2018 Central Florida Holiday Races & Fun Runs

One of the best things about this time of year is that the weather starts to cool down. And cooler weather means it is the perfect time to add a few fun holiday themed races to your calendar. Races start on Turkey Day and continue through Christmas, so you are bound to find one (or two) that will fit into your schedule. You can even put together a silly holiday costume to make things a bit more fun.

Today I’m sharing a list of some of the holiday races and fun runs taking place around Central Florida. This year I will be participating in the Give Kids The World’s Challenge for Hope 5k at Give Kids the World Village. GKTW is one of my favorite charities and I just love this event. Give Kids The World’s Challenge for Hopewelcomes runners inside their magical Village to experience the wonder, happiness and hope that happens there every day!

Seniors First Turkey Trot 5k

Thursday, November 22nd at 8:00 am
Lake Eola – 227 N. Eola Dr, Orlando, FL 32801

A Thanksgiving tradition now in its 29th year. Join us at beautiful Lake Eola bright and early Thanksgiving morning and burn some calories before you feast! Participate as over 5,000 runners, joggers and walkers, many dressed in full costumes or Thanksgiving themed hats hit the course for a morning of fun to raise money for Meals on Wheels and other programs that support seniors in our community.

Cocoa Beach Turkey Trot 5k

Thursday, November 22nd at 8:00 am
20 N. Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL US 32931

A Cocoa Beach road race for runners and walkers through residential Cocoa Isles. Youth runs of 1/4, 1/2, and 1 mile for the young gobblers. Get your Thanksgiving off to a healthy start and create a great holiday tradition with family and friends!

Turkey Day 5K

Thursday, November 22nd at 8:00 am
600 E 1st Street, Sanford, FL US 32771

th Annual Turkey Day 5K in Sanford, Florida.  This is a holiday fun run for the entire family to come run or walk and have a great time!

New Smyrna Beach Turkey Day 5K Run/Walk

Thursday, November 22nd at 9:45 am
Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL US 32069

Gobble gobble! What better way to enjoy your Turkey Day then by burning those calories before the big meal?! Bring the whole family and enjoy this chip-timed race that takes place on the beautiful hard-packed beaches of New Smyrna Beach.

Holly Hill Jingle Bell Jog 3K Fun Run & Walk

Friday, November 30th at 5:30 pm
Holly Hill City Hall – 1065 Ridgewood Avenue, Holly Hill, FL US 32117

Come out and celebrate the 58th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Holly Hill with a great family friendly 3K run and walk along the lighted streets of Holly Hill. Everyone is invited to stay after the event for the festivities and the tree lighting at 6:00pm.

Give Kids The World’s Challenge for Hope

Saturday, December 8th at 7:30 am
Give Kids The World Village – 210 S. Bass Road Kissimmee, FL 34746

RDV Jingle Run 5K

Saturday, December 8th at 7:30 am
RDV Sportsplex – 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd, Orlando, FL US 32810

RDV Sportsplex Jingle Run 5K promises a fun morning of holiday cheer! Dress for a fit and festive morning to walk, jog or run the tree-lined streets of Maitland. Since 1998 RDV Sportsplex has benefitted the Central Florida community and the Boys & Girls Clubs through its holiday run, raising more than $167,000 for the kids at the Joe R. Lee Branch in Eatonville.

Candy Cane 5K

Saturday, December 8th at 8:00 am
1100 E. State Road 434, Winter Springs, FL US 32708

12th annual Candy Cane 5K to benefit Boys Town Central Florida.

Greg Warmoth Reindeer Run

Saturday, December 15th at 7:15 am
SeaWorld – 7007 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32821

Bring the family out for the best Holiday Fun Run in the area. Run or walk the awesome route through SeaWorld to the sound of holiday bells and finish in a Runner wonderland with holiday treats for all finishers! Celebrating 21 years of holiday cheers!

Christmas Cookie Fun Run – 1 mile and 5k

Saturday, December 15th at 9:00 am
Bill Frederick Park – 3401 S Hiawassee Rd, Orlando, FL 32835

5K Family Fun Run with clock timing • Kids 1 mile Fun Run • Photos with Santa • Cookies with Santa’s elves  • Carolers • Costume contest • “Snow” • Awesome medals & race shirts

Santa’s Twilight 5K

Saturday, December 15th at 6:00 pm
Historic Downtown Clermont, Clermont, FL

A Holiday Themed Night Run in Historic Downtown Clermont!

Holiday Bridge Challenge 5K

Saturday, December 22nd at 8:00 am
44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach, FL US 32176

This unique and challenging course will not only wind along the Halifax River but also offer views of the Casements (John D Rockefeller’s winter home), Fortunato Park and traverses the Granada Bridge.