The Judd Jog is an annual 5k presented by Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. with all proceeds benefiting the United Way. The course is paved and begins and ends at the front of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office main office in Winter Haven. There will be additional activities available for your family and friends during the event, including Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations vehicles on display and a K-9 meet and greet. Also, registrants will be entered to win Raffle Prizes. (See the Judd Jog FaceBook page for more details) and more! T-Shirts are guaranteed if registered by April 1, 2025. Restrooms will be available for public use during the event. The Judd Jog is a shining example of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of our community coming together to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Come run with us as we raise money to benefit the United Way. Finisher medals will be awarded! Hope to see you there!

Discount
$25/runner; code: LRC25

The Pensacola Fiesta 10k & 5k, a Pensacola Runners Association Event, is the premier heritage road race in Northwest Florida and the perfect way to close out your Spring racing season. The event features fast and beautiful 10k and 5k races winding through the heart of Pensacola!

Celebrate 46 years of the Mayfaire 5k Road Race and Walk with an evening run or walk on residential streets from downtown Lakeland through the historic Lake Morton district. This event is held in conjunction with the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College’s annual Mayfaire by-the-lake art festival and the event shirt showcases the work of the festival’s featured artist.

Walkers are welcome at this event. The Mayfaire 5k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL22015JK). The race is chip-timed.

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

What’s the deal? So GMA picked LAKELAND (yes, us!) to represent as one of their cities for their first-ever 5K event. We’re rolling with the big leagues: Philly, Chicago, Houston,  and more. This is our chance to show off our stunning Lake Mirror and the coolest runner/walker group anywhere.  Select the Lakeland Runners Club so Good Morning America can you details specific to our location.

Don’t wait—put this on your calendar and plan to be there bright and early at 6:30 AM on May 14 for the anticipated 7:00 AM start. Sign up using the link below (free to everyone, so friends are welcome to join in).  GMA is handling registration so we won’t be able to send reminders, but trust us, you won’t want to miss it.

✨No timing, no pressure, just good vibes and GMA swag (limited quantities so first come, first served). The course will be five-1k loops around Lake Mirror so the camera crews can capture our group from every angle (do more or fewer laps as it suits your ability). Let’s show the country what Lakeland is all about.

Sign Up & Show Up make Lakeland Shine – runsignup.com/TheGMA5K

Let’s take a stand and “Run for Their Lives”! With each step we take, we can make a difference and help save them! Register now for SPCA Florida’s Run for Their Lives 5K on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the beautiful Peterson Park located at 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland, FL. Runners will enjoy a chip timed 5K race and will be saving lives with every step they take. Complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. Award ceremony will be conducted after the race. Race Time 7:00AM. Course will run most of the 3 Parks Trail.

Walkers and leashed dog’s welcome!

Registrants receive a race bib, choice of a race short sleeve T-shirt or tank top (Guaranteed if registered before 5/9/25) All finishers will receive a race medal after crossing the finish line.

Awards: Overall M & F and top three M & F in age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, up to 80+, and Largest Team

Packet pick up Fri-May 23, 4PM-7PM. FeetFleet 1523 Town Center Dr, Lakeland Sat, May 24th – Race Day packet pick-up at 6AM to 6:45AM at Peterson Park 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland

Race Starts at 7:00 AM followed by complimentary continental breakfast. For information about becoming a sponsor, email Lisette at leljaiek@spcaflorida.org

Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships

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 – the list of scholarship recipients is available on the LRC website.

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.

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

The first series was run in 1996.

Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships

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 – the list of scholarship recipients is available on the LRC website.

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.

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

The first series was run in 1996.

Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships

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 – the list of scholarship recipients is available on the LRC website.

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.

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

The first series was run in 1996.

Join us for the Walk/Run 5K “Que Vivan los Niños”, a special event dedicated to supporting children battling cancer in Guatemala. This race is not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about giving hope, strength, and a fighting chance to kids receiving life-saving treatment. Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome to run, walk, or simply show their support. Every step you take helps raise crucial funds to ensure that these children receive 100% free treatment, care, and support.