Upcoming Florida Road Races

Start with the weather. Florida racing runs on the calendar more than the course. From October to April the mornings are cool enough to race hard, which is why the big marathons and half marathons sit in those months. From May to September, pick a 5K or 10K with an early start and plan for heat and humidity.

Expect flat and fast. Most Florida road courses are flat, so they are good places to chase a personal best. Bridges and causeways are usually the only climbs. Wind off the water on beach and bayfront courses matters more than hills.

First race? Pick a local 5K. See the next 5K in Florida near you. There are more of them than any other distance, fields are friendly to walkers, and you can find one almost every weekend. Holiday races like turkey trots and New Year's runs are an easy way in.

Chasing a time? Look at half marathons and marathons from December through February, when race-morning temperatures are at their lowest. To find a close one, sort the half marathons near you by city. Use the pace calculator to set a goal, and check the course maps before race day.

Register early. Entry fees usually go up in steps before race day, and popular races sell out. Get fitted at a Florida running store a few weeks out, not the night before. Planning a Disney weekend? See the runDisney race guide.