Holiday Road Races in Ocala
Your complete guide to seasonal 5K runs, Turkey Trots, and holiday-themed road races in Ocala and Marion County, Florida. Lace up and celebrate every season on the run.
Complete guide to holiday road races in Ocala and Marion County, Florida. From the Luck of the Leprechaun 5K to the Go and Gobble 5K, find every seasonal race near you.
Holiday Road Races in Ocala at a Glance
Ocala's holiday road race season peaks at Thanksgiving. On Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, runners can choose the Go and Gobble 5K at Florida Horse Park or the Pie Gobbler at Baseline Trailhead. December brings the Holiday races and Sleigh the Day trail race on Dec. 5, the Ocala Reindeer Run downtown on Dec. 12 and another Baseline race on Dec. 19.
Thanksgiving Morning: Go and Gobble 5K
Go and Gobble 5K
Part of the Run Ocala Race Series, the Go and Gobble 5K run/walk loops through the Florida Horse Park grounds on Thanksgiving morning. Registration is $40 through November 21 and includes a long-sleeve race shirt, bib and finisher medal.
Early packet pickup is Wednesday, Nov. 25, from 11 AM to 2 PM at The Running Elements, 29 NE 1st Ave in downtown Ocala; race-day pickup opens at 7 AM. Read more in our Go and Gobble 5K race preview. Another Thanksgiving option is the Pie Gobbler at Baseline Trailhead; for the rest of the day see Thanksgiving in Ocala.
Register on RunSignUpDate & Time
Thursday, November 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Location
Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala, FL 34480
Distance
5K run/walk
Included
Long-sleeve race shirt, bib, finisher medal
2026 Holiday Race Calendar
Plan your year of running with every holiday-themed road race in the Ocala area. All races require advance online registration.
Gobbler 5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathon
US Road Running's first Thanksgiving-season race at Baseline Trailhead, with four distances on the paved Baseline Trail and a medal for every finisher.
Gobbler 5K, 10K & Half Marathon
A second Gobbler the weekend before Thanksgiving on the paved Baseline Trail. 5K $30, 10K $45, half marathon $65, with a themed finisher medal.
Go and Gobble 5K
Next UpRun Ocala Race Series Thanksgiving race on the Florida Horse Park grounds. $40 through November 21, with a long-sleeve race shirt, bib and finisher medal. Early packet pickup Wednesday, Nov. 25, 11 AM-2 PM at The Running Elements downtown.
Pie Gobbler 5K, 10K & Half Marathon
US Road Running's Thanksgiving Day race on the paved Baseline Trail. 5K $30, 10K $45, half marathon $65; ages 1-15 enter for $5.
Holiday 5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathon
Four distances on the paved Baseline Trail with a holiday finisher medal. 5K $30, 10K $45, half marathon $65, marathon $95.
Sleigh the Day 5K / 10K
Radical Runs' holiday trail race on Silver Springs State Park's sand-and-root trails, with a custom medal, race shirt and age-group awards. Walkers and first-time trail runners are welcome.
Ocala Reindeer Run 5K
Presented by the Gaekwad Family, the Ocala Reindeer Run takes runners through festive downtown Ocala decorated for the holidays. The first 320 registrants receive a custom finisher medal. Packet pickup is Friday at the Hilton Garden Inn. Benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County. Register by December 1 to guarantee your T-shirt.
Holiday 5K, 10K & Half Marathon
US Road Running's last Baseline race before Christmas. 5K $30, 10K $45, half marathon $65; ages 1-15 enter for $5.
New Year 5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathon
Start the new year on the right foot with this New Year's Day race at Baseline Trailhead. All distances feature the paved out-and-back course. A post-race social and award ceremony is held at Twin Oaks Mansion in Silver Springs.
Why Run Ocala's Holiday Races
Whether you're a seasoned racer or a first-time 5K runner, Ocala's holiday road races offer something special for everyone.
Community Spirit
Thousands of local runners come together to celebrate every holiday on foot. The Turkey Trot alone draws 2,000+ participants from across Marion County.
Medals & Swag
Every race includes finisher medals, event T-shirts, and often trophies for age group winners. Register early to guarantee your shirt size.
All Skill Levels
From competitive runners chasing PRs to families walking together, Ocala holiday races offer multiple distances and fun run options for all ages.
Festive Atmosphere
Themed costumes, holiday decorations, and post-race celebrations make every seasonal race in Ocala a memorable experience beyond just the running.
Race Venue: Baseline Road Trailhead
The majority of Ocala's holiday road races take place at Baseline Road Trailhead, located at 4255 SE 58th Avenue in Ocala. This popular trailhead serves as the starting and finishing point for the paved out-and-back courses used by US Road Running and other race organizers throughout the year.
The course is flat, fast, and fully paved — making it ideal for runners of all experience levels. The trailhead provides on-site restrooms near the playground area, ample parking, and easy access from both SR 200 and SE 58th Avenue. Packet pickup typically begins 30 minutes before race start time.
Baseline Trailhead also connects to the larger Santos trail system, one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the southeastern United States. After your race, consider exploring the Santos trails area for additional outdoor adventure.
Address
4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34472
Course Type
Paved out-and-back
Terrain
Flat and fast — great for PRs
Facilities
Restrooms, parking, playground area
Registration
Online only via RunSignUp (no on-site registration)
Packet Pickup
30 minutes before race start
Race Day Tips for Ocala Runners
Register Early
Most Ocala races require online registration through RunSignUp. There is no on-site registration at Baseline Trailhead races. Register early to lock in your T-shirt size and avoid sold-out events.
Arrive 45 Minutes Early
Packet pickup opens 30 minutes before the start. Give yourself extra time for parking, picking up your bib, warming up, and finding the starting corral.
Dress for Florida Weather
Even holiday races in Ocala can be warm. March and November morning temperatures range from the mid-50s to low 70s. Wear moisture-wicking fabrics and bring sunscreen.
Hydrate the Day Before
Florida humidity can sneak up on you. Start hydrating well before race morning. Most race courses provide water stations but it is smart to carry your own bottle too.
Know the Course
Baseline Trailhead courses are flat, paved out-and-back routes. The Go and Gobble 5K runs on the Florida Horse Park grounds. Study the course map before race day.
Celebrate After
Ocala has fantastic post-race breakfast spots. Head to a local favorite like the Braised Onion or Betty Cakes to refuel after your run.
Explore More in Ocala
Fourth of July in Ocala
Iggy's 4 on the 4th, fireworks, parades & July 4th events
Learn moreRunning Guide
Trails, routes, and running clubs in the Ocala area
Learn moreEvents Calendar
All upcoming events in Ocala and Marion County
Learn moreSantos Bike Trails
World-class mountain biking near Baseline Trailhead
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
What holiday road races are held in Ocala, Florida?
Where is the Luck of the Leprechaun 5K in Ocala?
How do I register for Ocala road races?
What Thanksgiving races are in Ocala in 2026?
Are Ocala holiday road races family-friendly?
What is the course like at Baseline Trailhead Park in Ocala?
Is there a July 4th race in Ocala?
Are there any Christmas-themed races near Ocala?
Ready to Run?
The Luck of the Leprechaun 5K is coming up on March 14, 2026. Register today and join Ocala's running community for a festive St. Patrick's Day race.
Verified Information: Race details on this page are sourced from official race listings on RunSignUp. Dates, locations, and registration details are verified against official sources. Please confirm current registration status and any schedule changes directly with the race organizer before registering. Last updated February 2026. View our editorial guidelines.