Race Calendar 2026

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.

Year-Round Race Calendar 2,000+ Runners Annually Family-Friendly Events

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

Featured Race: Thanksgiving 2026Registration Open

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.

Date & 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

Saturday, November 7, 2026 See race page Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala

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.

5K10KHalf MarathonMarathon

SMHS Family Fun Run/Walk 5K

Saturday, November 14, 2026 8:00 AM South Marion High School, 1350 SW 165th Street, Ocala

South Marion High School's family 5K for runners and walkers of all ages on its campus in southern Marion County. Registration is $25 and stays open until the start.

5K Run/Walk

Landbridge Trail 5K

Saturday, November 14, 2026 8:30 AM Landbridge Trailhead, 11100 SW 16th Ave, Ocala

A trail 5K on the Cross Florida Greenway that crosses the landbridge over I-75, with a rucking division. $40 for the run or ruck through November 13, with a custom finisher medal; packet pickup is race morning only.

5K Run5K Ruck

Run for the Dogs 5K

Saturday, November 14, 2026 9:00 AM Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala

A 5K supporting animal shelters and animal charities; runners and walkers are welcome to bring dogs on a short leash. $35 through Oct. 31, $40 Nov. 1-13 and $45 on race day, with a shirt and finisher medal.

5K Run/WalkVirtual

Gobbler 5K, 10K & Half Marathon

Saturday, November 21, 2026 8:00 AM Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala

A second Gobbler the weekend before Thanksgiving on the paved Baseline Trail. 5K $30, 10K $45, half marathon $65, with a themed finisher medal.

5K10KHalf Marathon

Go and Gobble 5K

Next Up

Thursday, November 26, 2026 8:00 AM Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, Ocala

Run 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.

5K Run/Walk

Pie Gobbler 5K, 10K & Half Marathon

Thursday, November 26, 2026 8:00 AM Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala

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.

5K10KHalf Marathon

Holiday 5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathon

Saturday, December 5, 2026 8:00 AM Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala

Four distances on the paved Baseline Trail with a holiday finisher medal. 5K $30, 10K $45, half marathon $65, marathon $95.

5K10KHalf MarathonMarathon

Sleigh the Day 5K / 10K

Saturday, December 5, 2026 5K 8:00 AM; 10K 8:10 AM Silver Springs State Park, 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs

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.

5K10K (trail)

Ocala Reindeer Run 5K

Saturday, December 12, 2026 Rudolph Dash 4:10 PM; 5K 4:20 PM NDS Global, 512 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala (Downtown)

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, Dec. 11, 11 AM-3 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 120 E Silver Springs Blvd, and race-day pickup opens at 3 PM at NDS Global. Register by December 1 to guarantee your T-shirt.

5KRudolph Dash Kids Fun RunVirtual Race

Holiday 5K, 10K & Half Marathon

Saturday, December 19, 2026 8:00 AM Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala

US Road Running's last Baseline race before Christmas. 5K $30, 10K $45, half marathon $65; ages 1-15 enter for $5.

5K10KHalf Marathon

New Year 5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathon

Saturday, January 2, 2027 8:00 AM Baseline Road Trailhead, 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala

US Road Running opens 2027 with four distances on the paved Baseline Trail. 5K $35, 10K $50, half marathon $70, marathon $95; ages 1-15 enter for $5. No on-site registration.

5K10KHalf MarathonMarathon

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

Local runners come together to celebrate the holidays on foot, from Thanksgiving morning 5Ks to New Year races.

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 fully paved and runs through what Florida State Parks describes as rolling sandhill, suitable for runners of all experience levels. The trailhead provides on-site restrooms near the playground area, free paved parking, and an entrance on SE 58th Avenue (Baseline Road). Packet pickup typically begins 30 minutes before race start time.

The orange-blazed Florida National Scenic Trail runs from Baseline Trailhead southwest toward Santos, 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

Paved, through rolling sandhill

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 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; see our Ocala breakfast guide. For a later meal, the Braised Onion opens for lunch at 11:30 AM (closed Mondays).

