Community Calendar

The certified 5k and 10k courses of the sixth annual Promise Run begin and end at the picturesque Lake Mirror Promenade in Downtown Lakeland. The 10k, which begins at 7 a.m., winds around Lakes Morton, Hollingsworth and Mirror. The 5k, which starts at approximately 8:35 a.m., goes around Lakes Morton and Mirror.

Early registrants receive a discounted rate and those who register before November 1 will receive a Promise Run branded gift. Registration includes a technical running shirt, medal for those completing the run, an opportunity to earn a trophy, attendance at the post-race awards ceremony and refreshments. While parents participate in the Promise Run, Explorations V Children’s Museum provides safe, educational activities for children. A free children’s run will be offered at the completion of the 5k.

Last year’s Promise Run drew more than 1,300 walkers and runners and over 100 volunteers. Funds raised go toward operation of the Hollis Cancer Center.

Coupon Code – LRC2020 for $10 off the 5k or 10k

The Carillon Classic 5k Walk & Run will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, FL. The Carillon Classic 5K Run & Walk features what many consider Florida’s most challenging 5K course where runners experience elevation changes and a variety of running surfaces, including paved roads, clay roads, grass, gravel and mulch trails.

Packet Pick-up/Race Day Registration:

We have an opportunity for you to pick-up you packet before race day.

Friday, February 28 from 5-7 at Anytime Fitness, 23749 US-27, Lake Wales, FL 33859

You will also be able to pick-up your bib and your t-shirt race morning starting at 6:30AM.  All packet pick-up and race day registration will take place outside the Olmsted House.  If you have friends and family who still want to run, registration will be open through the start of the race, but t-shirts are no longer guaranteed.

Parking:

When entering the park, follow the signs to the Olmsted House or Visitor’s Center and it will take you to a large parking lot near the start and finish of the race. If you can carpool that would be appreciated as we expect parking to fill up.

Admission to Bok Tower:

Admission to Bok Tower Gardens will be free for all runners and spectators until 7:30AM (the start of the race).  So everyone showing up to run or spectate should be able to enter the park for free.

Carillon Classic 5k:

The race will begin promptly at 7:30AM.  If you are late to the start line, you will still be scored, but may receive a start time of 7:30 if you arrive more than a few minutes late.

*due to the fact that the course is very narrow in parts and changes terrain often, we will not be allowing strollers.  Unfortunately this has to be non-negotiable for the safety of all the participants.  If this is an issue for you, let us know immediately!

Kids Fun Run:

The Kids Fun Run will take place immediately after the completion of the 5k race. The Fun Run will start and finish at the Finish Arch.  We will make announcements at the finish line.

Post Race:

Awards will take place as soon as all the age group results have been compiled (Approximately 8:45AM).  Your individual results will be available immediately after you finish outside the Olmsted House.  This is also where awards will be announced.

Age group awards (chip time) will be presented to the top three finishers in each of the following age groups: 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 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 & older.

Virtual Race:

If you registered for the Virtual Race, your packets will be sent out on Monday, March 2.

This great event is presented by Bok Tower Gardens and Anytime Fitness. Race management by Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing. We would like to thank our sponsors, Anytime Fitness, Gessler Clinic, and Forni Dental!

Join us and our leprechaun on a 4-lap adventure through Molly McHugh’s in downtown Lakeland on March 14th! That’s right, through Molly McHugh’s. Each lap passes through the storied pub and its 100 year-old oak floors, where you’ll be offered a stout shot of Guinness (or root beer). But don’t loiter too long…our leprechaun will be chasing down the field, and he’ll be buying drinks afterward for anyone who beats him!

The field is limited to 200. Expect Finisher’s Medals, gender-specific shirts, lots of festively dressed runners, and plenty of lively Irish music. Awards will be presented to the Overall male/female, Overall Masters (age 40 and over) and Grandmasters (age 50 and over). We will also have a special award for the best costume!

Stick around and enjoy some great post-race food and Molly’s runner drink specials to help us honor the late founder and owner, Gerry McHugh!

