5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons

  • 5k races
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    About 5k races

    A 5K is the shortest of the common running event distances we review at Runnerclick, consisting of 3.1 miles (5 kilometers).  These events can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular event you are looking into running.  5Ks are the most popular of road running events because of their relatively short distance which allows not only the seasoned runners to run, but novice runners, joggers and people that prefer to walk as well.  5Ks are also something fun for families to do together.

    How did we choose the best 5K events in Florida?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors included how long the course has been around, the race swag you get at the finish line. This can vary from types of running shoes, insoles, watches, fitness equipment and more. The design and quality of the medals is another important factor that many runners consider when picking a race.

    What are the best 5K races in the Florida Panhandle?

    The Pensacola Beach Run 5K and the Pensacola Double Bridge Run are two popular 5K races in the Florida Panhandle.  These Florida 3.1-mile races offer runners scenic courses that include the white sandy beaches of Pensacola and waterfront views.  The Pensacola Beach Run 5K is part of the Pensacola Marathon Event.  Both 5K races are sponsored by Pensacola Sports, Florida's oldest sports organizing and management group.  Their goal is to improve the quality of life, health, well-being and monetary development of Pensacola and surrounding areas through education, inspiration and participation.

    What are the best 5K races in North Florida?

    North Florida, specifically Jacksonville and St. Augustine, are home to many notable 5K races.  These include the DONNA Marathon Weekend 5K, the Run for the Pies 5K, the Florida Times Union 5K for Charity, and the Lighthouse 5K. 1st Place Sports is North Florida's running headquarters and sponsors many race events with Run for the Pies 5K being one of their featured races.  1st Place Sports offers FREE Weekly Group Runs as a way to connect other runners in the community.

    What are the best 5K races in Central Florida?

    Walt Disney World is the host to many popular 5K races.  These include the Fall Feast 5K, the Princess 5K, the Star Wars 5K and the Walt Disney World 5K. These 5K races offer runners of all levels plenty of Disney entertainment and characters for 3.1 miles as well as custom-designed Finisher's Medals.

    What are the best 5K events in South Florida?

    The Fort Lauderdale A1A 5K and the Tropical 5k are popular in South Florida.  Both of these Florida 5K races are part of Marathon Weekend events.  These 3.1-mile courses offer runners participating in the Half Marathon or Marathon events with a warm-up or preview of the 13.1 and 26.2 mile course.

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  • 10k races
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    About 10k races

    A 10K is one of the most common running event distances, consisting of 6.2 (10 kilometers).  These events can either be competitive or more for fun, depending on the particular one you are looking into.  They are twice the distance of the 5K and still relatively short in distance.  Less runners tend to participate than the 5K, but these events still get a lot of not only seasoned runners, but novice runners and joggers in attendance.

    How did we choose the best 10K events in Florida?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors included how long the course has been around, the race swag and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.  According to Running in the USA, there are 244 10K races with most of these 6.2-mile races being held in October and November.

    What are the best 10K races in the Florida Panhandle?

    The Springtime 10K in Tallahassee has been taking place since 1976.  This 6.2-mile race takes place prior to Downtown Tallahassee's Springtime Parade.

    What are the best 10K races in North Florida?

    North Florida, specifically Jacksonville and St. Augustine, are home to many notable 10K races.  These include the DONNA Marathon Weekend 10K, the  Never Quit 10K, the Endless Summer 10K and Best Damn Race.

    What are the best 10K races in Central Florida?

    Walt Disney World is the host to many popular 10K races.  These include the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K, Disney Wine & Dine 10K, Star Wars 10K and the Walt Disney World 10K.  These 10K races offer runners of all levels plenty of Disney entertainment and characters for 6.2 miles as well as custom-designed Finisher's Medals.  These 10K events are included in the popular Run Disney Challenges where runners complete a combination of race distances.

    What are the best 10K events in South Florida?

    The Fort Myers 10K, Key West Running Festival 10K, and Run for Music 10K are some of the most popular 6.2-mile events in this region of Florida.  The Fort Myers 10K and Key West Running Festival 10K are part of weekend events that feature races of varying distance.

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  • Half marathons
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    About Half marathons

    A Half Marathon event consists of running 13 miles (21 kilometers) and as the label suggests, is half of a standard Marathon of 26 miles.  The popularity, participants of the half marathon distance, and its events have significantly grown since the early 2000's and they continue to do so, with massive events popping up all over the states.  The growth rate of participants for the half marathon distance is currently higher than that of the full.  According to Running In the USA, there are 144 half marathons in the state of Florida.  Most of these half marathons take place in October and November.  There are less than 10 half marathon events held in the months of April through July with zero half marathon events held in August and September.

