We already know. The new year approaches and with it comes new resolutions—many concerning exercise and health. So, here’s a list of 10 local races for you to sign up, train and conquer.
All the races happen in the first six months of 2024.
New Year’s Day Depot Park 5k
Jan. 1
Gainesville
Determined to make 2024 great? Prove it by running, jogging or walking around Depot Park less than eight hours into the new year.
The city of Gainesville hosts this weekly 5k at Depot Park with an extra event on New Year’s Day. The event will be Jan. 1 at 7:30 a.m. Participants register online for free and bring their barcode the morning of the race. It’s a timed race and starts at the east overlook—near the parking lot off SE 4th Street.
The park run will continue its typical Saturday schedule on Jan. 6—also at 7:30 a.m.
Gainesville QB Club inaugural 5k Beer run
Jan. 20
High Springs
Hosted by The Gainesville Quarterback Club, this inaugural 5k supports Gators football, and scuttlebutt says several Gator greats will be at the run. By scuttlebutt, I mean it’s on their website.
Happening on Jan. 20, the race begins at 8 a.m. with the start and finish line at the High Springs Brewery. All participants will get a mason jar lid finisher medal and time to relax at the brewery following their hard work.
The race costs $40 with registration lasting until midnight the day before. Register and find more info here.
Newnans Lake 15k
Jan. 27
Gainesville
Lloyd Clarke Sports organizes several races throughout the year. The Newnans Lake 15k is the first and arguably the prettiest, following flat roads around the lake shorelines.
This year’s race is on Jan. 27 at 8:30 a.m. The race starts and ends at Earl P. Powers Park (boat ramp) off Hawthorne Road. Early registration costs $40 before increasing with the new year to $50. Same day registration is available and costs $60.
This year, the race is bringing back age group awards. The race will have a first, second and third place male and female award for each age group. The age groups under 19 years old, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and then 70 years and older.
There will also be top awards for the overall top finishers.
Register and find more information online.
Race for Rehab Color Run—5k
Feb. 3
Gainesville
Hosted by and fundraising for UF’s Department of Physical Therapy, the Race for Rehab will happen at Flavet Field and feature door prizes, photo ops and games.
The race will be on Feb. 3 at 8 a.m. The run costs $25 with prices increasing in 2024. You can register online.
Springs Run 7.2k
Feb. 3
Gainesville
The 10th annual Springs Run 7.2k will happen on Feb. 3 at 11 a.m. For those wanting to support the springs but not run so far, a 1 miler will also happen.
The run happens from First Magnitude and supports the Florida Springs Institute. The course takes you around Depot Park and down the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail to Boulware Springs before you turn around and head back.
The race costs $30 for the full 7.2 kilometers and $10 for the 1 miler (or 1.609344 kilometers for those of you keeping track). Prices increase after the new year.
You can also add a donation to the institute to receive a special T-shirt and pint glass. You must register by Jan. 18. Register online.
Fight or Flight
Feb. 24
Ocala
The second annual Fight or Flight 5k at Ocala International Airport benefits local first responders and boasts a unique track.
Runners will wind their way across the airport’s ramp, runways and taxiways. After the race, different airplane displays will also be open for viewing.
The race starts at 7 a.m. and costs $35 with price increases in the new year. You can sign up online.
Trail of Payne 10k
March 23
Micanopy
Runners will tread over dirt, roots, grass, gravel, boardwalk and more on this run with a little bit of everything. Depending on the weather beforehand, the race can also turn into a bit of a mud run. You’ll find out once you arrive on March 23 for the 8:30 a.m. starting gun.
For the 12th edition of the Trail of Payne, there will also be a 5k option. The 5k costs $30, and the 10k is $40. Prices increase after Feb. 27. Register online.
Silver Springs Half Marathon and 5k
April 6
Ocala
A trail run through Silver Springs State Park, the half and 5k promise to have beautiful scenery. After the run, you can also take a trip on the park’s glass-bottom boats. A portion of each entry cost goes to the Florida Springs Council.
The half ($85) starts at 7:30 a.m. with the 5k ($37) just 15 minutes after. Prices increase after the first of the year, and you can register online.
Run Your Buns Off
April 7
Hawthorne
A UFTF certified half and full marathon, you’ll be running your buns off on the Gainesville—Hawthorne Trail. Unlike the Springs Run 7.2k though, you’ll start from the Hawthorne side.
The race also features a 5k and 10k option. Prices and registration are available here—with discounts for U18. Awards will be for the overall top three males and females along with age category awards.
Seamark MudRun
April 13
Green Cove Springs
The 11th annual Seamark MudRun is the only official mud run on the list and it comes with 27 obstacles—because plain racing isn’t tiring enough. Happening at the Seamark Ranch, the run benefits the nonprofit’s work with at-risk children.
The race happens rain or shine. No problem for a mud run, and looking at the pictures, there will be plenty of mud.
The first wave of runners starts at 8:30 a.m., and the last wave rolls at 10:15 a.m. You can also opt for a 1 mile fun run at 11 a.m. or 11:20 a.m.
The race costs $65 if you register this year and increases when the new year begins and again in March and April.
Register and find more details online.