Entry fee is $35.00

For men and women 50 years and over as of December 31, 2020.  Age divisions: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 96-99, etc. All age groups will run simultaneously. A 3.1 mile paved street course will be used.
Pre-registration must be received at the Polk Senior Games office by Friday, February 14, 2020.

Office: 515 East Boulevard St, Bartow 33830

Call 863-533-0055 for entry booklet to be mailed first week of January.

Join us for the inaugural Panther Point Trail Run 10K on March 28th, 2020 at the Marshall Hampton Reserve. Awards will go to the standard 5 year age groups plus finishers medals to all participants. Register before the deadline to guarantee a great multi-color T-shirt. The course will be an out & back trail race with scenic views on the east side of Lake Hancock. Trail will be grass, dirt, uneven ground, including thru a cow pasture, but a fun time will be had by all.

Coupon Code – FIT5 for $5 off

The Run Like You Care 5k and 10k is a road race benefiting the Lake Wales Care Center. A facility that provides everything from mentors and shelter to clothing, food and other emergency services for those people in the local community in need.

Road race at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) during the 46th annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo on Saturday, April 4th at 7am. The race will begin on the Terminal Ramp as the start line is flanked by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. During the run, you will be able to witness the launching of over twenty (20) hot air balloons as the course winds its way down Runway 5/23, Taxiway A, and across various other connecting taxiways and ramps to the finish line.

Come join us for one of the most unique 5K racecourses in Florida! Proceeds will go to the Lakeland Aeroclub, a high school flying club that teaches high school and college-age students how to fly and restore airplanes, as well as the Women in Aviation Heart of Florida Chapter.

Join us at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr., to support the work of Red Tent Initiative: Creating a Culture of Empowerment to End Abuse and Exploitation in our Communities. #AdvocateSupportEmpower

Check-in 7:30 am

Race start at 8:00 am

More details and registration information to come.

Join the Lakeland Runners Club for an evening 5k road race and walk which routes 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 Runners Club’s 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.

Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the PEF since 2012, and funded ten $1,500 scholarships for May 2019 graduates. Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. has donated $67,000 for scholarships since 2012.

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.

Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the PEF since 2012, and funded ten $1,500 scholarships for May 2019 graduates. Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. has donated $67,000 for scholarships since 2012.

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.

Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the PEF since 2012, and funded ten $1,500 scholarships for May 2019 graduates. Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. has donated $67,000 for scholarships since 2012.

Conquer four races in 24 hours! All races will be chip timed. Cumulative results from the four races are used to determine official results.  All courses are on pavement or sidewalk and are generally flat. The two-mile course does reward participants with a tough little hill near the finish. The first 5k is around Lake Hollingsworth. The one-mile race is around Lake Morton. The two-mile race is around Lake Hunter. The final 5k repeats the course around Lake Hollingsworth. Can you run the Saturday 5K faster than you did the Friday 5K?

There is a post-race party and awards ceremony at the Lake Mirror Center.  8:15 PM – 10:00 PM

The Aching Quad Four Race Challenge was established in 2006.

The 10k is the oldest annual race in Polk County and runs through the Lakeland chain of lakes and historic Lake Morton district, encompassing three lakes during the course. The Lake to Lake 10k is run on a certified course (FL19044TY).  The race will be chip timed.

See race information for seeded athlete entry requirements.

The Lake to Lake 10k was founded in 1977.

A portion of the proceeds from the Lake to Lake 10k will benefit the YMCA of West Central Florida.

The Mean & Green 5 Mile Trail Race will be held on the grass and dirt trails at Holloway Park, a private park in the middle of Lakeland. This event will be low-key and environmentally friendly. We’re going retro with no finisher medals, and awards for male and female overall, masters and grandmasters only. You’ll need to bring your own bottle or cup for to refill during and after the race.  With your help, we can host an event with minimal trash going to the landfill. For your effort, you’ll receive a banana and a 50/50 blend long sleeve unisex T.

This event expands the LRC lineup of races to include trail running and will be held during Florida’s cool season. The race will be chip timed. The Mean & Green 5 Mile Trail Race supports Holloway Park and cross country running in Polk County.