Leading Edge Take Heart 10K/5K
calendar_today September 12, 2026
location_on Lakeland, Central Florida
Central Florida
Running in Lakeland, FL
Your local guide to races, running stores, and the Lakeland running community.
9
Upcoming Races
1
Running Store
Running in Lakeland at a Glance
wb_sunny Best Running Months
Oct – Apr
Cooler temperatures, lower humidity
thermostat Typical Weather
55–92°F
Year-round running climate
terrain Terrain
Flat
Road, trail, and beach routes
directions_run Popular Distances
5K & 10K
Most popular race distances
Fastest Lakeland Runners, 2026 Cross Country
Season bests from 11 Lakeland schools, pulled from the Florida XC database.
directions_run High School
Boys · 5k Full list
| 1 | Ryder Dempsey '29 | 16:30.3 |
| 2 | Aidan Alam '29 McKeel· 2A | 16:46.8 |
| 3 | Cal Howard '28 McKeel· 2A | 16:56.5 |
| 4 | Benjamin Harris '28 George Jenkins· 4A | 17:05.9 |
| 5 | Benaiah Lawton '28 | 17:07.6 |
directions_run Middle School
Boys · 3k Full list
| 1 | Sawyer Dempsey '31 | 11:39.3 |
| 2 | Lincoln Austin '31 | 13:07.5 |
| 3 | Grayson Tassos | 13:14.0 |
| 4 | Carter Gosey | 13:17.5 |
| 5 | AJ Farley '32 | 14:05.4 |
Times are as run, on the course each athlete raced, so they are not course-adjusted. Regular season and postseason meets in the database only. Missing a school? Let us know.
Latest Lakeland Running News
All news →
Cross Country · September 1, 2026
Middle Schoolers Racing Varsity: Florida's Top 5 in Every Grade, Boys and Girls
An eighth grader finished second at the Kowboy behind the defending 2A state champion. A seventh grader won a varsity race outright in Cape Coral. Two sixth graders ended August one second apart without ever meeting. The top five middle schoolers in every grade, boys and girls, racing Florida high school cross country.
Cross Country · August 31, 2026
Week 2 Middle School Top 10s: Florida FLYRA Cross Country Rankings
Alice Ilea won again, this time at Indian River, and she was the only ranked runner in Florida middle school who raced at all. The boys top 10 did not move a spot. FLYRA week 2 rankings, boys and girls.
Cross Country · August 29, 2026
Week 1 Middle School Top 10s: Florida FLYRA Cross Country Rankings
A seventh grade girl ran faster than every boy at Cecil Field, and her club scored 51 points against the whole state. FLYRA middle school top 10s — boys, girls, and teams — after opening week.
Upcoming Races in Lakeland
See all events →directions_run
RCE Foundation's Spooktacular 5K
calendar_today October 31, 2026
location_on Lakeland, Central Florida
50th Lake to Lake 10k | Lakeland, FL
calendar_today November 7, 2026
location_on Lakeland, Central Florida
Miles for Impact GHI Virtual 5k
calendar_today November 7, 2026
location_on Lakeland, Central Florida
White Elephant 5K/10K - Lakeland
calendar_today November 29, 2026
location_on Lakeland, Central Florida
Running Stores in Lakeland
All Florida stores →Latest Running Articles
All articles →
Cross Country
Horse Park Recap: Mantecon Opens With the Win, Gaona-Zelaya Beats Hallick and Tomasic, and Destremps Goes Under Ten
11 min read
Local Guides
In Ocala for a Race? Make a Day of It
7 min read
Cross Country
Estero 3D Invitational, Run Through the Race Simulator: Fort Myers by 41, Aubrey Rogers by 29, and Both Individual Titles Flip With the Toggle
10 min read
Frequently Asked Questions About Running in Lakeland
What running races are in Lakeland, Florida? expand_more
Lakeland currently has 9 upcoming running races. The next race is Leading Edge Take Heart 10K/5K on September 12, 2026. Browse the events listed above for registration links and full race details.
Where can I buy running shoes in Lakeland? expand_more
Lakeland has 1 specialty running store: Fleet Feet Lakeland. Services available include gait analysis, shoe fitting, apparel, accessories, group runs. See the stores section above for hours, locations, and contact info.
Are there running clubs or coaches in Lakeland? expand_more
Lakeland has an active running community. Check our full directory for local running clubs, coaches, and fitness groups near Lakeland.
What distances can I race in Lakeland? expand_more
Lakeland typically hosts races across popular distances like 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon. Check the events section above for current availability.
What is the best time of year to run in Lakeland, Florida? expand_more
The best running season in Lakeland is October through April, when temperatures average 55–75°F with lower humidity. Summer months (June–September) are hot and humid, so runners should plan for early morning or evening runs and stay hydrated. Lakeland currently has 9 races scheduled — most Florida races are concentrated in the cooler months.
Running in Lakeland, Florida
Lakeland is home to an active running community with 9 upcoming races this season. Whether you're training for your first 5K or chasing a marathon PR, Lakeland has the roads, trails, and community to support your goals.
Find your perfect pair at one of 1 running store in Lakeland. Local specialty running stores offer professional shoe fitting, gait analysis, and expert advice to help you train smarter and race faster.
Browse all upcoming races in Lakeland above, or view the full event calendar with filters for distance, surface, and race date. Running a race in Lakeland? Submit your event to get listed for free.