Explore More in Ocala

Fourth of July in Ocala

Iggy's 4 on the 4th, fireworks, parades & July 4th events

Learn more

Running Guide

Trails, routes, and running clubs in the Ocala area

Learn more

Events Calendar

All upcoming events in Ocala and Marion County

Learn more

Santos Bike Trails

World-class mountain biking on the Greenway, southwest of Baseline Trailhead

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

What holiday road races are held in Ocala, Florida?

Ocala hosts holiday-themed road races all year. For the 2026 holiday season: Gobbler races at Baseline Trailhead on Nov. 7 and 21; on Thanksgiving (Nov. 26) the Go and Gobble 5K at Florida Horse Park and the Pie Gobbler at Baseline Trailhead; on Dec. 5 the Holiday 5K-to-marathon at Baseline and the Sleigh the Day trail 5K/10K at Silver Springs State Park; the Ocala Reindeer Run downtown on Dec. 12; another Holiday race at Baseline on Dec. 19; and a New Year race at Baseline on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2027. Earlier in November, the SMHS Family Fun Run/Walk, Landbridge Trail 5K and Run for the Dogs 5K all run on Nov. 14. Spring and summer races include the Luck of the Leprechaun 5K, Mother's Day 5K, Iggy's 4 on the Fourth and the Labor Day 5K.

Where is the Luck of the Leprechaun 5K in Ocala?

The Luck of the Leprechaun 5K takes place at Baseline Road Trailhead, located at 4255 SE 58th Ave, Ocala, FL 34472. The course is a paved out-and-back route through the scenic trailhead area. The race also includes an Irish Eyes are Mile-ing 1 Mile Fun Run and a kids race.

How do I register for Ocala road races?

Most Ocala holiday road races require advance online registration through RunSignUp.com. There is typically no on-site registration available for races at Baseline Trailhead Park.

What Thanksgiving races are in Ocala in 2026?

On Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, the Go and Gobble 5K runs at Florida Horse Park, 11008 S Hwy 475, at 8:00 AM, and US Road Running's Pie Gobbler 5K, 10K and Half Marathon starts at 8:00 AM at the Baseline Road Trailhead. US Road Running also holds Gobbler races at Baseline on Nov. 7 and Nov. 21.

Are Ocala holiday road races family-friendly?

Absolutely. Most Ocala holiday races welcome runners of all ages and ability levels. The Luck of the Leprechaun 5K includes a kids race for just 10 dollars. Many races offer both competitive and fun run/walk divisions so the whole family can participate.

What is the course like at Baseline Trailhead Park in Ocala?

Baseline Road Trailhead at 4255 SE 58th Ave in Ocala features a paved out-and-back course that passes through scenic natural areas. The trailhead has bathrooms located near the playground, and the course runs through rolling sandhill, suitable for beginners and experienced runners alike. Multiple holiday-themed races are held here throughout the year.

Is there a July 4th race in Ocala?

Yes, Ocala has two great July 4th races. Iggy's 4 on the Fourth Freedom Run is a beloved four-mile race starting and ending at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Ocala at 7:30 AM, honoring Greg Iggy Miller and raising awareness for Marion County Veterans Park. The Eagle 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon is held at Baseline Trailhead Park starting at 8 AM. Both events include awards, finisher medals, and festive post-race celebrations.

Are there any Christmas-themed races near Ocala?

Yes, several Christmas-themed races take place in and around Ocala each December. The Ocala Reindeer Run 5K, presented by the Gaekwad Family, takes runners through festive downtown Ocala on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 12. US Road Running holds Holiday races at Baseline Trailhead on Dec. 5 (5K to marathon) and Dec. 19 (5K to half marathon), and Radical Runs' Sleigh the Day 5K/10K trail race is at Silver Springs State Park on Dec. 5. The TLC Jingle Jog 5K takes place in nearby Belleview right before the Belleview Christmas Parade.

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 October 21, 2026. View our editorial guidelines.