 13-16, 17-19, 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+