    How did we choose the best Half Marathon events in Florida?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 13.1-mile course is.

    What are the best Half Marathons in the Florida Panhandle?

    There are many half marathon events to choose from here as the three major cities of the Florida Panhandle are home to half marathon events.  The notable Half Marathon events in the Florida Panhandle include the Pensacola Half Marathon, Tallahassee Half Marathon and the Panama City Beach Half Marathon to name a few. The Pensacola Half Marathon and Panama City Beach Half Marathon events provide runners with beautiful waterfront views of the Gulf of Mexico.

    What are the best half marathons in North Florida?

    North Florida is home to the DONNA Marathon Weekend, which is a huge charity event with the goal of finishing Breast Cancer.  The DONNA Marathon Weekend includes several race distances and is dedicated to breast cancer research and care.  The half marathon race takes place in Jacksonville and brings thousands of runners and breast cancer supporters back year after year.

    What are the best half marathons in Central Florida?

    Central Florida includes the major cities of Orlando and Tampa.  Some of the most notable Half Marathon running events include the ones held at the Walt Disney World resorts and theme parks.  These include the Disney Princess Half Marathon, the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon, and the Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side.  The space-theme and collectible Finisher's Medals make the Space Coast Half Marathon event a great race for runners of all levels.

    What are the best half marathon events in South Florida?

    The Fort Myers Half Marathon, Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon and Miami Half Marathon events are popular in South Florida.  The waterfront views offered by these half marathon courses appeal to runners.  The Fort Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon is held in February, which makes it a great warm weather destination for those looking to get away from cold, wintry days.

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  • Marathons
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    About Marathons

    Marathon events consist of 26 miles (42 kilometers) and the courses are typically laid out through roads. Starting in the Olympics in the early 1900's, marathons have quickly picked up in popularity and in 2017 there are currently more than 800 events being held in North America, and that number is consistently growing.  Over 90% of these marathons are being held in the United States, with 7%  being held in Canada.  About 72% of these marathons are certified, which means they are Boston Marathon Qualifiers.  September and October are the most popular months for marathon events, with over 100 in each month.

    How did we choose the best Marathon events in Florida?

    We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event.  Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered.  Other factors include how long the event has been around, the runner perks and Finisher's Medals, what runners thought of the event and how scenic the 26.2-mile course is.  All of the Florida marathons described here are USATF Certified and are Boston Qualifiers.  These marathons are all fast and flat, which makes them appealing to those trying to achieve a qualifying time for Boston.

    What are the best Marathons in the Florida Panhandle?

    There are many marathon events to choose from here as the three major cities of the Florida Panhandle are home to marathon events.  The notable Marathon events in the Florida Panhandle include the Pensacola Marathon, Tallahassee Marathon and the Panama City Beach Marathon to name a few.

    What are the best marathons in North Florida?

    North Florida is home to the DONNA Marathon Weekend, which is a huge charity event with the goal of finishing Breast Cancer.  This notable marathon event takes place in Jacksonville and brings marathoners back year after year.  Another popular marathon in North Florida is the Ocala Marathon, which gives runners an opportunity to run through Marion County's Horse Country.

    What are the best marathons in Central Florida?

    Central Florida includes the major cities of Orlando and Tampa.  Some of the most notable Marathon running events include the Walt Disney World Marathon, the Space Coast Marathon, the Orlando Marathon and the Florida Marathon.  The Walt Disney World Marathon is popular for its 26.2-mile course that takes runners through all 4 Disney Theme Parks and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.  The space-theme and collectible Finisher's Medals make the Space Coast Marathon event a great marathon for runners of all levels.

    What are the best marathons in South Florida?

    The Fort Myers Marathon, Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon and Miami Marathon events are popular in South Florida.  The waterfront views offered by these marathon courses appeal to runners.  The Fort Lauderdale A1A Marathon is held in February, which makes it a great warm-weather destination for those looking to get away from cold, wintry days.

    What kind of equipment/gear do you need for marathons?

    1. Running shoes that are good for marathon distances
    2. Weather appropriate running clothes
    3. Running accessories - This may or may not include, depending on the weather, hats, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
    4. Racing bib
    5. Race entry information (location, bib number pick-up, etc.)
    6. I.D.
    7. Money
    8. Phone (be sure you have an appropriate phone holder so you don't hold it in your hands)
    9. Any medication that you take regularly
    10. Necessary hydration (various means of water storage options include: water bottles and hydration belts)

    There are some things you mustn't forget to have after the race. Those things include towels, clean and dry apparel, replenishment in the form of electrolytes, and a roomy bag for all of your gear.

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