A family-friendly 5K event
Grab your family, friends, coworkers and your running shoes and join us for this family-friendly 5K event. Enjoy a children's area, refreshments, and door prizes. Medals will be awarded to the fastest runners in each age bracket, and our Traveling Cup will be awarded to the fastest-running team.
- When: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Where: Silver Springs State Park
- Event Day Registration and Packet Pick-up Start Time: 7:00 AM. The 5K will begin at 8:00 AM.
- Early Packet Pick-up: February 23rd-27th 8a-5p at Marion County Office of the County Engineer (412 SE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Shirt deadline is midnight January 14, 2026. DO NOT miss out on your Run for the Springs shirt!
This is the first year that the race will take place at the Silver Springs State Park. This year's 5K is a trail run! The trail is an unpaved. It meanders through classic Florida woods. (Note to participants: this year’s race is considered a trail run. Please know that the trail is unpaved with some uneven surfaces.)
Age Brackets: 0-16, 17-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55+
Teams require a minimum of three (3) registered runners.
Marion County is home to Silver Springs, one of the world’s largest and most famous artesian springs, along with Rainbow Springs and Silver Glen. Our natural springs, lakes, and rivers make Marion County a beautifully unique place to live, work, and play. Since we use this same water for drinking and other daily activities, we all play a role in keeping our water clean. The Run for the Springs will celebrate our community while raising awareness about steps that individuals and businesses can take to protect our water resources. Proceeds will be returned to Marion County residents and local businesses in the form of grants that will benefit the health of the springs.
If you would like to become a sponsor, please reach out to our Stormwater section at: (352) 671-8686 or Stormwater@MarionFL.org; or visit Marion County's Run website at https://www.marionfl.org/our-county/run-for-the-springs.
