Community Calendar

run4ONE 5k is an annual event that raises awareness and funds for human trafficking victims. February 16th, 2019 will be our 6th annual 5k around Lake Hollingsworth at 8 a.m. This year we are raising money for both a local and global anti-human trafficking organization. run4one is an official chip timed race by fit niche. It is a family event: runners, walkers, strollers, kids, and dogs are welcome. There will be a kids fun run at 9:00 a.m. Bring the entire family and run or walk for a good cause.

Register at run4one5k.org

Our 5th Anniversary Promise Run is our annual 5K and 10K run to fight cancer. All proceeds raised will go to the Hollis Cancer Center. The event is on March 2, 2019 at the Lake Mirror Promenade.

Coupon Code – LRC2019 for $10 off of registration

Run the beautiful shores of Lake Wailes and get a unique Mardi Gras 5k Shirt! Afterwards stick around for the Mardi Gras Parade and festival at The Shores of Lake Wailes. Register Now! https://bit.ly/2DNZT5S

Get a running start on achieving your 2019 goals! Join us for the Spring Ahead 5k training group for a 10-week program that culminates in running the MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire 5k at Lake Mirror, on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 7:00 pm.

This program is designed for beginners to gradually build up their running ability so that they can complete a 5k (3.1 mile) race.

The program includes:

• Saturday group workouts led by an RRCA certified coach and trainers from the Lakeland Runners Club.
• Weekly training plan and educational topics
• 1-year membership to Lakeland Runners Club*
• Entry into the 2019 MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire 5k race*
• Custom group running shirt
• Private Facebook group

*New LRC members only

The 10th Annual Bartow Blarney Triathlon is the longest running triathlon in Polk County. The charm and exceptional value of this race cannot be matched. The sprint triathlon at $40 and 5k at $15 provide long sleeve t-shirts, finisher medals, custom glassware, awards by 5 year age groups, and a full hot breakfast for all!

$30 military rate for the triathlon.

Join us in Lakeland for this unique St. Patrick’s Day themed race! Each participant will run four laps of a course that runs through lovely downtown Lakeland, running on the famed wood floors through Molly McHugh’s Irish Pub where they will take a shot of Guinness to finish each lap! Or bypass the Guinness and run around Molly’s and try to beat the leprechaun! 100% Irish Good Times for all! Course is capped this year at 400 to ensure that everyone can have space, and a great time! Gather your friends, and come race as a team!

Join us at Anchor Park, Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland, to support the work of Red Tent Initiative: survivors and allies creating a culture of empowerment to end abuse and exploitation. #AdvocateSupportEmpower

5K race begins at 8:00 AM
Children’s Fun Run at 9:00 AM

Join us for a scenic 3-mile music-filled run/walk around beautiful Lake Myrtle Sports Complex in Auburndale, Florida as we get “on board” to support the residental needs of individuals with developmental challenges. The mission of Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy’s (PPCA) “All Aboard for Noah’s Ark” 5K Run/Walk is twofold: Autism awareness and support for aging, disabled individuals needing future care. Proceeds from the 5K will benefit Noah’s Ark of Central Florida.

The Noah’s Ark communities are the culmination of dreams of five sets of parents of young adults with special needs. When these parents met over 20 years ago while watching their children take part in sporting activities, they discussed their concerns for the future of their children – where would they live, work and interact with others once their parents were no longer around to oversee their care?

Noah’s Ark was founded in 1997. The first homes at Noah’s Nest in Lakeland were constructed between 2002 and 2007 with Noah’s Landing opening in mid 2016. There are currently 140+ residents living independently with the help of their fellow residents, family, guardian, friends and caregivers. They all enjoy an active lifestyle and, most importantly, continue to develop the skills needed to ensure independent living.
You can help Noah’s Ark of Central Florida by supporting our PPCA 5K charity event through race participation, monetary donations or auction basket sponsorship. Monetary donations and items for silent auction baskets are appreciated. In return, you will be recognized for your generosity.

Event Amenities: Musical performances heard throughout the course. All participants receive a finishers medal. Awards are presented to top finishers in specific age categories: Top three M/F beginning with 11 years of age to 90. Age groups are divided into 5-year increments. Registrations by 11:59 p.m., March 15, 2019 are guaranteed a custom race t-shirt. Water stations, clocks at 1 and 2 miles. Post race food for 5K participants with bib number. Paper registrations are due by March 15th in order to be guaranteed a race t-shirt. Extra shirts are limited.

Safety is priority. Bicycles, roller blades/skates and dogs are prohibited on the course. Run/walk etiquette is encouraged. Strollers/joggers must start behind all runners. Stroller/jogger operators must yield the right of way to runners/walkers. Participants are expected to exercise caution on the Van Fleet Trail and Lake Myrtle Sports Complex course.

The second annual Viking Invasion 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Fun Run will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019! The 5K will begin at 7:30 AM at Viking Stadium, with the Kids’ Fun Run following at 8:45 AM. All proceeds will benefit the LCS Viking Fund. Register before April 5th to guarantee a shirt. Kids’ Fun Runs: 800 meters (grades 3-5); 400 meters (grades 1-2); 100 meters (grades K5 and younger). INTERESTED IN SPONSORSHIP? Contact jcopeland@lcsonline.org

The PHEEL GOOD 5k celebrates the life of local Lakeland runner, Phil Brown, who was killed while commuting to work in 2017. Presented by Phil’s former employer, Duke Energy, this meaningful 5k benefits the non-profit organization founded in Phil’s memory (PHEEL GOOD Foundation) as well as Phil’s alma mater (Williamson College of the Trades). A chip-timed, out & back course along a section of the Fort Fraser Trail, this special Easter weekend 5k features: Overall, Masters, GrandMasters & Age Group Awards, Gender Specific Tech Shirts, AND a Finish Line Surprise presented by the Easter Bunny for EVERY finisher!

Join the Lakeland Runners Club for an evening 5k road race which runs around Lake Mirror and Lake Morton, a scenic and certified course (FL09122EBM) through Lakeland’s historic district and views of the city’s beautiful lakes. The race will be chip timed. Post-race refreshments, live music, and fireworks are part of the annual Mayfaire by the Lake. A portion of the proceeds from the Lakeland Runner’s Club’s MIDFLORIDA Mayfaire 5k will benefit Polk Museum of Art.

The first Mayfaire 5k was held May 5, 1980.

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last.  All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times.  Your mission is to get faster with each race.  So ask yourself:  #CanYouBeatTheHeat

The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course (FL15070EBM).  All races are chip timed.  Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results.

The first series was run in 1996.

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last.  All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times.  Your mission is to get faster with each race.  So ask yourself:  #CanYouBeatTheHeat

The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course (FL15070EBM).  All races are chip timed.  Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results.

The first series was run in 1996.

The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last.  All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times.  Your mission is to get faster with each race.  So ask yourself:  #CanYouBeatTheHeat

The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course (FL15070EBM).  All races are chip timed.  Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results.

The first series was run in 1996.