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.
Holiday Road Races in Ocala at a Glance
Ocala's holiday road race season runs all year long, with 10+ themed events at nearly every major holiday. The next upcoming race is the Luck of the Leprechaun 5K on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Baseline Road Trailhead. Other highlights include the Mother's Day 5K through downtown, Iggy's 4 on the Fourth Freedom Run at Veterans Memorial Park, the Labor Day 5K, and the massive YMCA Turkey Trot drawing 2,000+ runners each Thanksgiving. The festive Ocala Reindeer Run 5K benefits the Boys & Girls Club.
Next Up: Luck of the Leprechaun 5K
Luck of the Leprechaun 5K
Ocala's St. Paddy's Day tradition returns for another year of festive running at the scenic Baseline Road Trailhead. Whether you're chasing a PR or just looking for a fun morning out with the family, this race has something for everyone — including a 1 Mile Fun Run and a kids' race.
Every registered runner receives a soft event T-shirt with guaranteed sizing for those who register by March 6. The flat, paved course at Baseline Trailhead is perfect for runners of all abilities, and the festive St. Patrick's Day atmosphere makes this one of the most fun races on the Ocala calendar.
Register on RunSignUpDate & Time
Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Location
Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34480
Distances
5K Run/Walk, 1 Mile Fun Run, Kids' Race
Perks
Soft event T-shirt, finisher medal, kids' race ($10 run / $15 with shirt)
Course
Paved out-and-back, flat and fast, restrooms on site
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.
Luck of the Leprechaun 5K
Next UpOcala's St. Patrick's Day themed race featuring a paved out-and-back course at the scenic Baseline Trailhead. Every registered runner receives a soft event T-shirt (guaranteed size until March 6). The kids race is just $10 for run only or $15 with a T-shirt.
Mother's Day 5K Run/Walk
Celebrate Mom with the 5th Annual Mother's Day 5K through Ocala's beautiful Historic District. Starting downtown and finishing in Citizens Circle, this festive spring race includes post-race music, raffle drawings, and a Mother's Day celebration. Early bird pricing starts at $35.
Iggy's 4 on the Fourth Freedom Run
Ocala's signature Independence Day race honoring Greg Iggy Miller. This spirited four-mile run winds through the tree-shaded neighborhoods of Southeast Ocala, starting and ending at Veterans Memorial Park. All participants receive a patriotic finisher medal and commemorative T-shirt, with post-race food, music, and festivities for all ages. Raises awareness for Marion County Veterans Park.
Eagle 5K, 10K & Half Marathon
Celebrate Independence Day with a patriotic morning run at Baseline Trailhead Park. This July 4th tradition offers three distances on a paved course, complete with finisher medals and a festive holiday atmosphere.
Labor Day 5K
The 5th Annual Labor Day 5K is a great way to cap off summer with a morning run at Baseline Trailhead. The first 100 finishers earn a special finisher prize. Register by August 27 to guarantee your T-shirt. Age group awards span from 0-9 to 70+.
Pie Gobbler 5K, 10K & Half Marathon
Earn your Thanksgiving feast with this Turkey Day morning race at Baseline Trailhead. The Pie Gobbler is a Thanksgiving tradition for runners who want to start the holiday with a morning run before the big meal.
YMCA Turkey Trot 5K & 10K
The largest road race in Ocala, the annual Frank DeLuca YMCA Turkey Trot draws more than 2,000 runners every Thanksgiving morning. Includes race shirt, finisher medal, group exercise classes, outdoor pickleball, and children's activities. Proceeds support YMCA community programs.
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 & Full Marathon
Get into the holiday spirit with this festive December race at Baseline Trailhead Park. Choose from four distances on the paved out-and-back course. A great way to stay active during the holiday season and earn a finisher medal.
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 34480
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
Ocala's Biggest Race: YMCA Turkey Trot
The Frank DeLuca YMCA Turkey Trot is the crown jewel of Ocala's holiday running scene. Held every Thanksgiving morning at the Frank DeLuca YMCA (3200 SE 17th Street), this annual tradition has been running for more than 30 years and consistently draws over 2,000 participants from across Marion County and beyond.
The event goes well beyond a standard road race. Along with the 5K and 10K distances, the Turkey Trot features virtual race options, an indoor cardio cycling class, an outdoor pickleball tournament, group exercise classes, and outdoor games for children. It's truly a community-wide Thanksgiving celebration centered around fitness and family.
Every participant receives a race shirt and finisher medal, with trophies awarded to top finishers in each age group. Proceeds from the Turkey Trot support the Frank DeLuca YMCA's community programs, including youth development, healthy living initiatives, and social responsibility programs throughout Marion County.
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 YMCA Turkey Trot follows neighborhood roads near the YMCA campus. 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
Running 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 moreThings to Do
Complete guide to activities and attractions in Ocala
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 is the biggest holiday race in Ocala?
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 and YMCA of Central Florida. 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.