2020 Guide to Running Dates in Central Florida

Article originally published in July 2016 | Updated by Nancy DeVault in March 2025

Relationships are kind of like running. Hear me out… Just like running, a healthy relationship requires commitment, consistent effort, the ability to adapt to challenges, pacing, and working through ups and downs to reach a shared goal. And sometimes relationships and running just get your heart racing like never before! Whether you've got your sights on a marathon or just want to get in shape with your sweetie, we've got you covered with Orlando's best running clubs, routes, races and fun runs.

Funny enough… most of Orlando's run clubs are affiliated with local breweries. Why? Well, beer has actually been praised as a decent post-exercise recovery drink!

ORLANDO RUNNING CLUBS

Track Shack

Any list related to running in Orlando must mention Track Shack, a longstanding retail shoe and apparel store that doubles as the epicenter for all things running in Central Florida. On trackshack.com you can view race listings, results and get training programs. Track Shack also lists local running routes and features online training videos. 

Track Shack offers expert-led training programs for runners of all levels. From beginner 5K groups to advanced marathon training, their programs provide structured workouts, coaching and a supportive community. Participants benefit from personalized guidance, group runs and motivation to achieve their goals. Whether preparing for a local race or improving endurance, Track Shack's programs cater to every runner’s needs, making training enjoyable and effective in the heart of Central Florida. 

Track Shack programs are typically intended for race training but do work for ongoing fitness needs. 

Ten10 Running Club

Beer lovers know Ten10 for it's beers but, yes, this brewery has long supported the running community with its popular club. They hold a fun run every Tuesday at 6:30pm. Routes are laid out for a 2-mile and 3-mile option. After this social sweat fest, everyone is invited back to Ten10 Brewing Co. for a cold craft beer.

Orlando Runners Club

The ORC was founded in 1976 by a bunch of local running enthusiasts, including Track Shack owner Jon Hughes. This group's weeklys chedule offers several options to help make runs convenient for all. This includes: 

  • Weekly Monday Run at Mellow Mushroom in Winter Park: This is fitness fun, held at 7pm, has a 3-mile and 5-mile route. Following the run, reward yourself with 20% off pizza pies and happy hour drink prices.
  • 1st Tuesday of the month: Brewsday Tuesday at Roque Pub: This 5K route (3.1 miles) starts from the Curry Ford locale at  7pm
  • Weekly Wednesday Morning–Get Out of Bed Run: Start the day at 6am at Einstein's Bagels in College Park. Trek 3 miles and them maybe refuel with breakfast.
  • Weekly Wednesday Evening Run at Cady Way Pool: At 7pm, runners of all abilities can try out a 3 mile route. This is a great option for new group members.
  • Third Thursday–Sanford Brewing Company (Maitland location): Also at 7pm for 3 miles, run with ORC. Members then get their first beer free.
  • Weekly Sunday — Long Run in Winter Park: Sunday Funday begins at 7am with a beautiful run in Winter Park. There are distances of 6, 7 or 10 miles with paces from 8:00 – 10:00 per mile. 

Hunter's Creek Running Club

This running club is a nonprofit that was founded in 2007 by the residents of Hunters Creek. They hold a variety of short and long runs throughout the week, some in the morning and some in the evening. 

Early birds may opt for the 5am run on Tuesday mornings. There is also a 6pm run on Wednesdays, plus Saturdays at 6:15am and Sundays at 7am.

O-Town Blazers

For those who prefer nature trails versus pavement, O-Town Blazers is the group for you. These runners meet up each Saturday at 7am at a different trail in Greater Orlando. Literally… it's all about getting off the beaten path and getting those miles in. 

Grit Running Orlando 

Adrenaline seekers can take part in three weekly runs and workouts with the Grit Running Club. This includes a Saturday morning run at Orlando Urban Trail, Monday evening at Great Southern Box Company Food Hall (OBT) and Wednesday evening at Blue Jacket Park. 

Winter Garden Runners

Lined with an array of eateries and boutiques, Downtown Winter Garden has become a popular destination for date night. And for couples who like to break a sweat together, Winter Garden is also a hot spot for running. 

Check out this group on Historic Plant Street on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:15am and Saturdays at 6am. No doubt, the West Orange Trail is such an enjoyable route. Winter Garden Runners also host a 6am run in HorizonWest. 

Crooked Can Brewing Co. Run Club

The latest brewery-affiliated run club is Crooked Can Brewing Company Run Club in Winter Garden. Unlike the morning workouts of Winter Garden Runners Club, this group will follow the model of other brewery clubs–with an evening run following by beverage discounts. Expect runs to go for about 45 minutes on Wednesday evenings starting at 6:45pm.

OTHER ORLANDO RUN CLUBS

2017 Guide to Running Dates for Every Couple

ORLANDO'S BEST PLACES TO RUN

Cross Seminole Trail
The running route begins near the intersection of Aloma and Howell Branch and heads north for 23 miles. The route connects Cady Way Trail to Seminole Wekiva Trail. This trail takes you through a variety of parks, including Soldier Tree Park which runs adjacent to the Spring Hammock Preserve. A common trail for Northeast Orlandoans, it provides relief and exercise in an area that is traffic heavy. You can also check out the Seminole Wekiva Trail, located in Longwood/Lake Mary.

Blue Jacket Park
Located adjacent Baldwin Lake, Blue Jacket Park is home to many outdoor activities, including running. One loop around the entire perimeter of the park equals one mile. The beauty of this trail is that once you’re done walking, running or jogging, you can walk around Lake Baldwin to cool off or head to Baldwin Park for a bite to eat.

West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail is 22 miles of scenic beauty, allowing locals and visitors alike a gaze into the Central Florida community of the past. The route guides you through the old Orange Belt Railway. It starts at the Killarney Station, a modernized old-time train depot and runs through Downton Winter Garden and eventually ends on East Welch Road just outside of Apopka. It's a very popular bike trail but is used just as much for running.

Barber Park
Located right off Gatlin Avenue just north of the Orlando International Airport, Barber Park is a very community-oriented location that has plenty of room to run. A bonus is this park has a great dog park and is dog friendly, so you can even bring your pooch to be your running buddy here. This park also has an indoor roller hockey rink, a skate park, three soccer field, basketball courts, a place for fishing and a playground, so there are lots of other fun outdoor activities to engage in.

Orlando Urban Trail
While Lake Eola is a great place to go running, it can get a bit crowded at times. The Orlando Urban Trail is a bit out of the way but still allows you to run with the Downtown Orlando skyline in view. The trail is three miles long and runs from Lake Highland, through Loch Haven Park and ends near Mead Garden in Winter Park. The path also provides connection routes to six lakes, Orlando Cultural Park and the Gaston Edwards Trail. Used typically for bicycle commuters as a way to travel from close-by neighborhoods to downtown, this trail is also great for runners of all levels because it is mostly an off-street pathway.

Cross Seminole Trail segment 2 048

ORLANDO'S BEST RACES FOR COUPLES

 For a comprehensive list of upcoming races, visit RunningInTheUSA.com or FindARace.com. Here are a list of upcoming races:

  • January: Chasing the Dream 5K – MLK Day Celebration
  • February: Cupid's Undie Run – Orlando
  • March: Best Damn Race
  • April: Paws for Peace Walk & Run
  • May: Corporate 5K
  • June: Race Into Summer 5K
  • July: Run, White, and Blue 5K
  • August: Celebration of Running 5K
  • September: SeaWorld's Howl-O-Sprint 5K
  • October: U Can Finish 5 Mile
  • November: Stuff Your Face Race
  • December: Jingle Bell Run