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Orlando Is For Runners! Top Rated Races From 5ks To Marathons

Who says running and vacation don’t go together? A trip to Orlando doesn’t need to mean hanging up your running shoes for the week. In fact, Orlando has some fantastic races and you may just want to schedule your trip around one!

Avid runners and sports enthusiasts will love Orlando. Whether you travel (and run) with family, friends, or on your own, you won’t run out of racing options to choose from. From 5K, 10K, full marathons, the race for healthy kids, or a fun run such as Spokkasaurus, Orlando has you covered. So lace up and get training.

Some of the 10 best races in 2020

Orlando Best Damn Race

This race donates all of its proceeds to Special Olympics Florida and features a unique registration offering all runners the one of a kind opportunity to join the race for as little as $1.

This year, a total of 3,750 runners are expected to join the race. 1,250 runners are expected to join the 10K run and half marathon distances. An event like this in Downtown Orlando raises proceeds for benefit but also showcases the beautiful landscape around the area. It’s a great run. Go it alone or go with your friends or family, this event will add excitement to your already fun-filled trip to Downtown Orlando.

bowling alley at Villatel Orlando vacation rentals

Chasing the Dream - MLK Day Celebration

Chasing the Dream is a 5K race that gives you the chance to support equality, join the movement to unite the Orlando community, and honor the life of an incredible man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The race offers chip timing, as well as age group awards. All runners of this racing event will be given a shirt, race packet, and medal. All proceeds raised from this event will go to a local charity – one good reason why you shouldn’t miss this! This is one of the most popular 5K races in Orlando.

Fun fact! All participants can also enjoy an energetic Zumba warmup, great music, and free raffles. Chasing the Dream offers a quick and flat course route along a gorgeous park that is approved by the USATF. If you can’t get enough of the race and still want to do good for the community, you can volunteer at a charitable institution after the event. Keep Dr. King’s dream passionately burning by actively participating to improve Orlando’s community, there are a lot of dreamers waiting for you.

Disney-Race

Disney Marathons

What sets Disney race from other races in Orlando? Nothing much! Except that you’ll run a route along Disney’s fascinating parks that will take you on an exciting adventure under the sea or on a far-flung galaxy journey. From Kids’ Races to full marathons, Disney has it all. You’ll be able to race with Disney Characters, enjoy live entertainment, and receive an honorary Disney finisher medal. These are the perfect races for kids and kids at heart who wanted to experience the most enchanting marathons in Orlando.

Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon - 10,000 participants

Brace yourself for the most mythical weekend with some of your all-time favorite Disney characters. The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon whips up a delicious race menu for participants of all ages and skill abilities; plus there’s a special challenge for participants who are looking for two courses. You’ll enjoy plenty of Disney entertainment during the race and exchange stories about it with other participants at the Post-Race Party, which is exclusively for runners and guests.

Walt Disney World Marathon - 10,000 participants

Think you’re up for an amazing race weekend? Then put on your running shoes and be ready to run with Mickey and friends. Your endurance will be tested in the Walt Disney World Marathon. Together with 10,000 other runners, you will enjoy incredible entertainment and receive honorary medals. Looking for something to test your limits? You can join a multi-race challenge to earn more commemorative medals. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll be a member of a community that’s filled with fun-spirited runners – just like the true Disney spirit!

families enjoying amenities at Villatel Village in Orlando FL

Disney Princess Marathon

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend is one of the biggest racing events in the United States. The race accommodated almost 10,000 participants in 2009 and this year, a massive 56,000 participants are expected to join.

U Can Finish 5 Mile and 2 Mile - 1000 - 5000 participants

Hosted by the biggest university in Orlando, the U Can Finish 5 Mile and 2 Mile races are joined by runners, walkers, UCF students, faculty, and alumni to celebrate the Black and Gold spirit.

Run Run Santa 1 Mile - 500-1000 participants

running races in orlando

This all-Santa racing event features a fast and vibrant 1-mile course that caters to both veteran runners and families who are looking to celebrate the holiday season together.

Real Florida 5K/10K

Real Florida 5K/10K takes you on a racing event at the ravishing Wekiva Springs State Park. A beautiful Florida run.

St. Paddy’s Day 5K

The St. Paddy’s 5K is a racing event for those who are looking for ways to improve their leadership qualities through contributing and volunteering to the community.

Orlando-Marathon

Some Other Interesting Runs That Are Highly Rated

Rise and Shine for NSB Caps 4 Miler Pajama Run/Walk

This particular fund-raising event benefits the NSB alumni and high school students annual scholarships. This fun fund-raising event encourages all participants to come in their pajamas during the run and have a post-race breakfast at the park later on.

Celebration Rotary Club Pancake Race

This is an annual run that can span 5k-10k and will take you the downtown area, passing the ponds, cute shops, restaurants, and more. The finish line will greet runners with freshly-made pancakes! Also, you’ll have the healthiest breakfast and beverages here with a live DJ playing tunes and a kids area for the little ones to have fun too.

For the Fun of It - Some Less Traditional Runs

Orlando is also very popular for its less traditional runs. If you love the less traditional ones and still enjoy a good run, then opt for these events. Here are a few fun marathons you should check out.

10K-races-in-orlando

Cool Events LLC sponsors lots of unique runs – races that are dedicated to children and giving back to the community. Check out their site.

2020 Bubble Run Orlando

This marathon will make you feel as if you are running inside Willy Wonka’s factory.

2020 Foam Glow Run

One of the biggest racing events in Orlando that is dedicated to raising funds for children with cancer.

2020 Blacklight Run Orlando

A glow in the dark racing event established to help children with cancer.

Jenny Albert Hatchling Dash 5K

A charity racing event dedicated to preserving sea turtles and their habitat.

The “Pig Penth” Annual Pig Run of Lake Nona

A fun-filled racing event established to raise money for children with a life-threatening illness.

And For The Little Runners

The little ones have their very own events too! They are all specially made for kid runners to get them off on the right foot while they’re young.

Here are a few:

Healthy Kids Running Series - Hunters Creek

Healthy Kids Running Series was founded by Jeff Long, the President and Founder of Pattison Sports Group, to encourage children to live an active and healthy lifestyle, and combat obesity by introducing them to running.

The Young and the Breathless 5K Fun Run

The Young and Breathless 5K fun run is a fun and exciting racing event to get your kids into physical activities such as running. Kids aged 2-4 can race too in the kid zone.

Let’s Get Moving Kids

This event is open for kids and teens. It can consist of a 1/8 mile, 3K, or 5K run or walk.

Racing for a Cause

Running for a cause is not new to runners around Orlando. These events are always well attended by many runners all over the United States. Here are some noteworthy racing events with a cause.

Pink on Parade

Pink on Parade is a beautiful three-mile marathon that takes you to the Town of Celebration. It is built to support women who are bravely fighting breast cancer, survivors who have won their battle, and those who fought a good fight. Runners and participants wear their pinkest outfit in this event.

Orphan Run4Hope 5K Color Run

One of the most interesting interesting 5K races in Orlando, is a project that raises funds in support of children that are in orphanages all over the world. This is in partnership with local churches and other charities all across the USA.

Challenge for Hope 5K

Challenge for Hope 5K will take you inside the Enchanted Village to experience the happiness and hope that brightly shines here every single day. This racing event was established to support critically ill children and make their dreams come true.

That wraps this simple and easy guide to planning your running vacation in Orlando. Make your visit even more memorable by signing up for one of these great running races in Orlando. There are plenty of 5K races in Orlando for our beginners, and 10K races for our pros and marathons for the die-hard. You’ll enjoy the run, meet new runners, and support the community of Orlando and its people.